Media lawyer James Hickey has been named as the new chief executive officer of the Irish Film Board (IFB).
Mr Hickey replaces Simon Perry, who ended his five-year term at the beginning of the year.
Mr Hickey brings a wealth of experience to the role. As head of the media and entertainment law group of Matheson Ormsby Prentice, Ireland’s largest law firm, he has long represented leading actors, writers, directors and production companies.
In a statement, he said he was “deeply honoured” at being given the role. “I hope, in taking up this position, that I will be able to make a contribution to the promotion of the culture of film making and the development of the industry of film production in Ireland in my new position.”
Board chairman James Morris said Mr Hickey will be leading a team of staff at the agency of the highest dedication and professionalism. “His challenge will be to continue to build on the achievements of a growing group of Irish directors, writers, actors and producers while at the same time ensuring, with the support of the industry and Government, that the growth and employment potential of the whole audio visual sector is achieved.”
Graduating as a solicitor in 1977, Mr Hickey worked as Theatre Director of the Project Arts Centre and, in 1979, found time to act as box office manager for the Dublin Theatre Festival.
Throughout the 1980s, he forged a career representing professionals in the music and film industries, before joining Matheson Ormsby Prentice in 1992. His involvement with the Film Board dates back to that period.
Mr Hickey served on the Taoiseach’s committee that recommended reconstituting the organisation in 1993 following its controversial abolition six years earlier.
He became chairman of Matheson Ormsby Prentice in 2004 and served two terms in that position while continuing to practice in media and entertainment law.
In those years, he worked on such significant productions as Once, Kisses, Breakfast on Pluto and In the Name of the Father. More recently, his legal skills have been exercised in the complex negotiations surrounding international TV co-productions such as The Tudors and Camelot.
Mr Hickey, who lives in Dublin, will take up the position on June 1st.
