NEW AUTHORITY MEMBERS TAKE UP POSITIONS
The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) is pleased to announce that two new Authority members appointed by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment have today taken up their positions.
In addition to having collective responsibility for the CEA’s governance in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014 (2014 Act), Mr. Seán Cotter will have responsibility for the CEA’s Insolvency Supervision, Civil Enforcement & Advocacy Division.
In addition to having collective responsibility for the CEA’s governance in accordance with the provisions of the 2014 Act, Ms. Gráinne Mannion will have responsibility for the CEA’s Criminal Investigation & Digital Analytics Division.
In addition to having collective responsibility for the CEA’s governance in accordance with the provisions of the 2014 Act and the statutory responsibilities conferred upon the Authority’s Chairperson by section 944G(5), Mr. Ian Drennan will have responsibility for the CEA’s People, Governance & Corporate Supports Division.
Marking the new Members’ commencement in their roles, Mr. Drennan, said:
“As the CEA continues to grow in scale and public profile, the expansion of its governing body marks the next step in the organisation’s ongoing evolution. It is fitting that this expansion should come in the year in which we will mark the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001. Recognising the importance of company law in facilitating enterprise and job creation, that Act introduced significant reform aimed at protecting the public against dishonest, irresponsible, and unlawful director conduct.
The Authority’s expansion will facilitate a greater degree of Member-led involvement in driving the CEA’s strategy and in delivering impact and added value to our stakeholders. Seán and Gráinne bring a wealth of experience and, on behalf of all at the CEA, I congratulate them on their appointment and extend a warm welcome to them.”
Mr. Cotter said:
“I am privileged to join the CEA. As a Member of the Authority, I look forward to helping to advance the vitally important work done by the CEA in promoting high levels of public trust in the corporate environment, supporting the majority of directors and officers who are diligent in meeting their obligations, and challenging those who are not. I look forward to engaging with colleagues and stakeholders alike in driving the CEA's strategy and its growth, and to supporting a healthy and trusted Irish corporate ecosystem.”
Ms. Mannion said:
“The CEA’s 2025 Annual Report, published earlier this month, is testament to the drive and quality of the people within the CEA. It is a privilege to join this team of dedicated people. Echoing the comments of Ministers Burke and Smyth, the CEA plays a vital role in maintaining trust in Ireland’s corporate environment.
Looking ahead, the CEA’s strategy for the next three years is clear - to increase our impact and add further value through the effective discharge of our functions. I am very much looking forward to taking up the role and working with Ian, Seán, and the entire CEA team in delivering on our public service mandate of promoting a safe and fair environment for businesses to operate.”
ENDS/
CORPORATE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
27 JULY 2026
NOTE FOR EDITORS
The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) is Ireland’s company law enforcement agency. The CEA’s functions, as conferred by the Companies Act 2014 (2014 Act), include to:
- encourage compliance with the 2014 Act,
- investigate instances of suspected breaches of the provisions of the 2014 Act,
- take appropriate enforcement action in response to identified breaches of the 2014 Act,
- supervise the activities of liquidators of insolvent companies,
- operate a regime of restriction and disqualification undertakings in respect of the directors of insolvent companies.
The CEA discharges its mandate to promote compliance with the 2014 Act through a range of activities, including developing and publishing accessible guidance materials and through its outreach activities. The CEA’s enforcement remit is both civil and criminal in nature and, in discharging that mandate, the CEA has at its disposal an extensive suite of statutory powers.
New Authority Members’ biographies
Seán Cotter
Mr. Cotter is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Banker, a qualified insolvency practitioner, and a member of a number of insolvency and financial services professional bodies both in Ireland and internationally. He has held senior roles within Ulster Bank and KPMG's Turnaround and Restructuring Unit, where he has been involved in managing a number of high-profile financial services insolvency cases. Mr. Cotter brings significant practical and technical expertise in corporate, insolvency and financial services matters, as well as experience in complex and challenging litigation gained through his career in Ireland and abroad.
Gráinne Mannion
Ms. Mannion is a solicitor and experienced C‑suite executive with strong expertise in risk, compliance, and internal audit, as well as deep regulatory knowledge within financial services. Ms. Mannion has held senior leadership roles across large, international organisations, including BCMGlobal, AIB and Danske Bank, leading multidisciplinary teams. She also supports professional development in legal, risk, and compliance through contributions to academic and professional programmes.