Deirdre Watters

A senior marketing and communications leader with a proven track record of delivering high-impact campaigns in government, higher education, and the private sector. Skilled in strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communications, Deirdre thrive’s on shaping narratives that drive real-world change.

Currently Head of Communications at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Deirdre has previously held senior roles at the Department of Health, Maynooth University, Heineken, and Unilever.

Her leadership in the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) communications response to COVID-19 was recognised with the Civil Service Excellence Award for Citizen Impact and the Grand Prix at the Marketing Society Research Excellence Awards, among others.

Passionate about impactful storytelling, influencing policy through clear and compelling messaging, and fostering collaboration across diverse sectors.