IoD NI & Belfast Harbour  Autumn Director Masterclass 2026

John Campbell is the Economics and Business Editor for BBC Northern Ireland. Based in Belfast, John is a highly respected journalist who leads multi-platform coverage on regional economic developments, commercial markets, and trade logistics.

Over his distinguished career, he has transitioned from senior news production roles to guiding public understanding of complex fiscal policies and local business trends.

Director, Connect Belfast

Gráinne is one of the most experienced public affairs practitioners on the island of Ireland, with more than two decades advising organisations at the highest levels of politics and policy.

A native of Dublin, she leads Connect’s Belfast office and is part of the Connect Group leadership team. Gráinne is a trusted adviser to senior leaders, recognised for her judgement on political strategy, issues management and crisis communications.

She has worked with every political party and across all government departments over the lifetime of devolution, and has extensive experience of engagement at Westminster, the Dáil and in local government.

Mike joined Belfast Harbour in 2021 as People and Digital Transformation Director, where he leads People, IT, Innovation, HSE and corporate strategy. A remit that puts him at the intersection of culture, capability and change.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, Mike brings a rare blend of legal, strategic and people-focused expertise to the boardroom.

Before his current role, Mike held senior positions at Dale Farm, Glen Dimplex and Schrader Electronics, giving him deep international experience across manufacturing, FMCG and technology sectors.
Beyond his executive role, Mike is a committed advocate for community and civic life. He was appointed to the Board of Praxis Care in October 2020 and now serves as Vice Chair, is Chair of MACS NI, and sits on the NI Council of the CBI.

Newton Emerson is a columnist for the Irish News, Irish Times and Sunday Times. He previously worked for business publications in Hong Kong and Northern Ireland, covering engineering, manufacturing, retail and IT.

He now writes regularly about Northern Ireland’s economy, with a focus on devolved policy and issues in the public sector.

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most seasoned and respected statesmen, Simon Coveney has held a number of senior ministerial roles within the Irish government, including serving as Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. A member of the Fine Gael party, Coveney has played a pivotal role in shaping Ireland’s domestic and international policies over the past two decades. As Minister for Foreign Affairs during one of the most turbulent periods in recent European history, he was a key figure in Ireland’s response to Brexit, helping to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement and maintain peace and stability on the island of Ireland. His diplomatic skill and deep understanding of European affairs were instrumental in securing Ireland’s position and interests during the complex Brexit negotiation. As Minister for Agriculture, he successfully negotiated a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy during the Irish EU Presidency in 2013.

Coveney chaired the United Nations Security Council during Ireland’s rotating presidency, where he championed multilateralism, peacebuilding, and humanitarian efforts in conflict zones around the world. He has been a vocal advocate for international law, human rights, and sustainable development, and has consistently positioned Ireland as a constructive and principled actor on the global stage. Under his leadership, Ireland strengthened its strategic engagement with the European Union, deepened its transatlantic relationships, and expanded its diplomatic presence worldwide. His work has left a lasting impact on Irish foreign policy and has helped to elevate the country’s international profile during a period of significant global change and uncertainty.

Tessa is an internationally experienced leadership consultant, non-executive director, and executive coach who has founded an independent leadership consulting practice.​

Most recently she served on the Board and as Managing Director (North America) of YSC, a global, leadership strategy consultancy, advising Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 CEOs and C-suite leaders on their leadership strategy, talent development, and CEO succession. At YSC she was accountable for the commercial development and leadership of one of the fastest growing markets. She led key client relationships and directed innovative approaches to CEO-succession, C-suite assessment, executive coaching and team development.
Before YSC Tessa led the talent agendas for a global facilities management organisation, and an airport management business.

Tessa holds a BSc Psychology, First Class Honours, and a Masters in Occupational Psychology, both from Queen’s University, Belfast. She is a Chartered Psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. She is a practitioner with the Health Promotions Council (UK) and an ICF Accredited Coach. She is Vice Chair of the Queen’s University, Belfast Foundation and serves as a Non-Executive for the Mount Charles Group and as a Board member for the City of Derry International Choral Festival, SistersIN, and Catalyst.​