The Irish Film Board is currently inviting applications for a new Chief Executive Officer who will start with the group next January. The move coincides with the conclusion of the five year term of appointment of current CEO, Simon Perry. Applications for the role will be accepted until Friday, October 8th.
The group has enlisted international consulting firm, Deloitte to aid them in finding a replacement for Simon. The CEO of the Irish Film Board (IFB) reports to the Board and assists and advises the Board in the development of policies in a bid to achieving the objectives of the agency. He or she will be expected to represent and give leadership to the IFB and the broader Irish film industry though the Irish Government, other state agencies and individual members of the public.
A listing for the position states that “candidates will require proven experience and qualifications to ensure the ongoing progress and development of a distinct and creatively led Irish filmmaking sector. Candidates will also be expected to oversee the implementation of policies to develop the broader Film and Television production industry.”It concludes with the guideline that: “The ideal candidate will have strong people management, negotiation and financial management skills.”
Simon Perry took up the position of CEO with the IFB in 2006. In 1982, he set up his own production company, Umbrella Films and in January 1991 he was appointed Chief Executive of British Screen Finance (‘British Screen’), the UK’s national investor in film development and production. He ran the organisation for almost ten years, until September 2000 when it was absorbed by the UK’s new Film Council. Notable British Screen successes during Perry’s time in office included Neil Jordan’s ‘The Crying Game’, Sally Potter’s ‘Orlando’, Mike Leigh’s ‘Naked’, ‘Milcho Manchevskis’ ‘Before The Rain’, Marleen Gorris’ ‘Antonias Line’, Ken Loach’s ‘Land and Freedom’, Peter Howitt’s ‘Sliding Doors’ and Gurinder Chadha’s ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. He is currently president of Ateliers du Cinéma Européen (ACE), which provides advanced training for European producers.
The Board of the Irish Film Board (IFB) has previously announced that it would be seeking to appoint a new CEO to commence at the start of January 2011. This date coincides with the ending of Simon Perry’s five year term of appointment of the existing Chief Executive.
Individuals interested in applying for the role should forward their CVs to Mark O’Donell, Director, Executive Selection, Deloitte, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. For more information call 01 417 2580 or e-mail maodonnell@deloitte.ie. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, October 8th.
