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.

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.​

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.​

Tessa is originally from Derry and claims to put positive psychology to work, daily, in parenting three children and being married to a West Ham fan.