By Business & Finance 
The Business & Finance CIO 100 Index 2025, in association with Project Foundry, recognises the top 100 digital leaders working across some of the most innovative companies in Ireland today.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
The full list is available to download here
Shaun Anderson, Field CTO
NearForm
Shaun Anderson joined NearForm as a Field CTO in April 2022. With a solid background in the tech industry, Shaun has dedicated his career to streamlining processes, developing distributed systems, and enhancing performance for major organisations across diverse sectors.
He is the innovator behind the Swift Method, a process grounded in Domain-Driven Design (DDD) principles that enables rapid understanding of complex software systems. Moreover, he has developed software tools aimed at scrutinising pre-existing systems, offering practical analytics and strategic insights for modernisation.
Alan Bambury, Chief Information Security Officer
Kerry Group
Alan Bambury is responsible for application strategy, information security and software compliance as Chief Information Security Officer of Kerry Group.
He previously held roles as SAP Solution Architect, SAP Development Lead and SAP Finance Lead in Kerry Group after joining originally as IT Manager before moving to Kerry Ingredients and Flavours as IT Director. Bambury holds a BA from University College Cork.
Samuel Baxter, Chief Information Security Officer
FD Technologies
Samuel Baxter is the Chief Information Security Officer for FD Technologies.
He previously held roles as Information Security Manager & Security Lead of Formula 1, Asia Head of Engineering and WinAdmin Engineer at Options Technology, Senior Engineer of Planet Office Systems Ltd and Education Support Analyst at Bournemouth Borough Council.
Nathan Bishop, Group Information Technology Director
Grafton Group plc
Nathan Bishop is Group IT Director at Grafton Group plc. He has over 25 years’ IT leadership and change delivery experience in a variety of sectors, including energy, retail, financial services, and consulting. Since joining Grafton Group in 2014, Nathan has led transformation programmes to modernise technology services and capability groupwide, and has supported the business through a series of acquisitions and divestments.
Prior to his current role at Grafton Group, he was Group IT Operations Director at E.ON, the multinational utility provider, followed by Group IT Services Director at Homeserve.
Nathan holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Middlesex.
Phil Blackwell, Chief Technology Officer
Whyze Health
Phil Blackwell is an accomplished Chief Technology and Information Officer with over two decades of experience spanning Telecommunications, Media, Financial Services, and now Healthcare and Life Sciences. As Co-Founder and CTO of WHYZE Health, Phil drives the organisation’s mission to revolutionise healthcare and research through technology and AI-powered solutions.
At WHYZE Health, Phil focuses on creating innovative systems that unite the healthcare ecosystem to enhance treatment options, improve patient outcomes, and democratise access to clinical trials. His leadership ensures the development of secure, highly scalable, and regulatory-compliant environments essential to WHYZE Health’s transformative vision.
Phil brings extensive expertise in managing large-scale technology services, infrastructure projects, and engineering operations. He specialises in building resilient systems that support critical decision-making through robust data management, secure transactional platforms, and streamlined operational processes.
Before WHYZE Health, Phil served as Group Chief Technology Officer at Bank of Ireland, where he led major technology initiatives to enhance innovation and operational efficiency. Later, as Group Chief Information Officer at The Irish Times Group, he further refined his ability to leverage technology for business transformation and organisational growth.
Phil’s proven track record in technology leadership and innovation underpins WHYZE Health’s journey to reshape healthcare and research, delivering solutions that drive meaningful, lasting impact in the industry.
Jonathan Boylan, Chief Technology Officer
FINEOS
Jonathan has over 30 years’ experience in enterprise and SaaS financial technology. He is the Chief Technology Officer of FINEOS, a leading provider of Employee Benefits, Life, Accident and Health insurance solutions to over 60 insurers in North America, Europe and APAC.
In the last 20 years, Jonathan has played a leading role in the growth of FINEOS from a start-up to IPO with over €120m in annual revenue. While leading technology throughout the period, Jonathan also established and ran product management and led marketing. Like all technology companies, revenue growth is a major focus, and Jonathan has spent much of his time supporting the acquisition of new customers in new and existing markets, both directly in the sales process, consulting with Insurtech buyers, and in broader thought leadership.
In more recent years, Jonathan worked to select acquisition targets for FINEOS and supports InsurTech start-ups as an advisor and investor. In his spare time,e Jonathan has volunteered to support the Irish Software Association, Tech Ireland, Alexandra College and SciFest.
Peter Brickley, Chief Information Officer EMEA
CCEP (Coca-Cola EURO Pacific Partners)
Peter Brickley leads the business process and technology function at CCEP, including steering CCEP’s investments in technology solutions.
Peter has over 25 years’ experience leading technology for global businesses including Heineken, Centrica and BAT. Before CCEP, he was Global CIO and Managing Director of Global Business Services at SABMiller.
Peter holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science from the University of Warwick.
Eileen Bruns, Chief Digital Officer
Arthur Cox
Eileen Burns is head of Legal Tech Services and is Arthur Cox’s Chief Digital Officer. She has more than thirty years’ experience in the consulting services, finance shared service, tech and legal sectors. Since joining Arthur Cox in September 2018, Burns has focused on developing and enhancing the Arthur Cox consulting and Legal Tech client service offerings, including commissioning the Arthur Cox eDiscovery and Investigation Services.
She is also responsible for the digital transformation agenda within Arthur Cox, with a strategy to embed legal tech into the day-to-day work activities of the firm’s partners, associates, trainees and consultants across the firm. Previously, Burns spent seventeen years in senior leadership positions at both European and global levels within Accenture CIO and ten years on Accenture client consulting engagements.
Wayne Bursey, Industrial Networks and Security Consultant
Siemens Ireland & Scotland
Wayne Bursey is the Networks and Cyber Security lead within the Siemens Digital Industry business and collaborates with the manufacturing sector, focusing on Security within Control, Automation and Communication Systems, specifically in Operational Technology (OT).
As a consultant within industrial environments, the focus is on NIS2 and promoting the adoption of the IEC 62243 Standard and more resilient OT systems.
Jared Cartensen, Chief Information Security Officer
CRH plc
Jared Carstensen is an internationally recognised information and cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in the design, implementation and governance of security controls, business strategies and frameworks across global organisations spanning multiple sectors.
Over the past eighteen years, Carstensen has been advising Fortune 500, law enforcement and intelligence agencies, government and state departments, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, utilities and financial services entities on all areas of information and cyber security.
He combines years of international experience with a breadth of in-depth business and industry awareness to ensure that security acts as a business enabler while being a valuable business partner. Carstensen has contributed to and led various projects across the EMEA, Americas and APAC regions and is currently listed as a member of the IT Governance Institute Expert Panel (on 10+ Information Security and related domains).
He is a member of the Standards.org advisory panel on ISO 27001, ISO 38500, along with best practice frameworks and standards.
Brian Chapman, Chief Information Officer
eir Ireland
Brian Chapman is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at eir, appointed in 2018. With over 20 years of experience, Brian specialises in IT strategy, business transformation, and technology modernisation.
At eir, Brian has been pivotal in reshaping the IT landscape, driving strategic initiatives that optimise costs, enhance service delivery, and future-proof technology investments. His leadership has guided major transformations in IT strategy, architecture, development, security, and operations, ensuring that IT remains a key enabler of business growth.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications from Dublin City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Technology Management from Technological University Dublin.
Claire Chung, CIO
Citi
Claire Chung is CIO at Citibank Europe PLC (CEP). CEP, which is headquartered in Ireland operates in 22 European countries and employs approx. 18,000 employees. In her role, Claire is accountable for all aspects of Information Technology and Information Security across CEPs regulated business in Europe. She also runs payments technology for the EMEA region. Prior to joining Citi in 2002, Claire spent time at IBM and Credit Suisse working in both Ireland and Australia. Claire holds a BSc in Computer Applications from DCU and a graduate diploma in Applied Finance and Investments.
Patrick Clarke, Chief Information Officer
AIB (AIB Merchants Services)
Patrick is the Chief Information Officer at AIBMS. Previously, he was CTO of Rs2 Software plc, providing Issuing and Acquiring solutions to global companies through an on-cloud platform. Prior to that, he served as CEO of OmniPay Platform at First Data, delivering the integration of OmniPay into First Data as its Global Acquiring Platform of Choice. Patrick holds an Engineer’s Degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications, as well as an Honours Diploma in Communications and Computers, respectively, from Trinity College Dublin and Technological University Dublin.
Gary Connolly, CIO
CIE
Gary Connolly has been with CIE for 19 years, where he started as Infrastructure Group Manager. He then became Service Delivery Manager, Group IT, followed by Head of IT, before becoming CIO in 2022. Gary holds a Master’s Degree in IT Management from the University of Maynooth.
Seán Convery, Chief Technology Officer
Boylesports
Seán Convery has been CTO of Boylesports since 2015. During this time, Boylesports has seen a dramatic upturn in business performance and expansion underpinned by product development, data insights and technology evolution. As in his previous roles, Convery has been central in transforming Boylesports into a truly customer-centric, product and technology company in retail, online and the omnichannel worlds, and this continues with international expansion.
Convery is passionate about and personally supports the delivery of business needs across business verticals and ensuring developments are right-sized and right-paced with the business opportunity size in mind. He is personally inspiring and motivating teams in aligning to the business opportunities and priorities, and leads complex solutions and problem-solving.
Convery has a strong track record of transformation and hands-on experience across all technology domains, from product and development, through enterprise infrastructure and networks, cloud platforms and security, to Operations, Corporate IT, M&A and Organisational structuring. Seán attended Queen’s University Belfast, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Margaret Corrigan, Chief Information Security Officer
Clune Technologies
Margaret Corrigan is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at CluneTech, a global technology group specialising in simplifying international business operations. She joined CluneTech in 2016, bringing over 20 years of experience in senior IT roles within the finance sector. Her expertise encompasses information security, risk management, and compliance, with a strong focus on implementing robust security frameworks to protect organisational assets.
Before her tenure at CluneTech, Margaret held significant positions at Capita and Capgemini, where she led IT and security initiatives, contributing to the development of secure and efficient technological infrastructures. She began her career in 1987 as a systems test manager and project manager at Beneficial Bank. Margaret holds an MBA in executive leadership from the University of Wales, Cardiff.
In addition to her role at CluneTech, Margaret is an active speaker in the cybersecurity community. She has delivered keynote addresses at events such as The Discover AI Event, discussing the future of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity.
Margaret’s leadership and commitment to cybersecurity excellence have been recognised in the industry, underscoring her dedication to advancing secure technological practices in the financial sector.
Ashling Cunningham, Chief Information Officer
Irish Life
Ashling Cunningham is an experienced Chief Information Officer at Irish Life Group. She has extensive experience working across manufacturing, services, utilities, and financial services industries. Ashling has a Technology and Finance background, and holds an MSc in Management from Trinity College.
Before joining Irish Life, Ashling held several senior leadership and consulting positions in international companies. A regular speaker at seminars, conferences, and industry events on the transformational role of digital and technology, data and security, innovation, and women in business, she is a frequent contributor to trade publications.
Louise Dennehy, Chief Information Officer
Central Bank of Ireland
Louise Dennehy was appointed as Chief Information Officer at the Central Bank of Ireland in September 2019. She joined the company as Head of IT Delivery in April 2017.
Dennehy has over 25 years’ experience in IT within the financial services industry, including holding several Head of IT roles. She is a graduate of University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin in science and IT-related disciplines.
Conor Devane, CIO,
Coillte
Conor Devane is CIO of Coillte, the Irish state-owned commercial forestry business. Coillte is responsible for 440,000 hectares of forests and lands, including wild bogs, mountains, rivers and beaches.
Michael Devitt, Chief Information Officer
William Fry
Michael Devitt is the Chief Information Officer and Head of Digital at William Fry. He is an information technology professional and holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (B.Sc.) degree.
Devitt has led IT functions in highly regulated environments and has almost thirty-five years of experience in IT, working for large multinationals across various sectors, including banking, distribution, sales & marketing, security, and legal. A strategic thinker, dedicated to driving technological innovation, enhancing IT operations & security, process optimisation, automation and fostering high-performance teams.
Chris Donnelly, Chief Information Officer
BWG Foods
Chris Donnelly was appointed Chief Information Officer of BWG in October 2020, having served as IT Director since 2016. Chris joined BWG Foods UC in 2015, when BWG acquired ADM Londis. Chris has vast experience in IT, having worked in technology, wholesale and in the retail industry in particular, having previously held the role of Head of Digital and Retail Technology for BWG Foods and Head of IT for ADM Londis plc.
With his team, Chris designed and developed the multi-award-winning BWG ShopLink eCommerce platform. Chris and his team have won multiple National and International Technology awards, and Chris is an accomplished and well-known public speaker on IT Strategy & Vision. Chris is also a regular angel investor in the technology space, currently working with two Irish start-ups and one international, all three of which are using AI.
Chris has a degree in Business, specialised in Systems Analysis and a postgraduate in Marketing.
John Downes, CIO
SSE Airtricity
John Downes has been SSE Renewables’ CIO since December 2022, where he is responsible for driving digital transformation across the organisation and leading on information and operational technology activities, including cyber security. Prior to this, he held positions at SSE Renewables as Director of Engineering and Director of Engineering and Innovation.
John graduated from Birmingham City University with a Bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Henley Business School.
Conor Doyle, Chief Information Officer
NBC Global Finance Limited
Conor Doyle is CIO for NBC Global Finance Limited. NBC is a leading bank in its core market of Quebec and holds strong positions in select activities across Canada. They operate in Canada through three main business segments: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management, and Financial Markets. A fourth segment, U.S. Speciality Finance and International, supports and enhances the growth of its domestic operations.
Keith Fingleton, Chief Information Officer
IDA
Keith Fingleton joined IDA Ireland in March 2015 as Chief Technology Advisor, becoming CIO at the beginning of 2018. Currently, Fingleton leads a cross-organisational Digital Transformation Programme, which aims to make IDA Ireland the most digitally-enabled Investment Promotion Agency in the world. This programme will enhance the client experience in their engagement with the IDA, contributing to Ireland’s global reputation as a digital leader.
Phillip Fischer, Chief Information Officer
University College Dublin
Phillip Fischer joined UCD as Chief Information Officer in July 2017 and is responsible for University-wide IT Services, including Academic and Administrative Systems, Research IT, Teaching and Learning Technologies, UCD Web Services and the delivery of the IT Strategy 2020. Before joining UCD, Fischer held the position of CIO & PMO Europe at Aramark. In his twelve years with Aramark, he worked with the Enterprise and European business entities to develop long-term ICT strategies and effective ICT services models and played a key part in driving the region forward.
Fischer ran an IT services business in Germany before joining the Musgrave Group Ireland, where he held a number of positions with the primary aim of delivering business intelligence solutions across the enterprise and project managing the integration of new acquisitions. Fischer is a member of Ibec’s Digital Economy Policy Committee and completed the Henley MBA in 2009, specialising in ICT Shared Services.
