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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John Fitzgerald, Chief Information Officer
CMS Distribution
He has a history of leading complex teams and delivering large scale projects in the information technology, banking and services industry and has held a number of senior positions in IT and Risk, always with a particular emphasis on data analytics.
John holds a D.Phil. in Mathematics from the University of Oxford, and a B.Sc. from the University of Galway.
Ronan Fitzpatrick, Chief Information Officer
Vhi
Fitzpatrick achieved a BSc in Applied Computing in 1994 from Waterford Institute of Technology.
Vhi is the biggest insurance company in Ireland; thier purpose is to help customers and patients live longer, stronger and healthier lives, by providing rapid access to care in innovative health facilities or through trusted health insurance.
Lidia Fonseca, Chief Digital & Technology Officer & Executive Vice President
Pfizer
Fonseca launched Pfizer’s Digital Companion™ and leads AI initiatives for disease detection and treatment optimization. She was instrumental in accelerating Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine development.
Previously SVP and CIO at Quest Diagnostics, she brings over 20 years of healthcare experience. Fonseca sits on the boards of Medtronic, Tegna, and the US-Japan Business Council.
She holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA.
Jacky Fox, Senior Managing Director & Security
Accenture
Jacky holds an MSc in Digital investigations and Forensic computing, a GCFA and a GICSP. She has worked across multiple industry sectors including health & public services, resources and financial services.
Jacky specialises in helping organisation’s to understand and treat their cyber risk and has had the experience of investigating many national and international breaches. She is also a Vice-chair on the board of Cyber Ireland and has previously been an adjunct lecturer in UCD MSc in forensics and security.
Jacky is an active contributor at the World Economic Forum, speaking at Davos in 2022 and contributes actively to other security fora at international conferences and Interpol.
In 2018, she was awarded ‘Security Champion of the Year’ in Ireland for her contribution to the Irish security industry and her mentorship and encouragement of women in security.
Carlos Freesz, Group Head of Information & Communications Technology
Kenmare Resources plc
Carlos Freesz joined Kenmare Resources plc as Group Head of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) in March 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in driving business value through technology transformations.
Throughout his career, he has executed strategic initiatives that leverage advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and foster growth. His experience includes significant roles at global corporations, most recently at Mars and Accenture.
Paul French, Chief Information Officer
Aviva
In this role, he leads the strategy and delivery of IT and data capabilities across Aviva’s regulated businesses in Ireland, driving large-scale transformation and advancing the organisation’s data and AI agenda.
Paul brings extensive cross-industry experience, having previously held senior leadership roles at Flutter (Paddy Power Betfair), where, as Head of Trading Technology, he led large, distributed engineering teams. He holds a BSc in Computing and an MBA from IE Business School, Madrid.
Catherine Gardiner, Group Chief Information Officer
Energia
Prior to this, she was Chief Information Officer from 2011. Catherine has held several other management positions, including Head of Operations for Energia.
Gardiner holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Management from Queen’s University Belfast, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ulster University.
Colm Gartlan, IT Director
Norbrook Laboratories Ltd.
His expertise includes business relationship management, enterprise architecture, service delivery management, programme management, supplier management, and leadership development.
Previously, he held CIO roles at Greencore and Xerox. He has also held senior IT roles at Motorola and Andersen Consulting (Accenture). Colm holds an Electronic Engineering Degree from Dublin City University and is a Fellow of the Irish Computer Society (ICS).
Kash Ghedia, Group Chief Information Officer
Applegreen
He leads high-performing, cross-functional teams spanning digital transformation, cybersecurity, data, infrastructure, and e-commerce, delivering strategic value across operations in the UK, Ireland, and the US.
Kash has played a key role in major technology initiatives, including large-scale telecom and retail deployments, and is recognised for his leadership in business transformation.
He has received multiple industry accolades for his contributions to technology. He studied at King’s College London and holds a BEng in Computer Science and Engineering.
Stuart Halford, Chief Information Officer
Goodbody
He is accountable for the development, management, and delivery of Goodbody’s technology strategy, solutions architecture, and information security in addition to leading the delivery of key technology change and operational management of the firm’s technology services and outsourced/managed service providers.
Halford has a track record of successfully defining and leading numerous innovative technology solutions and strategic transformation initiatives supporting the firm’s overall business strategy whilst ensuring regulatory compliance, risk management, security, and resilience.
Deborah Harrington, Group IT Director
Dairygold Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Prior to her appointment to the role, she was Dairygold’s Business Solutions Manager, working at the company for over 30 years.
Deborah has overall responsibility for establishing the strategic direction for IT, helping to integrate technology into all parts of the Society. She oversees IT service operations, such as application support, help-desk, infrastructure, and security services.
Deborah and her team are dedicated to driving change, business process improvement, and digital automation.
Tom Hayes, Group Chief Technology Officer
PTSB
Tom leads the Bank’s Technology strategy, digital/AI transformation and Innovation agenda, with accountability for cyber resilience and the delivery of mission‑critical technology services.
His work centres on modernising core platforms, embedding resilience by design, and harnessing emerging technologies to transform customer and colleague outcomes.
He holds a Master’s degree from UCD Smurfit Business School, a Computer Science degree from University College Cork, and is a Certified Bank Director. Tom has also undertaken Executive programmes in AI at MIT and Breakthrough Leadership at IMD.
Maurice Hennessy, Chief Technology Officer
Ornua Co-operative Ltd.
With more than 30 years of experience, Maurice is an experienced CTO with previous roles as CIO at daa, VP Corporate Controller at Global Crossing, and other roles at Analog Devices and PwC.
Maurice holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Limerick.
Ornua is an Irish dairy co-operative that markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its Member Co-operatives, Ireland’s dairy processors, and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. Ornua is also Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products.
John Hurley, Chief Technology Officer
Ryanair
His current role is Chief Technology Officer at Ryanair.
Hurley is a flexible and self-motivated individual with proven analytical, design, and problem-solving skills.
He has a strong mix of software development experience combined with planning and delivery of complex technical projects in a demanding environment. Hurley currently leads a team of 50+ onshore and 250+ offshore developers.
Niall Igoe, Director of IT
Dole plc
In his role, Niall is responsible for overseeing IT delivery across the Dole group, including the definition and execution of the company’s IT strategy.
A core component of this strategy involves transforming Dole’s in-house developed ERP platform into a leading low-code solution, designed to improve agility and deliver greater business value. He also leads various digital transformation initiatives, leveraging technology to drive business value through data insights and process automation.
Prior to joining Dole plc, Niall served as IT Director at Flogas Ireland (part of DCC). He has also held a variety of senior leadership roles at CRH and served as IT Director at SOLAS.
He holds an MBA from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and a BSc in Computer Science from Queen’s University Belfast.
Louise Jevens, Chief Information Officer
Department of Justice
This function supports the Department’s strategic goals by delivering and implementing its digital strategy.
The team oversees the development, maintenance, and support of applications, frameworks, and software, while also managing the Department’s IT infrastructure and day-to-day operational services.
In addition, it provides digital solutions that enable the Department to function efficiently and effectively, ensuring reliable systems and services are in place to meet organisational needs. She holds a BSc in Computer Science from Trinity College Dublin (TCD).
Tommy Kavanagh, Head of Information Systems
SDCC
In his role, he works to strengthen the Council’s cyber resilience and promotes a culture of digital awareness across all departments. He has led initiatives such as Cybersecurity Month, delivering training on emerging threats, including artificial intelligence and deepfakes.
He is also a designated public official under the Lobbying Act. Tommy holds a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from Ulster University.
Michelle Kearns, Head of IT
Boots Ireland
Michelle is responsible for ensuring the technology foundations that enable Boots Ireland to deliver a seamless, safe, and customer‑centred experience for customers and colleagues, both in store and online, while driving measurable value through modernisation, operational resilience, and innovation.
A seasoned technology leader with deep roots in healthcare and public service transformation, Michelle brings a strong track record of delivering large‑scale change in complex, regulated environments.
Prior to joining Boots, she served as CIO of Caredoc, where she led major digital enablement initiatives that improved patient care through data‑led decision‑making, system integration, and cross‑sector collaboration.
Known for her pragmatic leadership style and strong focus on governance and outcomes, Michelle bridges digital ambition with secure, scalable execution.
Her work continues to shape how technology can be used responsibly to drive customer experience, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across the Irish market.
Damien Kelly, Chief Information Officer
Uisce Éireann
In his current role as CIO, he is shaping the transformation of IT services to support Uisce Éireann in delivering water services to the people of Ireland.
He has been with Uisce Éireann for over 10 years, using his strategic focus, expert problem-solving, and communication skills to drive service excellence through his various leadership roles in Finance, Customer Operations, and Asset Management.
Damien is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Consultant.
Susan Kemp, IT Director
A&L Goodbody
She manages a multidisciplinary team with responsibility for IT support, information security, DevOps, and Infrastructure globally.
Kemp was awarded a BA in Computer Science from Trinity College (TCD). She previously served in technology positions at TCD/St James Hospital Medical Informatics Unit, AIB, and Deutsche Bank.
Dougie Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer
Aegon UK
Building upon his work as Chief Architect of Aegon UK since September 2022, Dougie is responsible for driving the delivery of the technology strategy, as Aegon strives towards the ambition of being the UK’s leading digital platform.
Colin Kennedy, Executive Director & Chief Information Officer
DPD
His role is to oversee the strategic journey, implementing DPD’s vision of innovation in delivery and orchestrating digital transformation across the organisation. He also holds responsibility for International Trade, Logistics, and Sustainability.
With over thirty years of experience in the digital space, Kennedy has been leading and inspiring teams to deliver brilliant products across both B2B and B2C environments.
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA).
Ken Kennedy, Group IT Director
Sisk
Ken leads the technology strategy and digital transformation objectives across Sisk and specialises in Microsoft 365 environments, information security, service delivery, and M&A integration.
He focuses on aligning IT with business outcomes, driving efficiency, operational excellence, and resilience.
He is passionate about mentoring teams and delivering practical, value-driven solutions within complex environments. Ken holds an MBS from UCC.
Brona Kernan, IT Director
Zurich Ireland
Prior to that, she was the IT Director for Cpl.
From 1994 to 2006, Kernan was IT Director at Ryanair, where she was in charge of building and developing the company’s essential computing and communications infrastructure as it took its first steps into online booking.
Keith Kiernan, Group Chief Information Officer
Bank of Ireland
As the Group Chief Information Officer, Keith is responsible for delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and resilience, and driving business growth and performance.
He has a proven track record of leading successful business transformation programs, outsourcing initiatives, and strategic alliances, leveraging his skills in change management and strategic sourcing.
He is also a Non-Executive Director at Aware, a national organization that provides support, education, and information for people affected by depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
