Employee Ownership Ireland (EOI) is thrilled to announce Karen Maguire as its inaugural Chair. Karen brings a wealth of experience, vision, and passion for employee ownership, making her an invaluable leader for EOI’s mission to promote and support this growing model across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Karen is the founder of Relinea, a market leader in providing innovative solutions for access systems and safety products. In 2022, she led Relinea on a transformative journey, transitioning the company into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This bold move placed the business firmly in the hands of its employees, fostering a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability. The success of this transition underscores Karen’s forward-thinking leadership and her commitment to empowering teams to take ownership of their work and future.
Now, as Chair of EOI, Karen is poised to take her experience to a broader stage. Under her guidance, EOI aims to build a vibrant community of organisations transitioning to or operating under employee ownership models. Her unique perspective as a founder who has successfully navigated the challenges and rewards of employee ownership makes her an inspiring advocate and trusted advisor for businesses considering this path.
Karen’s appointment as Chair comes at an exciting time for EOI, launching in January 2025 and a series of roadshows and events scheduled across Northern Ireland in February. These initiatives aim to raise awareness and provide practical support to businesses exploring employee ownership, highlighting the model’s potential to enhance resilience, drive innovation, and secure lasting legacies.
Speaking about her new role, Karen shared:
“Employee ownership has been transformative for Relinea, creating a sense of shared purpose and unlocking the collective potential of our team. I’m honoured to serve as Chair of EOI and to help more businesses experience the benefits of this model. Together, we can build a thriving community that champions employee ownership as a force for good in our economy and society.”
As EOI embarks on its journey, Karen’s leadership promises to inspire, energise, and unite businesses and stakeholders across the region. Her story is a testament to the power of employee ownership to create meaningful change and secure a brighter future for employees, companies, and communities alike.
