By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Michael Finn, Head of Country in Ireland, Bird & Bird.
New and notable appointments at Bird & Bird, Mazars, Mason Hayes & Curran, Climb Channel Solutions, Bauer Media Audio Ireland, Taylor Wessing, DLA Piper and McCann FitzGerald LLP.
Michael Finn, Head of Country in Ireland
Bird & Bird
International law firm Bird & Bird has appointed Michael Finn as its new Head of Country in Ireland to lead the firm’s ambitious growth plans in the country as part of its new five-year strategy.
Michael took up the role as of the 1 May from partners Roger Bickerstaff and Sally Shorthose, who initially led the Ireland office and have played a huge part in the rapid growth of the team over the past two years.
Michael joined the firm as a partner in 2023 following the opening of Bird & Bird’s Irish office in Summer 2022. Since then, he has been leading some of the firms’ most valuable client relationships on IP litigation, commercial disputes, technology and life sciences matters.
With a growing team of five partners and over 30 people in the Ireland office, a key part of Michael’s new role will be to continue to bolster the firm’s strong offering in Ireland in the areas of data protection, intellectual property, corporate, life sciences and technology and communications, and more with further recruitment.
Working closely with Bird & Bird partners around the global network, Bird & Bird Ireland provides clients with a holistic offering – combining leading local Irish knowledge with the global expertise of the firm’s international team.
Christian Bartsch, CEO, Bird & Bird says: “I’m very pleased to announce Michael’s appointment as the new Head of our Ireland office. It’s been an exciting few years for our Irish team and I’ve no doubt that Michael will continue that trajectory as we continue to guide organisations through a world being shaped by technology, innovation and regulation, and driving the transformation of legal services delivery.”
Michael Finn adds: “I’m excited to take the reins as the new Head of Bird & Bird in Ireland. Ireland is the location of choice for many multinational companies as they seek access to the EU market through a business-friendly, English-speaking, common law jurisdiction and I am confident that our unique offering in the market will continue to help them make the most of that opportunity.”
Johnny Meehan, Head of Sustainability Consulting
Mazars
Mazars, the international audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Johnny Meehan as Head of Sustainability Consulting within its Consulting, Enterprise and Risk Management advisory division.
With over 20 years of experience as a leader for sustainability in industry and within professional services, Johnny brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He has advised clients across a range of diverse sectors, including financial services, utilities, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, med-tech, construction, transport, and not-for-profit organisations. His deep knowledge of sustainability in global value chains is underscored by his senior positions at Kellogg and Cadbury Schweppes.
Johnny’s appointment reflects Mazars’ strong commitment to sustainability and its belief in the importance of technical excellence. His work with clients spans the full spectrum of sustainability and ESG, with a particular focus on developing strategies for sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities, and preparing clients for upcoming EU sustainability directives in Ireland and Europe.
Liam McKenna, Mazars Consulting Partner, commented on the appointment: “We invested considerable time and effort finding an individual with extensive sustainability expertise to lead our team. We are delighted to welcome Johnny, who brings nearly two decades of experience in sustainability, into this role. His expertise spans local and global contexts, encompassing all facets of sustainability, and is complemented by a strong dedication to driving positive change. We look forward to supporting our clients with practical advice as they embed sustainability into their organisations.”
Johnny holds a Bachelor of Business and Law from UCD, as well as a Master of Business in Manufacturing Systems and Supply Chain Management, Smurfit Graduate School of Business, UCD; a Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability, University College Dublin; and a Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership, University of Cambridge. He is also a member of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) network of qualified senior sustainability practitioners.
Angela Freeman, Fiona McNulty, Kim Bowen, Stephen Cowhey, Partners
Mason Hayes & Curran
Pictured (from L-R): Will Carmody, Managing Partner, Mason Hayes & Curran with new partners Fiona McNulty, Angela Freeman, Kim Bowen and Stephen Cowhey
Irish law firm Mason Hayes & Curran has announced the promotion of four new partners, further solidifying its position as a legal leader in Ireland. The appointments underscore the firm’s strategic growth across pivotal sectors including Technology, Energy, Built Environment, Life Sciences and Healthcare, reflecting its steadfast commitment to legal excellence in the Irish market.
Mason Hayes & Curran now employs over 600 staff in Ireland, the UK and the US, dedicated to delivering bespoke, innovative client solutions. These promotions further strengthen the firm’s capacity to advise on emerging legal trends, both domestically and internationally.
Commenting on the appointments, Managing Partner Will Carmody said: “I am delighted to welcome this talented group of lawyers to the partnership. Their dedication, accomplishments, and commitment to excellence align with our ongoing mission to provide exceptional service to our clients. The current legal environment is marked by increasing levels of national and European regulation which present significant challenges for many businesses. Our ongoing investment in the next generation of lawyers means we can continue to support clients in effectively navigating this constantly evolving regulatory landscape.”
David Keating, Country Manager for Ireland
Climb Channel Solutions
Pictured (left to right): David Keating, Country Manager for Ireland, Climb Channel Solutions; and Gerard Brophy, Chief Revenue Officer, Climb Channel Solutions.
Climb Channel Solutions, an international specialty technology distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, Inc., has announced that it has appointed David Keating as Country Manager for Ireland. David will also be continuing in his role as Group Security Sales Director.
David will oversee the company’s operations in Ireland, while continuing to manage its security and networking portfolio. He will also be responsible for bringing technologies from the Climb Channel Solutions portfolio to partners in Ireland via DataSolutions, a Climb Company.
Prior to its acquisition by Climb Channel Solutions in October 2023, David had built up DataSolutions’ security division as Group Sales Director and successfully established it as the distributor of choice for market-leading vendors including Check Point Software and HPE Aruba.
David managed the company′s Irish and UK sales teams across its wide-ranging offering of security and networking technologies. As part of this, he worked with partners to simplify complex technology solutions that they can deliver to their customers.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the IT industry and having joined DataSolutions in 2002, David is well-positioned to drive the business forward and support its wider growth ambitions in both Ireland and across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
In addition to David, Climb Channel Solutions has also welcomed Roberta McCrossan (EMEA Marketing Director), Brian Davis (VP Sales UK and Ireland), Kamel Kerbib (County Manager France), and Patrick Van Arendonk (Sales Director Benelux) to its growing team.
Gerard Brophy, Chief Revenue Officer, Climb Channel Solutions, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome David to our EMEA team. He has been pivotal to not only the long-term success of DataSolutions, a Climb Company, but also the recent acquisition process and the merging of the businesses.
“Success depends on having the right people in place who can drive growth and achieve shared goals together. That’s exactly what David – alongside Roberta, Brian, Kamel and Patrick – can and will do as the group continues to expand, deliver and thrive.”
Chris Doyle, Chief Executive Officer
Bauer Media Audio Ireland
Chris Doyle, CEO, Bauer Media Audio Ireland
Bauer Media Audio, a digital commercial radio broadcaster and audio operator has announced the appointment of Chris Doyle as CEO of Bauer Media Audio Ireland. In this role, Chris will lead Bauer Media Audio’s teams within Ireland.
Chris Joined Bauer Media in 2021 when Bauer acquired Communicorp Group, of which he was COO. Chris was named as interim CEO after Simon Myciunka moved to become CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK.
During his time as interim CEO, Chris’s achievements include leading on the acquisitions of iRadio, Media Central and Beat 102-103, successfully guiding the business to record JNLR listenership figures, and navigating Bauer Media Audio Ireland’s commercial leadership transition.
Chris’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Bauer Media Audio as the business continues on the pathway to its next phase of digital development.
Speaking on the news, Vivian Mohr, President, Bauer Media Audio stated:
“In our time spent working together, I’ve been able to witness Chris’s engaging leadership style, and his ability to inspire teams to produce their best possible work. He brings with him a deep understanding of the business and its broader stakeholders, and is greatly respected for the achievements delivered by Bauer Media Audio Ireland under his stewardship.
I am excited to be able to continue working together as Bauer Media Audio moves to its next stage of development, growing its reach and brand portfolio, and developing market leading commercial offers to the benefit of listeners and partners alike“
Chris Doyle, CEO of Bauer Media Audio Ireland added:
“It is an honour to work with such a creative and innovative team on the best media brands in the country and I am delighted to lead Bauer Media Audio in Ireland. I look forward to the next stage of Bauer’s growth and further developing our incredible connection with audiences and commercial partners at such an exciting time for audio.”
Eoin Martyn, Partner
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of Eoin Martyn, a highly experienced lawyer specialising in pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent litigation, as a partner. Eoin joins the firm’s esteemed Patents and Innovation team. Eoin joins from a leading law firm and begins work at Taylor Wessing with immediate effect.
Eoin’s appointment significantly bolsters the capabilities of Taylor Wessing in Ireland and internationally, following on from the recent expansion that saw the addition of Trish McCarvill in Tax, Ryan Ferry in Disputes and Investigations, as well as Libby Garvey in Banking and Finance, and Órlaith Molloy in Real Estate in 2023. Eoin is admitted to practise as a solicitor in Ireland, England and Wales and Queensland, Australia.
Eoin brings a stellar track record, and his career highlights include leading cross-border patent litigation for blue-chip pharmaceutical products and managing multi-jurisdictional IP litigation across Europe, with his expertise extending to life cycle management of medicinal products, regulatory advice, and advising on European data and marketing exclusivity.
Since launching its operations in Ireland, Taylor Wessing has progressively built a first-class team, bringing a broad range of legal services to bear. Since 2021, the firm has hired leading lawyers in multiple areas, including corporate, banking and finance, real estate, technology, intellectual property, and data privacy, disputes and tax. This broad range of expertise caters for a diverse client base across multiple sectors, including technology, life sciences and healthcare, real estate, and private wealth.
Adam Griffiths, Head of Taylor Wessing’s Dublin office, said: “Eoin’s appointment represents another significant milestone in the journey of Taylor Wessing Ireland. We are thrilled to welcome Eoin, who joins at a very exciting time for our distinguished international Patents and Innovation practice. Eoin brings a wealth of experience from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and his impressive track record will be a great asset to Taylor Wessing in Ireland and across our global platform.”
Shane Gleghorn, Co-Chair of Taylor Wessing’s Global Board, said: “We are focused on recruiting exceptional talent, and Eoin’s arrival significantly bolsters our patent and IP offering in Ireland. TW is known as the firm of choice for cross-border patent litigation where the client requires the firm to deploy multi-jurisdictional teams of the best patent litigators. Eoin’s appointment to our Irish team will allow us to consolidate and grow that position, and provide patent/IP services to our clients in the Irish market.”
Eoin Martyn, partner at Taylor Wessing, said: “I am delighted to join Taylor Wessing. This is a fantastic opportunity in an international firm with a global outreach. There has been a significant increase in pharmaceutical patent litigation in Ireland in recent years and this continues to grow at pace. Taylor Wessing is renowned for its expertise in this area and, with its specialist Unified Patent Court group, is ideally positioned to provide market-leading support and assistance to a wide range of clients in Ireland and overseas. I am very much looking forward to joining the team and building on this success.”
Stefano Marino, Senior Consultant
DLA Piper
DLA Piper has appointed Stefano Marino, former Head of Legal Department at the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as a senior consultant.
Stefano brings with him an intimate knowledge of EU pharmaceutical law and familiarity of Union practice and procedures gained over his 25 years with industry and nearly 11 years with the Agency, providing great value to the firm’s global Life Sciences practice and the clients it serves.
Stefano’s responsibilities at the EMA included providing legal advice to the Agency’s management, overseeing the Legal Department and providing support to core business colleagues on pharmaceutical law and regulatory matters, supervising the Agency’s litigation strategy at the Court of Justice of the EU, and regularly interacting with other Agencies’ legal experts on personal data protection, insurance matters and artificial intelligence.
Prior to joining EMA, Stefano held the position of General Counsel of the Menarini Group for 8 years, then GC at Sigma-Tau (now Alfasigma) for 15 years, in addition to nearly two more years in the petrochemical sector. He also chaired EFPIA’s Trademark Group for eight years and was a member of that association’s Intellectual Property Policy Committee for 15 years. As a result, he has a very high and established profile in the European and international Life Sciences sector.
Stefano’s appointment is a continuation of DLA Piper’s strategy to establish a world-leading EU Life Sciences regulatory practice headed out of the firm’s Brussels office, with on-the-ground presence in 22 EU/EEA member states plus the UK. This follows the strategic move of Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s global Life Sciences practice, Marco de Morpurgo, to split his time between the firm’s Brussels office and the Rome office, where he was previously based, from the start of last year.
In parallel, DLA Piper has made significant investments into its US Life Sciences practice. This includes the recent hire of Lisa LeCointe-Cephas as chair of the firm’s US Life Sciences sector, along with Vernessa Pollard and former FDA counsel, Perham Gorji, to the firm’s US FDA practice. Combined, DLA Piper has a truly global and integrated trans-Atlantic Life Sciences regulatory practice that presents a compelling offering to its clients.
