Issue 131 (Week ending 20/06/2012)

The latest figures based on CRO filings show that 8,565 first time directors were appointed to Irish companies between 1st January and 30th April 2012. Despite this high figure, the total is still the lowest we've seen for this period in the last 5 years.

First Time Director Appointments '08 - '12

1st Jan - 30th April

As you can see, after a major drop off in the number of first time director appointments in 2009, there had been a gradual increase in numbers in 2010 and 2011. However, this year's figure is down 13% on 2011's figure.

Interestingly, during the past five years, the average age of a first time director in Ireland has remained virtually unchanged. Based on our analysis of the almost 48,000 apointments we've found the average age of a first time director to be 41 years old.

Another statistic that has remained fairly constant during the past five years is the breakdown of male and female first time director appointments.

Male directors have accounted for between 60 and 62% of first time appointments during the first four months of the past 5 years.