Martin D Lowery, Chartered Engineer
Martin was born in Galway in August 1945 and was educated at St Josephs College, Galway and UCG where he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), First Honours, and a Master of Engineering Science in Hydrology.
In 1989, he joined Coillte as its first Chief Executive when it was established as a commercial state owned company, taking over the assets and staff of the former Forest Service. He led its transformation from a civil service organisation to a successful commercial company involving major changes in its forestry business and the acquisition of two major wood processing industries, SmartPly and Medite.
Prior to Coillte he was employed by IDA Ireland from 1971 to 1989. As Executive Director from 1984 to 1989 he had executive responsibility for a number of areas including the Electronics, Natural Resources and the International Services Division. He was also Chairman of IDA’s International Services Committee during this period. From 1971 to 1983 he was in succession Manager Heavy Industries, Manager Overseas Industries Division (Electronics and Pharmaceuticals) and Manager Planning and Accounts Division.
Martin joined the IDA in 1971 from Aer Lingus where he worked as an operations research analyst. Before that he was a Scientific Officer at the Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford, UK.
Martin was elected Vice President of Engineers Ireland in June 2008, and is President for the 2010-2011 Session.