Health and Safety Authority announces appointment of Mark Cullen as new CEO

Tuesday 21st October 2025

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has today, 21st October, announced the appointment of Mark Cullen as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mr. Cullen, who has been serving as Interim CEO since earlier this year, is formally assuming the role following his appointment by the Board of the HSA after an open and competitive recruitment process.

Over the course of his 25 year career with the HSA, Mr. Cullen has held a wide range of leadership and operational roles, developing a deep knowledge of workplace health and safety issues as well as the Authority’s wider regulatory responsibilities in chemicals, product safety and national accreditation. A qualified civil engineer, Mr. Cullen previously worked in the private sector as an engineer in the UK construction industry.

Welcoming the appointment, Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said:

"I wish to congratulate Mark Cullen on his appointment as CEO of the Health and Safety Authority. Mark’s appointment will ensure that the Authority will continue to deliver on its responsibilities which are vital not only for worker safety and health, but also for business confidence, consumer protection and maintaining high standards across our economy. I look forward to working with Mark as the HSA builds on its achievements and addresses the challenges of an evolving world of work and new technologies."

Announcing the appointment, Patricia Byron, Chairperson of the HSA, said:

"On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Mark Cullen as Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority. Mark brings extensive experience, proven leadership and a deep understanding of the organisation’s diverse mandate. Mark’s knowledge and vision will be key to ensuring that the HSA continues to deliver effectively across its wide remit in protecting people, enabling enterprise and, through effective accreditation, strengthening Ireland’s international reputation for high standards."

Speaking on his appointment, Mark Cullen said:

"I am honoured to accept the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority. Having worked with the organisation for more than 25 years, I have a deep understanding of both the breadth and importance of our remit - from protecting workers’ health and safety to ensuring chemicals and products are used and managed safely, and delivering a national accreditation service that underpins quality and trust. I look forward to working with the Chairperson, the Board, my colleagues across the Authority and our many stakeholders to deliver on our strategic ambitions.”

Mr. Cullen’s appointment marks the next chapter for the Health and Safety Authority, an independent statutory body established under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989. The HSA is responsible for regulating workplace health and safety, promoting best practice, ensuring compliance with occupational safety and health legislation, regulating chemicals and product safety, and providing the national accreditation service through the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB).