By Business & Finance 
Business & Finance has released its 2025 annual CEO 100 Index, recognising the leading chief executives in Ireland today.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Barry Napier, CEO
Cubic³
Barry is CEO at Cubic³ and has extensive experience and a proven track record in building innovative technology companies. Barry possesses a rare combination of leadership and skills in strategy, business and corporate development, well suited to establishing high-performance teams to grow and transform technology organisations. Most recently, Barry led Cubic in a strategic partnership with Softbank Corp, whereby they invested €473 million, valuing the company at over €900 million.
Barry also holds board seats on a range of high-growth companies and was the first Irish entrepreneur selected for the Endeavour Leadership Programme.
Amanda Nelson, CEO
Vodafone Ireland
Amanda Nelson has been with Vodafone for almost 25 years in various roles, beginning in Asia in 1998 with Vodafone Japan, before moving to Europe to lead operations in the Netherlands, Malta and most recently Hungary, where she was CEO and Chair since 2018. Amanda has driven digital innovation throughout her career through IT integration and transformation initiatives across the business. As a passionate advocate of diversity & inclusion programmes, Amanda strongly supports talent initiatives across Vodafone’s EU markets.
During her eight years at Vodafone Netherlands, Amanda held roles as Regional Finance Executive, Head of Finance Operations and then Marketing Director. After which she took up the role of CEO and Chair of Vodafone Malta in 2013. Most recently, as CEO of Vodafone Hungary, Amanda led digital change in the education and healthcare sector throughout the pandemic, enabling customers to adapt and thrive in response to their changing circumstances and needs. Under her tenure, 5G was rolled out in Budapest and other densely populated areas of the country. Born in England, Amanda achieved a first-class honours degree in Classical Studies from the University of Bristol.
Fergal Naughton, CEO,
Glen Dimplex
Fergal Naughton is Group CEO of Glen Dimplex. He holds a degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), a Master’s of Science from Stanford University and a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard University.
Following multiple roles in Glen Dimplex businesses across the world, he was previously Group CEO between 2016 and 2021 and subsequently became Group Executive Chairman. In 2025 he returned to CEO role.
Naughton is Chairman of the Provost’s Council at Trinity College Dublin. He was the Founding President of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and was also Chairman of YPO in Ireland. He is a Hesburgh Trustee of the University of Notre Dame. He is a Trustee of the Naughton Foundation, a charitable organisation which supports worthwhile causes in education.
Tom Neville, President & CEO
Aramark Ireland
Tom Neville is the current CEO and President of Aramark Ireland. He joined Aramark in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer for Aramark Northern Europe, where he was responsible for the financial operations of the entire organisation, providing strategic guidance to support the company’s overall business objectives. As President and CEO, he oversees all operations for the business, including AVOCA, and is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all food and facilities management services across the organisation. Neville is focused on leading his exceptional team towards delivering continued growth across all services while continuing to deliver excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Brendan Noud, Co-founder & CEO
LearnUpon
Brendan Noud is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LearnUpon, the Irish-founded global Learning Management System (LMS) platform. Since launching the company over a decade ago, Brendan has led LearnUpon through rapid expansion, serving thousands of customers and millions of users worldwide. Brendan is also a prominent voice in the learning tech community, regularly speaking at events like LearnUpon Connect and the KPMG Founders Series, and advocating for the value of on-demand, scalable learning in modern business.
Tom O’Brien, Group CEO
Nephin Energy
Tom is Managing Director of Nephin Energy, Ireland’s largest domestic producer of natural gas. He has over 20 years’ experience in the energy industry. Tom was a senior adviser and project lead in Ireland for CPP Investment’s $1.23 billion acquisition of Shell’s interest in the Corrib Gas Field in 2018. He was subsequently asked by CPP to build out and lead the company that would eventually own CPP’s interest in the field, Nephin Energy. Previously, Tom held senior executive roles at several Irish companies, including two Irish PLCs.
He has mentored on the Irish Stock Exchange’s #IPOready leadership programme, which is designed to help ambitious Irish companies prepare for different types of strategic funding options, including going public. A lawyer by training, Tom originally worked for over 10 years in A&L Goodbody’s Projects Energy Department, of one of Ireland’s leading law firms, where he worked on many of Ireland’s largest energy, real estate, and infrastructure projects. Tom is a regular contributor to the energy policy debate in Ireland. He holds an LLB from University College Cork, an LLM from University College London, and a Diploma in Finance from University College Dublin.
Tom O’Connor, CEO
Version 1
Tom O’Connor is the CEO at Version 1, appointed in 2017. He joined Version 1 in 2001 from Accenture and has held senior positions including Chief Operations Officer, Head of Consulting and Sales Director. Tom has led Version 1 to stellar growth and overseen multiple global acquisitions, securing the organisation as one of the fastest-growing digital transformation companies. Tom holds a first-class honours degree from University College Dublin.
Mark O’Donoghue, CEO
Ding
Mark O’Donoghue is the Chief Executive Officer of Ding, a leading international mobile top-up platform. Ding helps migrant workers to send value to friends and family back at home as a mobile top-up. Prior to joining Ding, he served as CEO of Inspired Education Group, where he led the creation of its online division, resulting in an eight-fold increase in profitability over three years. O’Donoghue has also held various senior leadership roles, including COO at Travel Counsellors and CEO at AVADO Learning. He brings a wealth of experience in driving growth and scaling businesses, and is committed to leading Ding to its next phase of growth.
Mark is a graduate from the University of Oxford, where he holds a Bachelor’s in Geography. He also studied at INSEAD and was awarded an MBA in Strategy, Marketing, Finance, and Management.
Michael O’Leary, CEO
Ryanair
Michael O’Leary has been a director at Ryanair since 1988 and joined the board of Ryanair Holdings in July 1996. He was appointed as the company’s Chief Executive Officer in 1994. O’Leary started his career as a consultant at KPMG in 1984, and then became a Financial Advisor to Tony Ryan in 1986.
Tomas Ó’Midheach, CEO
FBD Holdings
Tomás Ó’Midheach has 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry spanning many diverse areas including finance, data, customer analytics, direct channels and digital.
He spent 11 years with Citibank in the UK, Spain and Dublin, where he held several senior positions in Finance, ultimately assuming the position of CFO at Citibank Ireland.
He joined AIB in June 2006 and held a number of senior executive positions, including Head of Direct Channels & Analytics, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining FBD, Mr. Ó’Midheach held the position of Deputy CEO and was an Executive Board Member of AIB.
Tony O’Reilly, Founder & CEO
dCarbonX
Tony O’Reilly is CEO and Founder of dCarbonX. A graduate of Brown University, Tony has 30 years of C-suite experience ranging from large, multi-site international businesses to start-ups in industries ranging from oil and gas exploration to mining, to consumer media and luxury goods, to environmental technology and financial services. As founder and CEO of Providence Resources Plc, Tony led the Company into major commercial transactions with leading energy players including ExxonMobil, Eni, Petronas, Total, Chevron and Chrysaor. Prior to Providence, Tony was the CEO of Wedgwood and prior to that was Chairman and CEO of ARCON. Tony was also co-founder of two start-ups, Zenergy and Lockwood, which were respectively involved in high temperature superconductivity (HTS) technology and funds management.
Dalton Philips, CEO
Greencore
Dalton joins Greencore from daa plc, the global airports and travel retail group with businesses in 15 countries, where he has been Group CEO since October 2017. He was previously the CEO of Wm Morrison Plc, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket chain, between 2010 and 2015. Prior to this, he held senior roles with the George Weston Group, including as COO of Loblaw Companies Limited, the leading Canadian grocery retailer, and CEO of Brown Thomas Group, a luxury goods retailer in Ireland. Dalton has also been a Senior Advisor to The Boston Consulting Group, and has a BA from University College Dublin as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.
John Power, Founder & CEO
Aerogen
A serial entrepreneur and former European Entrepreneur of the Year. John leads Aerogen, Ireland’s largest indigenous Med-tech company and the world leader in Acute Care aerosol drug delivery. Aerogen’s award-winning products have, to date, helped treat over 13 million critically ill patients in more than 80 countries globally. John is recognised as both a technology and business innovator, credited with many commercialised international patents. He is an investor and Board member of several Irish and US-based Med-tech companies.
A founder faculty member of the National University of Ireland, Galway Bio-Innovate program, he has actively mentored many indigenous early-stage Irish companies. A Chartered Engineer, he holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University, is an Adjunct Professor at NUIG, where in 2016, in recognition of his contribution to the development of the Irish Medical Device sector, John was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate.
Mary Quaney, Group CEO
Mainstream Renewable Power
Mary Quaney is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Renewable Power, leading the company since August 2020. She joined Mainstream in 2009 as Group Tax Manager, progressing through finance roles to become Group Chief Financial Officer in 2017, and was appointed to the board in 2019.
As CEO, Mary directs a global team working across major renewable energy operations in Chile, South Africa, and Asia. Based at Mainstream’s Dublin headquarters, she serves on the board’s Safety, Risk & Investment, and Corporate Social Responsibility committees.
Ger Rabbette, CEO
Uniphar
An industry veteran, Ger joined Uniphar in 2010 from Celesio, where he was Managing Director of Movianto and Head of Celesio Manufacturing Solutions. Ger has held a range of senior positions in supply chain with Cahill May Roberts and the wider Celesio Group.
Ger is a graduate from the University of Galway and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Financial Management Services.
Paul Rellis, CEO
The Viatel Group
Over the past three decades, Paul Rellis has been a lynchpin in the evolution and success of multinationals and indigenous Irish firms alike. Rellis began his career in accounting with Coca-Cola in the United States and Germany before transitioning firmly to the technology sector. Paul served as Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland and Chief Operations Officer of Microsoft Western Europe. He played a pivotal role in the company’s critical transition from a traditional software vendor into a cloud-based entity, overseeing the establishment of some of its major data centres in Dublin.
In 2018, Rellis joined the Senior Advisory team at Chirisa Capital Management and became CEO of Viatel Technology Group, bringing with him a clear vision and a customer-first focus. Under Paul’s leadership, now backed by strategic investment from the Macquarie Group, Viatel has grown exponentially both organically and through acquisition. The company now employs over 350 people and serves thousands of enterprise customers, delivering leading solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, connectivity and business communications.
Jonathan Rockett, CEO
Datalex
Jonathan Rockett joins Datalex from Ding, where he occupied the role of Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He led the organisation in various strategic and financial areas and has made a significant contribution to the overall growth of the business, including a sale to private equity in 2021. He previously held senior positions in Paddy Power (now part of Flutter Entertainment Plc.) and PwC.
Eamonn Rothwell, CEO
Irish Continental Group
Eamonn Rothwell, aged 66, has been a Director for 35 years, having been appointed as a non-executive Director in 1987 and subsequently to the position of Chief Executive Officer in 1992. He is also the Director of Interferry European Office A.I.S.B.L. He is a former Director of The United Kingdom Mutual War Risks Association Limited, Interferry Inc and The United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Bermuda) Limited. He is a past executive Director of former stockbrokers NCB Group, now part of Tilman Brewin Dolphin. Prior to that, he worked with Allied Irish Banks plc and Fáilte Ireland (The Irish Tourist Board).
Edmond Scanlon, CEO
Kerry Group
Edmond is a highly experienced leader in the global food and beverage industry, having spent almost 20 years in senior roles across the Group. Edmond brings a strategic mindset to Kerry Group to drive Group performance and growth as well as significant financial and operational expertise.
Edmond joined Kerry’s graduate programme in Ireland in 1996. Over his career, he has held leadership roles in the Group’s Flavours and Applied Health and Nutrition businesses as well as heading up the Group’s activities in China and the Asia Pacific region. Edmond was appointed Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer in October 2017.
Anton Scott, CEO
SoftCo
Anton Scott is the CEO of SoftCo, a global organisation that provides document management and business process automation solutions. With over 30 years of experience, SoftCo has worked with numerous organisations to increase productivity, reduce costs, and ensure compliance obligations.
Under Anton’s leadership, SoftCo has achieved significant milestones, including being ranked as a Value Leader in Spend Matters’ SolutionMap for AP Automation. Anton has expressed his delight in this achievement, highlighting the importance of customer satisfaction and the company’s commitment to meeting their needs. Throughout his career, Anton has demonstrated a strong focus on customer-centricity and innovation, driving SoftCo’s growth and success in the industry.
Sean Sheehan, Founder & CEO
Wisetek
Sean Sheehan is the CEO of Wisetek, a leading provider of IT asset disposal and recycling services. Born into a farming family, Sheehan’s first job was driving a tractor for a silage contractor, where he learned the importance of hard work and efficiency. He has since built a successful career in the IT industry, driven by his passion for sustainability and innovation.
Under his leadership, Wisetek has become a global leader in IT asset disposal, providing environmentally responsible solutions to companies around the world. Sheehan’s approach to business is centred around teamwork, delegation, and responsibility, and he motivates himself and his staff by empowering them to make decisions and take ownership of their work. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement, Sheehan aims to continue growing Wisetek’s business offerings and making a positive impact on the environment.
Tony Smurfit, Group CEO
Smurfit Westrock
Tony Smurfit is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit Westrock Group plc (SKG), one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging solutions in the world.
He was Chief Operations Officer from November 2002 to September 2015, and he has held several other management positions, having worked in various parts of the organisation both in the United States and Europe since he joined the company in 1986. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 1989.
Today, Smurfit Westrock operates in 36 countries globally and employs 48,000 people. The company is currently listed on the Dublin and London Stock Exchanges and has a market capitalisation of approximately €11.7 billion.
He is a former Director of Aer Rianta (the Irish Airport Authority which is owned by the Irish Government), the Irish National Stud (an Irish Government owned operation), C&C plc, Ibec (Irish Business Employers Confederation) and currently sits on the Board of ERT (European Round Table of Industry), and CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries).
He was appointed Honorary Consul of Mexico to Ireland in 2003 and was honoured by the French Government in 2004 when he was nominated Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour. He was subsequently nominated Commander of the French Legion of Honour in 2017. He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration and is a member of the Turf Club of Ireland.
Michael Stanley, Co-founder & CEO
Cairn Homes plc
Michael Stanley co-founded Cairn Homes plc and was appointed CEO prior to the IPO in June 2015. Michael has a strong pedigree in residential development and the broader property industry. He was previously CEO of Stanley Holdings, a large Irish homebuilder and real estate investment company. Michael also has extensive experience in the packaging, energy, agritech and healthcare sectors.
Eoin Tongue, Interim CEO
Primark
Eoin Tonge has been interim CEO at Primark since March 2025, succeeding the resignation of Paul Merchant. The UCD graduate began working at Irish food group Greencore in 2006 and was eventually appointed Chief Financial Officer at Marks & Spencer during the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis in Ireland and the UK. He then joined Associated British Foods plc, Primark’s parent company, as its Finance Director, before becoming Primark’s Interim CEO 4 months ago.
Laura Trimble, CEO
HSBC
Laura joined HSBC Ireland in May 2022 as CEO and Head of Wholesale Banking, following a 20-year career with HSBC based in London. Laura is responsible for all of HSBC’s operations in Ireland, which encompass a corporate banking business that supports Irish corporates with their local and international operations, as well as a subsidiary banking business that provides transactional banking services such as trade finance and cash management solutions to global multinationals with operations in Ireland. HSBC also has a large securities services business in Ireland, supporting asset managers with fund administration, custody and fiduciary services.
Prior to joining HSBC Ireland, Laura worked for HSBC in various senior roles in the UK and Europe, most recently as European Head of HSBC’s Origination business. In this role, she was responsible for advising clients on all aspects of their strategic financing needs, including structuring their capital base appropriately via debt and equity solutions and advising on strategic events such as acquisition financing, capital markets activity and initial public offerings. This role included coverage of HSBC’s corporate clients in 22 countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Israel and South Africa, supported by a team based in London, Paris, Frankfurt and India. Laura has an extensive investment banking and commercial banking background with prior roles in leveraged finance, investment grade debt, convertible bonds and equity capital markets.
Over the last decade, Laura has played a leading role in driving HSBC’s activities to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues. For example, in 2020, she founded HSBC’s European Shadow ExCo, a development programme for colleagues to work with senior leaders on business challenges such as sustainability, the future of work, and Europe’s position as an international connector. She also co-founded HSBC’s “Inclusive Europe” employee resource group in 2021, which leads activities to promote cultural diversity and to ensure colleagues supporting inclusivity are recognised and rewarded.
Herman Troskie, CEO
Ardagh Group
As the Chair of Ardagh Group S.A. and Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A., Herman has led in sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging, operating across Europe, the Americas and Africa, with annualised revenues of more than $9 billion. Mr Troskie has extensive experience in the areas of international corporate structuring, cross-border financing and capital markets. He qualified as a South African Attorney in 1997 and as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales in 2001.
Fernando Vicario, CEO & Country Executive for Ireland
Bank of America Europe DAC
Fernando Vicario is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America’s lead European banking entity, Bank of America Europe DAC. Fernando Vicario was formerly head of Corporate and Investment Banking for the European Union (EU) and head of Corporate Banking for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), at BofA Securities. Fernando has worked for Bank of America for over 25 years across multiple roles, including head of Corporate Banking for Financial Institutions in Europe and Emerging Markets (ex-Asia), head of EMEA Global Product Solutions, head of EMEA and Latin America Corporate Banking and co-head of EMEA Debt Capital Markets and Corporate Banking.
Over the years, he has led a significant number of growth initiatives across regions in these roles. Fernando sits on the EMEA regional executive committee and the Global Diversity & Inclusion Committee (D&I). He is also co-chair of Bank of America’s EMEA D&I Council and co-leads the EMEA ESG Strategic Council. Fernando is a member of the Board of the ODI (Open Doors Initiative) in Dublin. A native of Pforzheim, Germany and a Spanish national, Fernando obtained a degree in Banking and Finance from the Hochschule fuer Bankwirtschaft/Bankakademie in Frankfurt, Germany.
