Deirdre Shields has joined the Board of Philanthropy Ireland, bringing over twenty years’ experience in senior finance, commercial and governance roles across the energy, financial services and social finance sectors.

Deirdre has held senior leadership positions with organisations including ESB, SMBC Aviation Capital, Bank of Ireland, RHC Management Limited and KPMG Ireland, with particular expertise in corporate finance, treasury, investor relations, funding strategy, taxation, risk and governance. Her career has included responsibility for major funding transactions, investment appraisal, financial strategy, corporate governance and stakeholder engagement across complex commercial environments.

She also brings significant board experience, having served on the Board of Social Finance Foundation from 2018 to 2025, including as Chair of its Audit and Risk Committee, supporting the organisation’s work to provide loan finance to community organisations, charities and social enterprises across Ireland. She has also served on the Board of Savvi Credit Union, where she chaired both the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the Nominations Committee.

Deirdre’s strong financial, governance and social finance experience will bring valuable insight to Philanthropy Ireland as the organisation continues to support, strengthen and grow the philanthropic sector in Ireland.