Folens Group is one of Ireland's leading educational publishing and learning companies, trusted by primary and post-primary schools nationwide. With a strong heritage in curriculum-aligned textbooks, the Group has evolved into a broader education business, offering digital learning tools, teacher resources, and literacy programmes.
In recent years, Folens has strategically expanded its footprint in the education sector through the development of Hibernia Colleges Group, which includes Hibernia College, IICP College, and This expansion reflects the Group's ambition to become a leading provider of flexible, professionally accredited, and career-focused higher education programmes across teaching, psychology, accountancy, and healthcare.
With the imminent retirement of the current Chairperson, Folens Group now seeks to appoint a part-time
Chairperson
to guide the business into its next phase of growth, working closely with the Board and senior leadership.
This is a rare opportunity to influence the strategy of a market leader in the education sector, driving growth both organically and through acquisitions, while shaping the long-term future of a business with ambitious expansion plans.
The Role
Reporting to the Board, the Chairperson will:
* Provide strategic leadership and governance across the Group's divisions.
* Guide the executive team in driving growth, transformation, and performance.
* Support value creation through organic expansion, acquisitions, and consolidation opportunities in a rapidly evolving education market.
* Represent shareholder interests, ensuring governance integrity and sustainable growth.
* Oversee investment and portfolio management, including M&A activities.
* Provide leadership during periods of change, challenge, or crisis.
The role is part-time, Dublin-based, and highly visible, offering influence across the Board, Senior Leadership Team, and shareholders.
The Person
We are seeking an exceptional leader with:
* Proven experience in executive leadership, ideally as CEO, Chair, or Managing Director within a multi-entity or group structure.
* Board-level expertise within investment or portfolio businesses, with a focus on long-term value creation.
* Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships, including multi-generational shareholders and boards.
* Demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution at both group and subsidiary level.
* Broad exposure to M&A transactions including sourcing, negotiating, executing, and integrating acquisitions.
* Resilience and credibility in navigating change, underperformance, or crisis situations.
What's on Offer
* A prestigious part-time Chairperson role within a leading Irish heritage brand.
* The opportunity to shape strategy and drive growth in a dynamic, future-focused education sector.
* Competitive remuneration.
To explore this opportunity in confidence, please apply now for a confidential discussion.
Desired Skills and Experience
Chair
Chair Person
Strategy
Excutive
Governance
Shareholder management