The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the appointment of Diane Hooper as Executive Director of the Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP) in the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, effective March 9.

"Newfoundland and Labrador shares a unique historic, cultural and economic relationship with Ireland that has been formalized through the Ireland Business Partnerships," said Premier Williams. "Ms. Hooper�s experience in business and economic development and international trade, along with her knowledge of innovation and advanced technology sectors, will be invaluable as she brings leadership to the initiative."

The Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP) was established between the private sector and the Provincial Government in 1997 with a mandate to identify, foster, and promote trade and partnership opportunities in business, education and culture between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland. In July 2004, Premier Williams re-signed the MOU, reaffirmed the relationship with Ireland, and committed to strengthening the province�s participation in the initiative. The Provincial Government subsequently moved the Ireland Business Partnerships and the Executive Director position to the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, increasing the profile and budget of the initiative. In 2005 an IBP Advisory Board was appointed to provide strategic direction and policy advice to the Partnerships.

The Premier noted that Ms. Hooper is an example of the many public employees who are making significant contributions to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Diane Hooper has been employed with the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development for 10 years. In her most recent position as Director of Innovation, Research and Technology (2005-2009), she promoted the development of advanced technology sectors such as life sciences, aerospace and defence and ocean technology. Previously, as Industry Development Officer (1999-2005) with the department, her work focused primarily on international trade with New England and Ireland. Before joining the Provincial Government, Ms. Hooper worked as business planning consultant with Power Marketing and Communications in Clarke�s Beach, and prior to that as international marketing manager with CORETEC Inc. in St. John�s. Ms. Hooper has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Master of Business Administration from Memorial University.