The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is pleased to welcome Rosemary Steen who assumes her role as Director of the organisation today. Ms Steen joins the RTB from Design and Craft Council Ireland (DCCI) where she served as Chief Executive Officer. 

Speaking on the start of her new role, Ms Steen said: 

“As the regulator of the rental sector in Ireland, the RTB plays a crucial role in Irish society. I look forward to bringing my experience from leading other public and private sector bodies to ensure we deliver a rental sector that works for the people of Ireland, one where rental rights and responsibilities are always respected and upheld.” 

Ms Steen’s appointment has been welcomed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien. In a statement released today, Minister O’Brien said:  

“I congratulate Rosemary and wish her well on her appointment as the new Director of the RTB. I would also like to acknowledge the role of Owen Keegan for his contribution as interim Director.” 

“A well-regulated private rental sector that meets the needs of both tenants and landlords is essential in order to ensure the proper functioning of the housing sector in Ireland. Housing for All is committed to protecting renters while keeping small landlords in the market, and the RTB plays a vital role in ensuring this is achieved.” 

“Rosemary’s appointment comes at an important time for the agency. We have recently completed a review of the private rented sector, while the latest data shows that the number of private tenancies and landlords registered with the RTB continues to rise. This is why extra staffing levels have been allocated to the RTB to enable them to manage their additional workload.” 

“My Department and I look forward to a productive working relationship so that the rental sector operates fairly and effectively for all.” 

Tom Dunne, Chair of the Residential Tenancies Board also welcomed Ms Steen’s appointment. Mr Dunne said:  

“I am delighted to welcome Rosemary Steen to our organisation today. She joins us at a critical time as demand for the RTB’s services is increasing, and as we work to implement a programme of quality improvement and organisational development. Her leadership experience will be vital to drive forward our work to deliver a well-regulated rental sector that meets the needs of landlords and tenants across Ireland. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Owen Keegan for this contribution as interim Director with the RTB since February this year.” 

Ms Steen brings significant public and private sector leadership experience to the RTB. Before joining DCCI, Ms Steen was on the leadership team of EirGrid as an Executive Director. She has had a wide range of business experience including working with global companies such as Vodafone and Shell. She also worked for the employers group IBEC, and in that role served on the National Economic and Social Council. 

She is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Economics and Philosophy and holds a Masters in Business from University College Dublin.