A chance encounter brought Deirdre McGrath to Camida almost 30 years ago. Her journey is about to take another turn as she steps into the role of CEO in January.
At the start of the new year, there will be a change at the top in Camida, although anyone expecting a dramatic changing of the guard is going to be disappointed.
Chief Operations Officer Deirdre McGrath will become Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2027, while current CEO and founder David Anchell will move into the position of COO.
In other words, two people who know Camida inside out are swapping seats. So while their job titles may be changing, the chemistry remains the same.
For Deirdre, the move comes as she approaches 30 years with the company. She joined Camida as the sixth employee, becoming Office Manager at a time when working for a growing business meant wearing a lot of hats. Since then, she has played an integral role in the company’s development into the 60-plus-strong team it is today.
Her Camida story began at a crossroads, where a chance encounter with David in the Tipperary village where they both lived prompted an off-the-cuff question from him: “Why aren’t you working for me?”
Almost three decades later, the answer has become quite a story.
This change reflects the strength and capability within the Camida leadership team. While Deirdre brings an exceptional understanding of its people, operations and customers to the CEO role, David’s move to COO ensures his experience, energy and knowledge remain firmly embedded in the business.
Most importantly, the things that define Camida will remain exactly how they are, from the company’s people, culture and relationships, to its commitment to exceeding customer expectations.
Or as David puts it: “There may be different titles on our two office doors come January, but the same people will be behind them, focused on strengthening existing partnerships, building new ones and continuing to move Camida forward with confidence.”
