Leitrim-based insurance leader appointed to major national role
Jane Brady, Managing Director of Brady Insurance, becomes only the fourth woman to lead the Insurance Institute of Ireland
Jane Brady has been appointed President of The Insurance Institute of Ireland for 2026, becoming only the fourth woman in the organisation’s history to hold the prestigious position and the first President from the West of Ireland.
A native of Elphin, Co. Roscommon, and Managing Director of Brady Insurance, Jane has spent more than two decades building one of the leading regional insurance brokerages in Ireland, with offices across Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford and Dublin. Alongside her business leadership, she has long been recognised for her commitment to professional standards, lifelong learning and the development of future talent within the insurance industry.
Jane’s appointment is regarded as a significant milestone, both personally and for the wider profession. Throughout her career she has championed the importance of education, continuous professional development and mentoring within the insurance sector.
Having originally studied Marketing & Communications before entering the insurance industry in 2004, Jane undertook extensive professional qualifications including CIP, QFA and later the prestigious Certified Insurance Director (CID) programme through The Insurance Institute. She credits education and professional development as being central to both her own career progression and the long-term resilience of the industry.
Speaking about her presidency, Jane said that she hopes to encourage greater engagement with education and professional development across the sector, particularly as the industry continues to evolve through technology, regulation and artificial intelligence.
She has also been a strong advocate for nurturing new talent through apprenticeship and mentoring programmes. Brady Insurance was among the early adopters of the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship Programme and has consistently supported young professionals entering the industry through education-led career pathways.
As she takes up office, Jane says she is particularly proud to represent the west of Ireland and hopes her appointment will inspire more women and regional business leaders to pursue leadership roles within the profession.
“I am really proud of the achievement to be National President of the Insurance Institute. My Dad Joe, would really not believe it as back when he was in insurance, it was a different industry. I hope to represent the West proudly, but also help shape our profession to be strong in the face of technological change, keeping consumers at the heart of the services we offer.”
In addition to her role in insurance brokerage, Jane has been involved in two technology InsurTech startups Vistre & Regzact who aim to improve efficiencies and compliance standards within the sector. She believes the future of insurance will increasingly depend on a combination of technological innovation and highly skilled professionals.