The Trustees of the Archdiocese of Birmingham are pleased to announce that Eric Kirwan has been appointed as the Archdiocese’s next Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Eric is currently the Chair of Directors at Holy Family Catholic Multi-Academy Company (MAC) in Warwickshire. Prior to taking up this role he was a successful Chief Executive Officer with experience in both the private and charity sectors.

He is a parishioner and church warden at St Francis Catholic Church in Kenilworth and has been active in the parish community for many years.

Eric will join the Archdiocese in early March, following the David Brooks’ retirement from the post. David has held the role since 2018.

Prior to his role at the Holy Family MAC, Eric was CEO at Modulex A/S in Denmark for several years.

Eric also holds the role of Non Executive Director at Snap Vision, UK. A role held since 2012 at an award-winning visual search and AI company.

Eric said:

“I'm very honoured and excited by the opportunity of working in collaboration with the clergy and lay community to further develop the Diocesan Plan. 

“In particular, I'm looking forward to meeting the very many stakeholders across the Archdiocese and to working with them to bring the plan to life in our parishes, schools and communities.”

Archbishop Bernard said:

“I am delighted that Eric Kirwan will be joining the curial staff of the Archdiocese as Chief Operating Officer.  His considerable experience of managing change within a large organisation will be of particular benefit as we unfold the diocesan plan over the next few years. 

“As an active and committed member of a local parish community his professional skills also rest on the foundation of personal faith.  I know that clergy and curial colleagues will make him very welcome at Cathedral House.

“I also wish to thank our outgoing COO David Brooks for his dedicated service of the Archdiocese over the last three years.  He has enabled us to look forward with hope and to develop a plan to support and guide the mission of the Archdiocese over the coming years, while facing the challenges that have been highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic. ”

A Vision for the Archdiocese