The Business & Finance CIO 100 Index 2026, in association with Project Foundry, recognises the top 100 digital leaders working across some of the most innovative companies in Ireland today.
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Aarne Aho, Group Chief Technology Officer
Sky UK & Ireland
Sky UK is a major media and telecom provider in the UK and Ireland. Founded in 1990 as BSkyB and now owned by Comcast, it delivers pay TV, broadband, mobile, and streaming services.
The company is known for Sky Sports, Sky News, and original content from Sky Studios. With a strong presence in Ireland, Sky continues to invest in technology, content, and connectivity to expand its entertainment offerings.
Alan Bambury, Chief Information Security Officer
Kerry Group
He previously held roles as SAP Solution Architect, SAP Development Lead and SAP Finance Lead in Kerry Group after originally joining as IT Manager before moving to Kerry Ingredients and Flavours as IT Director.
Bambury holds a BA from University College Cork. Kerry Group is a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions, headquartered in Tralee. Founded in 1972 as a dairy co-operative, the company has grown into a multinational serving the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Kerry develops ingredients and technologies that enhance flavour, nutrition, and sustainability for customers worldwide. With operations in over 50 countries, it employs thousands of people and maintains a strong focus on innovation and sustainable food systems.
Samuel Baxter, Chief Information Security Officer
FD Technologies
He previously held roles as Information Security Manager & Security Lead at Formula 1, Asia Head of Engineering and Windows Admin Engineer at Options Technology, Senior Engineer of Planet Office Systems Ltd, and Education Support Analyst at Bournemouth Borough Council.
FD Technologies is a data-driven technology group headquartered in Newry. Founded in 1996, the company provides software and consulting services through its KX platform, specialising in high-performance analytics, real-time data processing, and artificial intelligence.
FD Technologies serves global clients across sectors including financial services, telecommunications, and life sciences. The group has evolved from its origins in IT consulting to focus on advanced data solutions, supporting organisations in managing and extracting value from complex, high-volume data.
Nathan Bishop, Group Information Technology Director
Grafton Group plc
Since joining Grafton Group in 2014, Bishop has led transformation programmes to modernise technology services and capability groupwide and has supported the business through a series of acquisitions and divestments, including most recently Grafton’s expansion into Iberia.
Nathan plays a central role in driving digital transformation across Grafton’s diverse portfolio of businesses, ensuring technology enables operational efficiency, scalability, and resilience. He oversees the development of group-wide platforms and standards while supporting local operating companies to deliver business-specific innovation.
Prior to his current role at Grafton Group, he was Group Technology Operations Director at E.ON, the multinational utility provider, followed by Group IT Services Director at Homeserve, and held technology consulting roles in Cap Gemini and internet start-up companies in the early 2000s.
Nathan holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Middlesex.
Phil Blackwell, Chief Technology Officer
Whyze Health
With more than twenty years of experience delivering large-scale technology transformation across financial services, telecommunications, media, and healthcare, Phil brings deep expertise in building secure, resilient, and commercially scalable platforms within highly regulated industries.
At WHYZE Health, Blackwell is focused on developing next-generation healthcare infrastructure that leverages AI, real-world evidence, and secure data interoperability to improve patient outcomes, accelerate clinical research, and expand access to clinical trials.
His work centres on creating compliant, enterprise-grade platforms that connect healthcare providers, researchers, pharmaceutical organisations, and patients through secure and intelligent data ecosystems.
Prior to co-founding WHYZE Health, Blackwell held senior executive technology leadership roles including Group CTO at Bank of Ireland and Group CIO at The Irish Times Group.
During his career, he has led complex digital transformation programmes, cloud modernisation initiatives, cybersecurity strategies, enterprise architecture redesigns, and large-scale operational technology functions across international organisations.
Phil Blackwell combines deep technical knowledge with strong commercial and operational leadership experience at board and executive levels. His approach to healthcare innovation is grounded in the belief that AI and data-driven technologies, when implemented ethically and securely, have the potential to fundamentally improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and patient care outcomes.
At WHYZE Health, he continues to drive the development of scalable healthcare technology platforms designed to support the future of precision medicine, clinical trials, and AI-enabled healthcare delivery.
Jonathan Boylan, Chief Technology Officer
FINEOS
In the last 20 years, Boylan has played a leading role in the growth of FINEOS from a startup to IPO with over €120m in annual revenue. While leading technology throughout the period, Blackwell also established and ran product management and led marketing.
Like all technology companies, revenue growth is a major focus and he 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 Blackwell worked to select acquisition targets for FINEOS and supports InsurTech start-ups as an advisor and investor. In his spare time Jonathan has volunteered to support the Irish Software Association, Tech Ireland, Alexandra College and SciFest.
Wayne Bursey, Industrial Networks and Security Consultant
Siemens Ireland & Scotland
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 Carstensen, Chief Information Officer
CRH plc
Over the past eighteen years, Carstensen has advised Fortune 500 organisations, 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, the Americas, and APAC regions and is currently listed as a member of the IT Governance Institute Expert Panel (covering 10+ information security and related domains).
He is a member of the Standards.org advisory panel on ISO 27001 and ISO 38500, along with best practice frameworks and standards.
Wendy Chang Smith, Chief Digital & Transformation Officer
Glanbia
She previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer for Glanbia’s Performance Nutrition business.
Prior to joining Glanbia in 2020, Wendy held a range of finance leadership positions with Amazon, Kellogg, Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble, working in the US, Europe and Asia.
She holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) and an MBA from Brigham Young University in the United States.
Brian Chapman, Chief Information Officer
eir Ireland
He oversees large‑scale technology transformation, core systems modernisation, cybersecurity, and IT operations across the business. In his role, he works closely with senior leadership and the board to ensure technology investment supports strategic objectives, regulatory obligations, and operational resilience. Brian is based at eir’s headquarters in Dublin.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications from Dublin City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Technology Management from Technological University Dublin.
Sarine Chitilian, Chief Information Officer
NBC Global Finance
She is a graduate of McGill University with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
NBC Global Finance is a finance and investment services firm offering corporate and structured finance solutions, including advisory and capital markets services for institutional clients operating in international markets.
Claire Chung, Europe Chief Technology Officer
Citi
In her role, Chung is accountable for all aspects of information technology and information security across CEP’s regulated business in Europe. She also runs payments technology for the EMEA region.
Prior to joining Citi in 2002, she spent time at IBM and Credit Suisse, working in both Ireland and Australia. Chung holds a BSc in Computer Applications from DCU and is a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investments
Patrick Clarke, Chief Information Officer
AIB Merchant Services
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.
He holds an Engineering 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, Head of Technology
BnM
Before taking on this role, he held a number of senior IT positions, including Head of IT and CIO at CIÉ. Connolly holds a Master’s degree in IT Management from NUI Maynooth.
BnM is an Irish state-owned company originally established in 1946 to develop peat harvesting for energy production. Today, it has transitioned into a renewable energy and environmental services business, focusing on wind energy, recycling, resource recovery, and sustainable infrastructure projects.
The company plays a key role in Ireland’s climate transition by repurposing former peatlands and investing in low-carbon energy solutions. It is headquartered in Newbridge.
Margaret Corrigan, Chief Information Security Officer
CluneTech
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, Corrigan 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. She holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from the University of Wales, Cardiff.
In addition to her role at CluneTech, Corrigan 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 Corrigan’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.
Mairéad Cullen, Chief Technology Officer
McCann FitzGerald LLP
She has more than 30 years of experience across technology domains, including networks, IT, and digital transformation. Prior to joining McCann FitzGerald, Cullen held several senior leadership roles at Vodafone, most recently serving as CIO and a member of the Vodafone Ireland executive leadership team.
She is also currently a non-executive director of .ie and Kinia. Cullen holds a BSc in Applied Science (Physics and Chemistry) and an MSc in Optoelectronics from Trinity College Dublin, as well as an MBA from UCD Smurfit Business School.
Ashling Cunningham, Chief Information Officer
Irish Life
She has held several leadership roles across manufacturing, services, utilities, and financial services, where she has led large-scale digital transformation and built agile, high-performing technology organisations.
A Chartered Director holding an MSc in Management from Trinity College Dublin, Ashling Cunningham sits on a number of boards and industry bodies.
She is a regular speaker at conferences and industry events, and a recognised voice on the strategic value of digital, data, cyber security and innovation, as well as women in leadership. She is also a frequent contributor to trade and professional publications.
Alan Dalton, Chief Information Officer
H&MV Engineering
With experience spanning the energy, construction, and retail sectors, he focuses on using technology to solve real business problems, improve performance, and support sustainable growth.
He has led large-scale transformation programmes, including complex M&A integrations, regulatory initiatives such as NIS2, and the ongoing evolution of cybersecurity and risk management capabilities.
Alan brings deep experience in cloud, enterprise architecture, and data-led transformation, helping organisations scale while staying resilient in a rapidly changing landscape.
Known for his pragmatic and collaborative approach, Alan builds strong teams and works closely with business leaders to turn complex challenges into clear, actionable roadmaps that deliver tangible results.
Louise Dennehy, Chief Information Officer
Central Bank of Ireland
Dennehy has over 25 years of experience in IT within the financial services industry, including holding a number of Head of IT roles.
She is a graduate of University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin in science and IT-related disciplines.
Central Bank of Ireland is Ireland’s central bank and financial regulator, responsible for monetary stability, supervising financial institutions, and protecting consumers in the financial system.
Conor Devane, Chief Information Officer
Coillte
Conor Devane is CIO of Coillte, the Irish state-owned commercial forestry business. Coillte is a state-owned Irish forestry company responsible for managing large areas of Ireland’s forests and land assets. It focuses on sustainable forestry, timber production, recreation, and renewable energy development, supporting both environmental and economic objectives.
Michael Devitt, Chief Information Officer
William Fry
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 and marketing, security, and legal.
A strategic thinker dedicated to driving technological innovation, enhancing IT operations and security, process optimisation, automation, and fostering high-performance teams.
Chris Donnelly, Chief Information Officer
BWG Foods
He 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 and Vision.
Donnelly 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, specialising in Systems Analysis, and a Postgrad in Marketing.
John Downes, Chief Information Officer
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 information, data, and operational technology. Prior to this, he held positions in SSE Renewables as Director of Engineering and Innovation, and SSE Generation as Director of Engineering.
Downes 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, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Keith Fingleton, Chief Information Officer
IDA
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
Prior to 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.
