Karen Dessain-Gelinet has been named as the new Ard Stiurthóir or CEO of the Camogie Association.
She joins the Association with more than 15 years in the global technology sector, most recently serving as Director, Customer Support at HubSpot.
Her background in scaling teams, leading complex integrations, driving operational excellence, and building high-performing, people-centred cultures positions her strongly to guide the Association through its next strategic chapter.
Alongside her professional achievements, Karen brings more than three decades of lived experience within the Camogie community.
She enjoyed sustained success with her club Kilmessan, winning nine Senior Championship titles in Meath and a Leinster Club Championship.
She also represented her county at underage and adult levels and was part of the Royal County’s 2008 All-Ireland Junior Championship-winning side, which lifted the Nancy Murray Cup. Karen concluded her on-field career with Ratoath, adding a Junior Championship title in 2022 and a Senior League title in 2023.
A recognised leader in organisational change and stakeholder engagement, Karen has spent her career helping teams navigate transformation with clarity and empathy. Her work in integration and operational design has supported organisations through periods of rapid growth.
It is this experience that aligns closely with the evolving needs of the Camogie Association.
Speaking about the appointment, Brian Molloy, Uachtarán an Chumainn Camógaíochta, said: “Táim fíor-shásta fáilte a chur roimh Karen, agus í ceaptha mar Ard Stiúrthóir an Chumainn Camógaíochta.”
“This is an exhilarating time for Camogie, with the sport continuing to grow in profile, participation and ambition. Karen joins us at a moment of tremendous opportunity as we move towards and through the integration process that will shape the future of Gaelic games. Her leadership will be central as we build on recent progress, strengthen our structures, and continue to drive the game forward at every level.”
“Camogie has shaped who I am as a leader, a teammate, and a person, a lifelong passion that has given me friendships, community, and purpose,” added Dessain-Gelinet.
“To now have the opportunity to serve the sport that has given me so much is both humbling and energising. This role is far more than a job for me; it is a lifelong passion meeting professional purpose. My decades of involvement in Camogie, combined with my global management experience, position me to help drive the organisation forward at a truly exciting moment for our sport. I am genuinely thrilled for the opportunity to contribute to its growth and future.”
She will take up the role in early February.
Image Credit: Camogie Association
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