New Managing Director Appointed at Ireland West Airport Knock

Ireland West Airport Knock is delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Gilmore as Managing Director of Ireland's fourth largest international airport.

Joe joins Ireland West Knock with over 20 years experience in senior management positions held in both semi-state and multinational companies, including Enterprise Ireland, Volex Europe Ltd and most recently Greenstar Ltd, part of the NTR Group.

As Managing Director, Joe has responsibility for the ongoing development of Ireland West Airport Knock; this challenging role will involve attracting new routes and business, involvement in the development of improved infrastructure for the region and building upon the Airport's enormous potential to be the gateway to the West of Ireland. 

Speaking of his appointment Joe said, "I am delighted to be appointed to the position of Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock. I am looking forward to taking up the challenge of building on all the positive work and progress that the current Board and management team of Ireland West Airport has achieved over the past few years. I hope to take the business forward to the next phase of development and in doing so, positioning Ireland West Airport as the "airport of choice" for both business and leisure travellers across the West and North West regions. In addition to this, a key focus will also be to further develop the Eco Business Park strategy around the current Airport infrastructure, as an engine for economic growth for the broader region."

Prior to joining Ireland West Airport Knock, Joe worked as a Business Development Consultant for Greenstar Ltd in Dublin. He previously held the position of Managing Director for Volex Europe, Volex India and Volex Brazil (Vlx) with responsibility for over 2,000 employees and worked with the company for over 11 years. In this role he achieved improvements in cost and profitability, despite volatile trading conditions, by successfully implementing various restructuring programmes, consolidating facilities, integrating new businesses and reducing their overall costs to improve the bottom line performance and turning the business into a growth platform.

Joe has also worked as General Manager for West of Ireland Holidays Ltd, Director of Enterprise Ireland in the Netherlands and Product Applications Manager for GE Panametrics Ltd.
Speaking of Joe's appointment, Liam Scollan, Chairman, Ireland West Airport Knock said: "I wish Joe every success in his role as Managing Director and on behalf of the Board we look forward to working closely with Joe over the coming years. We believe there is scope for even more expansion in terms of routes, commercial activities, attracting investment in jobs around the airport and making the airport an even stronger catalyst for the success of the region. Joe has massive international business experience as well as a love and loyalty for the West of Ireland. These qualities will be invaluable in taking Ireland West Airport to the next level."

Originally from the West of Ireland and living in Claremorris with his wife and four boys, Joe has a broad interest in all sports and is actively involved in supporting local clubs, including the Claremorris GAA Club and the Claremorris soccer club. Having played Gaelic football at various levels for Mayo, Joe has also had successes in winning an All Ireland U21 as well as Connaught Senior medals.

Scollan continued: "I have been very fortunate to have a great team alongside me: our President Joe Kennedy, members of our Board, our management and staff, countless people around the region, public representatives and Government officials who have been part of a huge drive to get Ireland West Airport Knock to where it is today. Joe played with great success for Mayo and I know he will play with equal success for the whole region as a leading full forward for the airport team as we aim to become stronger and more competitive than ever before."