Women shaping Meath’s industrial future... CEOs of leading companies offer insights and advice
The Meath Women in Biz & Tech Network (WIBT) event on June 10th 2026 in The Station House Hotel will feature senior leaders from two Meath’s best-known companies.
Boliden Tara Mines and Respa Beds have long been cornerstones of County Meath’s manufacturing and industrial landscape. Between them, they employ over 500 people and represent more than 130 years of operation in the county.
In a world where innovation and AI compete with tight margins and in a landscape frequently impacted by global events, Michelle Bennett, General Manager of Boliden Tara Mines and Pamela Stone, CEO of Respa Beds will share their insights, advice and experience in conversations with Elaine Keogh of Solstice Media.
The theme for this quarterly gathering of the WIBT is ‘Leading the Way - The Women Shaping Meath's Industrial Future.’
Topics covered will include how they define and show leadership, what the future holds for their companies, how they encourage growth mindsets and how they deal with unexpected events.
Michelle Bennett has been General Manager of Boliden Tara Mines since last April. It is Europe’s largest zinc mine and is synonymous with Navan and providing cross generational employment in the region. Since mining began in 1977, more than 85 million tonnes of ore have been extracted. It has met many challenges in recent years, but it remains a significant player in zinc and lead worldwide and its foothold in Meath is firm.
Pamela Stone was appointed CEO last November and recently lead the way as Respa launched more than a dozen new hand-crafted mattresses at their showroom in Oldcastle. Established in1947 it has become one of Ireland’s largest and most trusted sleep brands suppling exclusive beds & mattresses to high-end hotels as well as leading home furnishing retailers. Passionate about continuing the quality and legacy of a company integral to the local community, she is ambitious and determined to deliver on the company’s goal to ‘help you sleep better every single night.’
The WIBT Network is a collaboration from County Meath Chamber and Meath Local Enterprise Office and is sponsored by Meta.
Paula McCaul, CEO of Meath Chamber said, “I’m delighted to welcome Michelle and Pamela to our summer celebration of the Meath Women in Biz & Tech Network. Each brings a unique perspective on what it means to lead a major company in Ireland today, and I know our audience will really value hearing their stories and insights. Both ladies care deeply about Meath, have been strong supporters of WIBT, and we’re very grateful to them for sharing their time and experience with us
Aoife Fegan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, LEO Meath said, “the Women in Business and Tech Network in Meath is shining a spotlight on the trailblazing women who are shaping the county’s industrial and innovation landscape. Through collaboration, leadership, and vision, they are not only transforming their sectors but also ensuring Meath remains at the forefront of enterprise and opportunity.”
The aim of the Meath Women in Business & Technology network is to foster and encourage business women to grow in enterprise, entrepreneurship or self-employment and to share their experiences. The initiative seeks to bring business women together, whether they own their own company or play a leading role in one.
Tickets are available by clicking here.