Special Olympics Ireland has today announced the appointment of Karen Coventry as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive and competitive selection process. Coventry will formally assume the role on August 1st, 2025.
Coventry brings more than two decades of experience within Special Olympics Ireland to the position, having first joined the organisation in 2003 as a Sports Administrator supporting Team Ireland at the World Summer Games.
Over the years, she has played a key role in shaping and expanding the organisation’s sports and inclusion programmes. For the past seven years, she has served as Director of Sport, a role in which she has overseen initiatives ranging from grassroots participation to national competitions and athlete leadership development.
Announcing the appointment, Brendan O’Brien, Chair of Special Olympics Ireland, praised Coventry’s “genuine passion for sport, unwavering dedication, and a strong drive for innovation,” citing her leadership across multiple programmes, including Young Athletes, Inclusive Clubs, Health, and Leadership.
“Karen’s deep knowledge of our organisation, combined with her vision, energy, and strategic expertise, will be invaluable in driving Special Olympics Ireland forward,” he said.
“Her appointment marks a new and exciting chapter for the organisation.”
Coventry succeeds Matt English, who has served as CEO since 2008. The Board expressed its deep appreciation for English’s leadership and impact, describing his tenure as one that left a lasting legacy on the Special Olympics movement in Ireland.
English will work closely with Coventry during a transition period throughout August to ensure a smooth handover.
Coventry’s appointment has been welcomed across the Special Olympics community, where she is well known for her longstanding commitment to athletes and her advocacy for inclusion through sport.
Throughout her career, she has championed the power of sport to change lives, focusing on creating more inclusive environments and expanding opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing partnerships and developing programmes that engage athletes of all ages and abilities.
As she prepares to take on the CEO role, Coventry is expected to lead the organisation into its next strategic phase, building on its strong foundation to further its mission of transforming lives through sport.
She will officially begin her tenure on August 1st, with a formal transition period involving outgoing CEO Matt English extending to the end of that month.
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