The Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) has announced the appointment of Laura Wall, MPRII, as its new Chief Executive Officer. The organisation describes this move as an important step forward for both the Institute and the wider communications profession.
Wall, who will officially take up the role in September 2025, is a long-standing PRII member and previously served as Vice President of the PRII National Council. She is recognised across the industry for her forward-looking leadership style and strong track record in brand and consumer PR.
With 16 years of agency experience in both the UK and Ireland, Wall has developed a career delivering campaigns for a wide range of sectors. Most recently, she worked at Thinkhouse as Group Director in its PR and Advocacy division, where she spent over five years leading impactful campaigns for numerous brands.
Her arrival at PRII is seen as a strong fit for the organisation’s mission to advance ethics, creativity, and sustainability within the communications sector.
Joining her in shaping the next stage of PRII’s development is Robert Farrell, who was appointed Head of Training and Development earlier this summer. Farrell brings over ten years of expertise in education, programme design, and professional learning. He has previously collaborated with leading academic bodies and global businesses, gaining particular insight into digital transformation, strategy, and professional skills development. Many PRII members have already encountered him at Institute events and training sessions.
In a statement on her appointment, Wall said, “I am honoured and energised to step into the role of CEO at PRII at such a pivotal time for our profession. I look forward to working with our members, partners, the National Council and executive team to shape the future of communications in Ireland and beyond. At the heart of this will be delivering our five-year VISTA Strategy with real impact. My focus is on getting down to work; delivering for our members, fostering a culture of purpose and professional growth, and ensuring PRII continues to set the standard for our industry. Warm congratulations to Robert on his appointment as Head of Training and Development. Together, with the Council and executive team, we are ready to unlock PRII’s next chapter; championing ethics, creativity, collaboration and impact every step of the way.”
PRII President Paul Hand also welcomed the news, and said, “On behalf of the National Council, I am delighted to welcome Laura Wall as the new CEO of the PRII amid geopolitical and digital change impacting the PR and communications sector. An outstanding PR practitioner with a strong track record of achievement, Laura will bring energy, passion, curiosity and creativity to her new role. In another key appointment, I’m also thrilled to have Robert on board and welcome the experience and expertise he brings to the Institute’s training and development offerings. Building on the PRII’s current strength, we look forward to working with Laura, Robert and the team to deliver for the members we serve, as well as the wider sector.”
The Institute has expressed enthusiasm about the appointments and said the executive team is eager to work with Wall as she leads PRII into its next chapter.
