[BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT] Behind the Scenes of Ireland Fashion Week: Introducing Board Members Jenny Johnston & Glin Donnelly
Meet the two incredible board members, Jenny Johnston & Glin Donnelly, who contribute strategic marketing excellence and premium brand leadership to our diverse Ireland Fashion Week collaboration.
Hello and welcome to Ireland Fashion Week,
We're excited to share the next chapter of our journey as we spotlight the extraordinary talent driving Ireland Fashion Week forward. Our inaugural event is gaining incredible momentum thanks to the unwavering support of designers, partners, media allies, our esteemed judging panel, board members, and the entire community rallying behind our mission to amplify Irish creativity across international markets. 🌟
Today, we're proud to present two more influential voices joining our board: Jenny Johnston and Glin Donnelly. Jenny's expertise bridges strategic marketing and hands-on fashion entrepreneurship, while Glin brings exceptional brand leadership from both automotive luxury and international entertainment sectors. Together, they strengthen our already impressive advisory board that spans retail innovation, media strategy, production excellence, sustainability leadership, diversity advocacy, entertainment, beauty, technology, and beyond - all working collectively to elevate Ireland Fashion Week to new heights.
⭐ Jenny Johnston: CEO of Azure Communications
Jenny brings a powerful combination of strategic marketing expertise and deep fashion industry insight to the Ireland Fashion Week board. As CEO of Azure Communications, a Dublin-based print and marketing agency, she has built a reputation for creating impactful campaigns and compelling content for Ireland's leading fashion, beauty, and retail brands.
Her entrepreneurial journey includes founding The SUSS Edit, a sustainable fashion brand in 2021, which provided her with invaluable firsthand experience across the fashion business spectrum - from creative direction to supply chain management. This unique perspective as both a marketing strategist and former fashion brand founder allows her to understand the challenges and opportunities facing designers at every stage of their journey.
Previously, Jenny contributed to the Champion Green "shop local" initiative, demonstrating her commitment to supporting Irish businesses and boosting the local economy. Her agency's collaborative approach focuses on solving real challenges and supporting sustainable growth for clients across diverse industries. 📈
What drives you?
"I think honesty, truth and integrity are the non-negotiables in business. Whether we're working with a government agency or an emerging fashion label, our approach is always grounded, thoughtful, and collaborative. We like to partner with teams where we can help them to solve their challenges and support their growth. That means understanding not just the glossy surface, but also the real challenges and ambitions behind a brand. When clients trust us with the full picture, we can craft solutions that make a measurable impact."
What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your career?
"I think once you realise that even the most polished, put together person in the room is winging it and that nobody has it all figured out, business gets easier. I bought my business in 2024 when everybody around me thought it wouldn't be possible. I simply didn't accept ‘No’ as an answer. And honestly, this was a huge lesson. Just don't give up. And keep moving forward. Small wins, every day, compound over time and lead to bigger gains and growth."
What's your first fashion memory?
"Growing up in a house with my mum and three fashion-obsessed older sisters, 'fashion shows' were a regular evening ritual. Anytime someone had a new outfit or a special event, we'd all gather around to admire the look, debate accessories, and celebrate style. It was bonding, creative, and there was so much joy - which sparked a lifelong love of fashion. That passion deepened with early gifts of fashion photography books which I still treasure to this day, and the love for fashion has stayed with me ever since."
What excites you most about Ireland Fashion Week?
"I adore supporting Irish designers, local businesses and promoting the concept of shopping local to boost our economy. Ireland Fashion Week is such an exciting platform to elevate homegrown talent, not only in fashion design but across the entire creative ecosystem; from hairstylists and makeup artists to stylists, photographers, and content creators. The ripple effects on job creation, industry innovation, and community vibrancy will be phenomenal - I'm thrilled to be a part of that."
✨ Glin Donnelly: Brand Manager for DS Automobiles
Glin brings a wealth of experience as a brand, sales, and communications professional with an impressive track record in senior management and board-level positions across the automotive and entertainment sectors. Currently serving as Brand Manager for DS Automobiles Ireland at Gowan Auto, he combines strategic leadership with commercial acumen to drive growth and elevate brand presence in the competitive premium market. His automotive expertise spans work with prestigious brands including Peugeot, Honda, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep, where he mastered retail, wholesale, and sales operations. 🚘
Beyond automotive excellence, Glin's international entertainment experience has taken him around the world, working alongside renowned music artists and contributing behind-the-scenes to major events including the Eurovision Song Contest. His diverse background uniquely positions him to ‘connect people, purpose, and performance’.
What drives you?
“Keep moving forward - let passion and commitment be your engine. They fuel growth, build resilience, and turn every setback into a stepping stone toward success.
That journey isn’t one you take alone. True success is rooted in strong relationships - built on honesty, trust, respect, and the art of compromise. And at the core of every meaningful connection is communication. Listen deeply, speak clearly, and make space for understanding. That’s where real trust begins, and lasting impact follows.
As you grow, remember: ABS - Always Be Selling! Whether it’s yourself, your team, your brand, your purpose, or your values, be your best advocate at every turn. Show up with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
Through it all, stay grounded. Stay grateful. Treat everyone with respect - because paths often cross again, sometimes when you least expect it.
Lead with purpose, connect with heart, communicate with clarity - and when challenges arise, face them boldly and make the call. That’s how progress is made!
Building a brand or organisation is a collective effort, not a solo endeavour!”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
"Trust your gut. Research and data provide valuable guidance, but your intuition often brings the clarity needed to make the right decision. That inner instinct is a powerful edge - learn to trust it."
What’s your first fashion memory?
"Fashion has been part of my life through my family's business, representing premium brands from France, Austria, and Germany in the Irish market. This exposure fuelled my love for fashion and design, sparked my desire to excel in brand management and international business, and taught me the importance of attention to detail.
I was always told, 'It's not always about what you wear, but how you wear it!'"
What excites you most about Ireland Fashion Week?
“Ireland is globally recognised as a nation of creative, ambitious, talented people making an significant impact across a wide range of industries. I'm proud to play a part in supporting Irish talent within the fashion industry - helping to showcase their incredible skills to audiences both at home and internationally. IFW is a fantastic initiative that celebrates homegrown creativity and provides a powerful platform for emerging designers to grow, succeed, and shine on the global stage.”
We're thrilled to have introduced you to these remarkable board members whose diverse backgrounds and shared passion for Irish creativity continue to shape Ireland Fashion Week's vision. Keep an eye out for our upcoming features as we reveal more of our distinguished designers, judging panel and additional advisory board members who are helping make this inaugural event truly special.
Your support means everything as we build this movement together! 🍀
The Ireland Fashion Week Team
