Léargas appoints Emma Grainger as Executive Director

The Board of Léargas is pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Grainger as Executive Director, following a competitive recruitment process. Emma will take up the role for a five-year term, commencing in January 2026.

Emma brings more than 20 years’ experience within Léargas, having held a number of senior leadership roles across the organisation. These include Head of Strategic Initiatives, Head of Strategic Engagement and Communications, and most recently Head of ASPIRE, Léargas’ PEACEPLUS programme. Across these roles, Emma has played a central role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, strengthening national and international partnerships, and advancing Léargas’ work across education, youth, and community sectors.

Throughout her career in Léargas, Emma has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and impact. She is widely recognised for her deep knowledge of the organisation and its programmes, as well as for her ability to lead complex initiatives and deliver strategic change in partnership with stakeholders across Ireland and beyond.

Commenting on the appointment, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said:

“I am delighted to welcome the appointment of Emma Grainger as the new Executive Director of Léargas.

Léargas plays a pivotal role in Irish education as one of my Department’s National Agencies for Erasmus+ and as the National Agency for the European Solidarity Corps. These programmes reach across the school, VET, adult education, youth and community sectors, enabling a broader range of organisations and practitioners to engage in high quality European cooperation.

Emma brings a wealth of experience, interest and knowledge to the role. I am confident under her leadership and commitment, the work of the Léargas will continue to flourish.”

Dr John P Gilmore, Chair of the Board of Léargas said:

“Emma brings a wealth of experience, insight, and energy to the role of Executive Director. Her long-standing commitment to Léargas, combined with her strategic leadership and passion for the sectors we serve, make her exceptionally well placed to lead the organisation into its next phase. The Board is delighted to confirm her appointment.”

Emma succeeds Lorraine Gilligan, who retired as Executive Director in 2025 following a distinguished period of leadership. The Board acknowledged Lorraine’s significant contribution to Léargas and the strong foundations she leaves for the organisation’s future.

Léargas looks forward to working with Emma as Executive Director and to continuing its mission of supporting quality learning, collaboration, and opportunity across its programmes and partnerships.