Advertising Standards Authority appoints Claire Butterly and Eimear Cosgrave
Print1 July 2025
The Advertising Standards Authority, the independent advertising self-regulatory body responsible for promoting, regulating and enforcing the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland, has appointed Claire Butterly to the organisation’s Board and Eimear Cosgrave to its Independent Complaints Council.
The Board is responsible for oversight of the Advertising Standards Authority’s business activities and performance, and also contributes towards drawing up and implementing the Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland.
The Complaints Council is a completely independent arm of the Advertising Standards Authority and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body.
The Council is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors.
Both Butterly and Cosgrave will continue in their current professional roles, with Butterly serving on the Board and Cosgrave contributing as a member of the Complaints Council.
Claire Butterly
Butterly was appointed chief operational officer of Omnicon Media Group in 2019, during a period of significant growth for the business.
With extensive experience in the media industry, she began her career as a buyer at OMD Ireland, a leading media and communications agency, and later transitioned into strategic planning and client leadership roles, building a deep understanding of the media landscape.
Throughout her career, Butterly has worked across a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, retail, utilities, banking, travel, FMCG, and entertainment.
In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing product development, resource capacity, and capability enhancement across the group, ensuring operational excellence and innovation at every level.
Butterly has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
Commenting on Butterly’s appointment, Miriam Hughes, chair of the Board, said: “On behalf of myself and the entire Board, I am delighted to welcome Claire [Butterly] to her new role.
“She brings a wealth of experience across the media landscape and invaluable expertise that will be instrumental as we navigate the ever-evolving advertising industry.
“I look forward to working with her as we continue to advance our mission to build and foster trust in advertising for all.”
Eimear Cosgrave
Eimear Cosgrave is the deputy director for Consumer Protection at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
With over a decade of experience in consumer protection and enforcement, Cosgrave has extensive knowledge of advancing consumer rights and ensuring business compliance with consumer law.
Prior to her current role, Cosgrave held a number of key leadership positions at the CCPC, including head of Compliance and Inspections and Head of Strategic Planning and Engagement.
In these roles, she spearheaded the development and publication of industry wide business guidelines designed to promote regulatory compliance and enhance consumer outcomes.
In her current role, Cosgrave is responsible for shaping legislative developments at both domestic and EU levels, she also leads business engagement and educational initiatives that provide practical actionable guidance on consumer protection.
Her dedication to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting responsible business practices continues to drive positive change across sectors.
Cosgrave studied at Waterford Institute of Technology where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Business.
Commenting on Eimear’s appointment to the Independent Complaints Council, Orla Twomey, chief executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Eimear to the Complaints Council.
“Eimear [Cosgrave] has extensive knowledge of consumer protection and enforcement which will be of significant value to the Advertising Standards Authority.
“I am looking forward to working with Eimear as we continue to safeguard consumers from advertising that is harmful, offensive, or misleading and ensuring care and compliance across the advertising industry.”
Additional members of the Board include:
- Miriam Hughes, chair
- Barry Dooley, chief executive, AAI
- Elizabeth Sheehan, consultant specialising in marketing and sustainability strategy
- Kyla O’Kelly, director, Javelin Group
- Kate O’Leary, managing partner, Mindshare
- Suzanne McElligott, chief executive, IAB Ireland
- Antony Whittall, commercial operation, RTÉ
- Clare Mulcahy, head of Consumer Affairs, Irish Aviation Authority
- Ann Marie Lenihan, CEO, Newsbrands Ireland
- Michael O’Keeffe, former chief executive of BAI
Additional members of the Complaints Council include:
- Brian O’Gorman, chair
- Derek Doyle, production director, Boys + Girls
- Amy O’Shaughnessy, head of brand, Energia Group
- Denise Manning, ad clearance, RTE
- Declan McLoughlin, director, Codes & Rules, Coimisiún na Meán
- Fergus O’Toole, commission for the Regulation of Utilities
- Anne Parle-McDermott, professor and principal investigator Molecular Genetics Laboratory, DCU
- Paudie Sugrue, sales director, Mediahuis
- Nuala Ward, director of Investigations, Ombudsman for Children’s Office
- Rachel Williamson, account director, Publicis
- Rob Kinsella, head of Client Solutions, The Irish Times & Examiner Group
Read more: Commissioner Michael McGrath welcomes launch of new CCPC guidelines for traders
© 2025, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
Related Articles
EASA appoints Orla Twomey as chairwoman →
Fans 0
Followers