John Cronin

Mr Cronin, a former chairperson of the law firm and its managing partner from 2007 to 2015, will serve a four-year term as chair of the national theatre’s board.

He previously served for almost three years as a non-executive director of the Dublin Theatre Festival.

He was also a non-executive director at Kingspan Group for nine years and is a former president and board member of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce. He has a consultancy role with Kildare Village/Value Retail and holds advisory positions with some overseas entities.

In a joint statement, the Abbey Theatre’s artistic director Caitríona McLaughlin and executive director Mark O’Brien said: “We wish to congratulate John Cronin on his appointment as chair of the board of the National Theatre of Ireland and send them a warm Abbey Theatre welcome on behalf of all our colleagues.

“We look forward to working with John and are excited and assured by the wealth of experience he will bring to this organisation and in service to Irish theatre.

“He joins the Abbey Theatre at an exciting time, as we celebrate our 120th year, prepare to launch our new organisational strategy, look ahead to the redevelopment of our historic site and — fundamentally — as we continue to champion Irish theatre in all its forms on the national stage, across the country and around the world.”

Culture minister Catherine Martin said: “I extend my congratulations and gratitude to John for accepting this important position. As chair of the board John will play a crucial role in the governance, oversight, and strategic direction of the Abbey Theatre.

“I am confident that John will contribute his extensive experience and vision to the Abbey Theatre and wish him success in his role over the next four years.”