A special event organised by the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) aims to dispel the myth that boardrooms are merely for older generations.

Taking place at the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown on Thursday 7th June, the event ‘Age is no Barrier to the Boardroom’ will hear from the Managing Director of Tyrone manufacturing giant CDE Global.

Brendan McGurgan, assumed the role of Managing Director while still in his early thirties and was named Young Director of the Year and Overall Director of the Year at the national IoD Director of the Year Awards in 2016.

The event is being hosted by the IoD NI Young Directors Forum and forms part of a series of events including the Young Directors Conference which will take place this year on 5th October.

Lisa Maltman, Business Development Manager, IoD NI, said:

“There can be a perception that senior company positions should only be occupied by those people over a certain age, but this is not the case.

“The IoD NI Young Directors Forum is made up of business leaders, all of them aged under 43, and includes representation from all sectors spanning private, public and voluntary organisations.

“Despite their age, they are each making huge contributions to the companies in which they lead and to the wider economy.

“We look forward to hearing from Brendan as he shares his story including the ups and downs experienced in his career to date.”

Brendan added:

“Younger directors play a vital role in some of Northern Ireland’s most successful businesses, driving growth and creating new wealth.

“Experience at a senior level is of course very important, but when this is combined with a youthful energy, it can provide a major catalyst to boost the success of any firm.

“I am grateful for the support of the IoD through their various programs and look forward to sharing some of the lessons I have learned along the way with other young directors.”

CDE Global is a leading provider of washing equipment for quarries and mines. It has come a long way since Brendan joined as financial controller in 2003, when it had 20 staff and 85 per cent of revenue came from the Irish market.

Today the company employs almost 500 people throughout the globe and trades in more than 100 countries.

The Young Directors Forum brings together some of Northern Ireland’s brightest young business leaders for a series of events to provide a networking platform and an opportunity to share ideas and hear the success stories of others.

The event, which takes place from 10.30am to 12 noon on 7th June, is free of charge and is open to all IoD members. To book a space, or for further details about the Forum, visit www.iod.com/ni.