BIM unveils new Chief Executive Officer

BORD Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, has announced the appointment of Caroline Bocquel as its new Chief Executive Officer. Caroline Bocquel has held the role of Interim CEO at BIM since November 2022 and has a proven track record of leadership. Prior to joining BIM in 2021 as Director of Corporate Services, she held senior executive roles at GOAL and the Marine Institute.

“Following a rigorous search process, I am pleased to announce Caroline’s appointment as CEO at BIM,” noted BIM Chair, Aidan Cotter. “Caroline brings significant drive, experience and insight to her new role that will help take the organisation and Ireland’s seafood industry to the next level of sustainable development and secure its future in the face of major change. She is a strong leader with extensive experience and sectoral knowledge, and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”

Caroline takes on this role at a time when BIM is implementing a range of schemes for industry, with a total value of €265 million under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, delivering on the recommendations of the Seafood Taskforce. The aim of these schemes is to develop and restructure the sector, ensuring it is profitable, innovative and sustainable - and to identify opportunities for jobs and enterprises in coastal communities, dependent on the sector.

This year will see the launch of new European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund schemes, with a value of €258 million, further enhancing the sector’s ability to develop. These funds will be allocated for the management of fisheries, aquaculture and fishing fleets, and also cover measures such as scientific advice, controls and checks, market intelligence, maritime surveillance and security.

Commenting on her new role, Caroline Bocquel said, “I am delighted to take on the role of CEO at BIM at this critical time, where the need for innovation and strong leadership has never been more necessary. The Irish seafood industry has shown enormous resilience and ingenuity in the face of challenges, turning them into opportunities in many cases. I am confident we can leverage the industry’s skillsets to deliver BIM’s vision to significantly boost value creation of an Irish sustainable seafood sector, across the supply chain, from catch to consumer. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver on this mission, particularly my colleagues on the senior leadership team, the wider BIM team, and the industry we serve.”