Fiona Derry

Ms Derry is co-owner and director of legal, compliance and HR at Derry Group Ireland, which operates north and south of the border with a footprint in Armagh, Dublin and Cork.

Through this role, she has developed expert knowledge in the movement of goods across both jurisdictions and east–west trade, working closely with producers, retailers, logistics providers and wider supply chain partners.

Her experience provides a practical insight into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses, including navigating regulatory requirements, maintaining resilient supply chains, and supporting growth across domestic and export markets.

She brings a clear understanding of operating in a complex trading environment and the importance of competitiveness and adaptability and she has shown leadership in bringing the issues of business to government from Stormont and Whitehall to Brussels.

A qualified solicitor, Ms Derry holds degrees from University College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast. Her legal background is said to complement her commercial experience, bringing strong governance, analytical and strategic capability.

Writing on her LinkedIn page last week, Ms Derry said: “It’s with great pride that I announce my appointment to the board of Invest Northern Ireland by [the Department for the Economy] today. 

“I’ve spent my career at the intersection of business, law and operations in the real economy and I am deeply invested in what economic development actually looks like on the ground.

“I look forward to bringing the perspective of someone who has built and run a business here and to contributing to economic development across Northern Ireland and supporting the businesses and people that make this region thrive.”

Northern Ireland’s economy minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said: “Invest NI plays a central role in the delivery of my priorities of more good jobs, improved productivity, decarbonisation, and regional balance.

“I welcome the new members to the Board. Their insight and experience will play an important role in shaping economic development in the north in line with my economic vision.”