Audrey Houlihan appointed as CEO of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has appointed Audrey Houlihan as Chief Executive Officer who will take up the new role on 26 June 2023.

Welcoming the new CEO, President Mary Horgan said: “I am delighted to welcome Audrey as the new CEO of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI). Audrey has a strong track record in healthcare and will bring great expertise to RCPI. Through her leadership as CEO, she will support the growth of the college and its commitment to our Staff, Trainees, Members, Fellows and Learners. We are all looking forward to working with her.”

Incoming CEO Audrey Houlihan said: “I am very privileged to have been selected by RCPI to be the CEO of such a vital organisation and look forward to leading the team as I take up this new role.”   

Audrey, who is the first female CEO to be appointed to this role at the college, joins RCPI from Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services (OLHCS) where she is CEO. Audrey holds over 20 years’ experience in executive and senior leadership role within the not-for-profit sector.

In her role as Chief Executive of OLHCS, Audrey provides strategic leadership including clinical and corporate governance responsibilities across three hospice sites providing specialist services to people with a wide range of needs from rehabilitation to end-of-life care. Audrey has led a transformational change programme and achieved significant growth in the organisation.

During her tenure, she was appointed to several national committees and Director roles that provide advisory services related to policy, strategy and service development matters.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is Ireland’s largest postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.