By Business & Finance 
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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Mary O’Connor, Chief Information Officer
ESB
As CIO for ESB, Mary is responsible for driving digital transformation for the organisation, as well as overseeing cybersecurity, IT strategy and enterprise architecture.
She is also responsible for the portfolio management of IT, digital, and analytics work and is a champion of driving business transformation through the application of data and technology and digital ways of working.
Mary has a wealth of experience from over 30 years working in a wide range of disciplines and functions at all levels within ESB. She has a strong track record of developing and implementing strategies in a variety of businesses across ESB, of motivating teams and driving business performance through people, innovation, and technology.
She has led teams at all levels of the organisation in successful transformation, working closely with internal and external partners to do so. Mary is an IT graduate of Trinity College and holds an ACCA post-graduate diploma in Accounting and Finance.
She is a coach and mentor and is passionate about supporting people in their development to enable them to reach their full potential. In addition, Mary sits on the Audit & Risk Committee of St. James Hospital, Dublin.
Eilish O’Connor, Director of Strategy & AI
Viatel Technology Group
Eilish O’Connor serves as the Director of Strategy & AI at Viatel Technology Group and is a senior technology leader with over 20 years of experience across the technology sector, including international experience spanning communications, software, IT, and cybersecurity.
A graduate of Applied Physics from the University of Limerick, she has held leadership roles across both multinational and indigenous organisations, combining deep technical expertise with strategic business insight.
Following eight years as Chief Technology Officer, O’Connor transitioned into this inaugural group-wide role to cement Viatel’s leadership in the AI era. She now focuses on shaping the company’s long-term direction, ensuring that AI, cybersecurity, communications, and digital services are tightly aligned to drive high-value business outcomes.
This approach underpins the Viatel Solution Stack, a cohesive, end-to-end offering designed to help organisations scale. Her remit reflects a deliberate shift towards enterprise-level strategy, recognising AI as a critical enabler of growth and resilience.
Speaking on her role, she noted: “We are entering a new era of possibility; I am proud to unlock practical AI solutions that move the needle for our customers.”
An active member of WiCyS and CWiT, Eilish has been recognised in the Business & Finance CIO 100 Index for four consecutive years, reflecting her sustained influence in the sector.
She has been central to Viatel’s recent market recognition, including Microsoft Ireland Modern Work Partner of the Year and Platinum Deloitte Best Managed Company status.
Dave O’Donovan, Chief Digital, Data & Transformation Officer
Aer Lingus
Dave O’Donovan is the Chief Digital, Data & Transformation Officer at Aer Lingus and is accountable for technology, enterprise transformation, and data & AI.
Dave joined Aer Lingus in 2017 and was appointed Chief Digital and Information Officer in 2019, joining the Executive Management Committee. Since 2023, he has also been leading the Aer Lingus Transformation programme.
Prior to Aer Lingus, Dave worked in the U.S. at both start-ups and big corporate organisations across multiple industries, and is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in extracting business value from digital, data and technology.
Gerard O’Flaherty, Chief Information Officer
Fexco Corporate Payments
Gerard is the CIO at Fexco Corporate Payments, a division of the Fexco Group, which provides specialist payment processing services to enable our clients to issue payments quickly, accurately, securely, and cost-effectively.
Leading a dynamic IT team in the FinTech industry, he has embarked on a number of global projects in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand, working with all the major banks and payment providers.
These projects have delivered a wide range of payment products to a vast range of customers. Gerard holds a BSc. in Computing with Human Factors from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in FinTech Innovation from Munster Technological University.
Tom O’Leary, Chief Information Officer
ICON plc
Tom O’Leary is ICON’s Chief Information Officer and has over twenty-five years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. O’Leary joined ICON in 2001 as Manager of Data Management and has held various leadership positions, including Global Head of Data Management and President of ICON Central Laboratories.
Prior to joining ICON, he worked for SmithKline Beecham and later GlaxoSmithKline and held positions in Data Management, Project Management, and Resource Management.
O’Leary holds a degree in Medicinal Chemistry and a Master’s in Data Management from Kingston University in Surrey and is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Jim Parkins, Chief Technology Officer
Boylesports
Jim Parkins joined BOYLE Sports as Chief Product and Technology Officer in October 2024, leading the Product and Technology organisation in Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, which boasts 400 retail betting shops across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain, alongside a significant digital platform.
He is responsible for setting product and technology strategy, driving the group’s cloud and microservices transformation, and building out engineering capability across hubs in Belfast and Belgrade.
A current focus is the application of AI and machine learning to customer segmentation and e-commerce personalisation, moving the business from incentive-led marketing to content-led, individualised digital experiences.
Jim brings more than 20 years of leadership across sportsbook, online casino, and consumer digital businesses. As Chief of Product and Technology at SKS365, he led the transformation of a struggling Italian operator into one of the market’s most attractive brands, culminating in its successful acquisition by Lottomatica in 2023.
Earlier roles include Director of Product at Tipico ahead of its sale to CVC, and senior digital leadership at TalkTalk.
Peter Quinn, Chief Information Officer
DCC plc
Peter Quinn has been the Chief Information Officer since he joined DCC in 2004. He also spent three years as Chief Operating Officer of DCC’s largest oil distribution business, Certas Energy UK.
Prior to joining DCC, he worked as an IT consultant with an international firm, where he specialised in the delivery of complex IT solutions across a range of business sectors.
He had previously worked in the food and transport industries in a variety of IT leadership roles.
Justin Ralph, Chief Technology Officer
RCSI
Justin Ralph has been the Chief Technology Officer since 2017, and is a member of the Senior Management Team at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
As CTO, he leads the institution’s AI strategy, and was the co-creator of the newly launched AI in Healthcare course for RCSI, developed in collaboration with Microsoft Ireland.
Prior to joining RCSI, he served as Business Transformation Lead at BearingPoint for seven years.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from Boston College Carroll School of Management, and a Bachelor of Business in Accounting & Strategic Management from Trinity College Dublin.
Katrina R. Redmond, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Eaton Group
Katrina R. Redmond is Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer for Eaton, a global power management company. In this role, she is responsible for the enterprise information technology strategy and execution.
Redmond joined Eaton in 2021. Prior to Eaton, she worked for Hubbell, where she served as Vice President and CIO.
Throughout her career, she has guided digital transformations and global e-commerce solutions and delivered global enterprise system implementations.
Redmond has held IT leadership roles at ABB, GE Grid Solutions, GE Industrial Solutions and GE Plastics.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Georgia. She later received a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University.
Redmond has served on the GE Women in Technology Board and received a CIO 100 Award in 2013.
Stephen Reidy, Chief Information Officer
Three Ireland
Stephen Reidy is Chief Information Officer at Three Ireland, a role he has held since 2014.
With more than two decades of experience in telecommunications and technology leadership, he has built a strong track record in driving transformational change, technology strategy, and large-scale delivery programmes at executive level.
Prior to joining Three Ireland, Stephen served as Head of Strategy & Consulting at O2 Ireland and previously held several senior IT and programme management roles at Orange.
He is recognized for aligning long-term technology strategy with short-term business objectives, delivering measurable value across complex, multi-vendor and offshore environments.
A graduate in Electronics from the University of Limerick, Stephen is known for his collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to drive sustainable organizational change.
Amy Richards, Chief Information Officer
CIÉ
Amy Richards has served as CIO at CIÉ since November 2025, bringing with her a long history at the company that stretches back to 2011.
She began her career there as a Service Desk Manager, a role she held for eight years, before progressing to Infrastructure and Service Delivery Manager.
She went on to hold several senior IT positions, including Deputy Head of IT and Head of Group IT, steadily building the experience that would lead to her current role.
Richards holds a bachelor’s degree from Technological University Dublin and a diploma in First Line Management from the National College of Ireland.
Dave Robertson, Chief Information Officer
Primark
Dave Robertson is Chief Information Officer for Primark, the Irish multinational fast-fashion retailer founded in 1969, with headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and outlets across Europe and the United States.
Dave joined Primark in November 2023 as Chief Technology Officer before being appointed to his current role in December 2024.
Prior to this, Dave spent several years at the Co-operative Group, most recently as the Director of Colleague Products and Business Platforms.
Dave holds a Business and Technology degree from Coventry University.
Mark Ryan, Head of IT
CityJet DAC
Mark Ryan is a seasoned technology executive with a record of turning complex IT landscapes into lean, reliable, and business-driving platforms.
As Head of IT for CityJet DAC and a member of its Executive Leadership Team, Mark steers all aspects of service delivery, infrastructure, budgeting, and vendor strategy, leading large-scale transformations that cut costs, lift performance, and ready the airline for growth.
Mark brings a proactive, metrics-driven approach to aligning IT strategy with commercial objectives to help accelerate innovation, fortify resilience, and gain a competitive edge.
Barry Ryan, Europe Region Chief Information Officer
Arup
Barry Ryan has been the Europe Region CIO for Arup since 2019.
The consultancy firm has been established in Ireland since 1946 and now employs hundreds of specialists across its offices in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
Prior to his role, Ryan held various senior positions at Deloitte, Vision Consultants, and the Defence Forces of Ireland.
He is a graduate of University College Cork, where he holds a HDip and a Master’s in Computer Science. Additionally, he holds an MSc in Software Engineering from Maynooth University.
Shane Slattery, Chief Information Officer
Dawn Meats
Shane Slattery has been CIO for Dawn Meats Group, one of Ireland’s largest food producers, for almost thirty years.
Previously, he worked internationally with KPMG for several years, designing systems and process changes for their blue-chip clients, including Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Heineken and Nalco Chemical Company (now Ecolab).
With operations in thirteen countries, Dawn Meats exports its products globally, has over 10,000 employees and a turnover which is in excess of €3bn.
A master’s degree graduate of the Michael Smurfit Business School, Slattery is also a certified PRINCE2 project practitioner, MSP practitioner and ITIL Expert.
Richard Smith, Chief Information Officer
NSSO
Richard Smith has over 30 years’ experience as a technology professional spanning medical engineering, aerospace, media and shared services.
He started his career as an electronic engineer before moving into IT as a software engineer, and then progressing to lead large technology functions in complex organisations.
Richard has had roles in Aer Lingus, RTÉ, and is currently the Chief Information Officer of the National Shared Services Office of the Irish Government.
In addition to creating and delivering the NSSO’s ICT Strategy, he is also the technology lead for the delivery of the Irish Government’s Financial Shared Services System, which will deliver services to over 49 public sector bodies.
Tom Sussman, Chief Technology Officer
SEAI
Tom Sussman is the CIO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Established in 2002, the Irish national energy agency leads the transition to a low-carbon economy. Funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, SEAI serves as the central authority for energy policy advice, statistics, and research.
The agency plays a pivotal role in Ireland’s climate strategy by managing multi-billion euro grant programmes for home retrofitting, heat pumps, and solar energy.
Beyond residential support, SEAI partners with businesses and the public sector to drive energy efficiency.
Through technical expertise and innovation, SEAI remains the primary driver of Ireland’s sustainable energy future.
Mike Tesar, Chief Technology Officer
LetsGetChecked
Mike Tesar is Chief Technology Officer at LetsGetChecked, a leading health insights company that empowers people to take an active role in their health to live longer, happier lives.
His specific expertise lies in system architecture design and development, project management, and product rollout in enterprise software development and deployment.
He has incorporated his vision of a data lake and the need for data scientists and experts working from this to come up with intelligence from the data that feeds back into the product continuously.
This allows the company to give customers dynamic health insights and proactive advice.
Fran Thompson, Chief Information Officer
HSE
Fran Thompson is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Health Service Executive (HSE), with responsibility for leading the organisation’s digital transformation across all areas.
He leads a high-performing team and works closely with clinical and business stakeholders to advance the HSE’s digital journey.
The HSE’s vision is to become a digital organisation, strengthening both care delivery and the supporting administrative processes.
Fran has more than 30 years of health ICT leadership experience, with a strong track record in transformation and change management in the health sector.
Prior to his appointment as CIO, he served as Programme Director for the Strategic e-Health Programme.
Throughout his career, Fran has led and delivered a wide range of projects and programmes, including hospital administration and clinical systems, primary care messaging solutions, and health finance solutions.
As part of the Digital for Care Strategy, Fran is responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of programmes at national and regional levels.
He also oversees the coordination of ICT delivery resources across the organisation.
Patrick Tracey, Chief Information Officer
Hilton Food Group
Pat has been with Hilton Foods since 2003 and has held senior Operating Company and Group roles in the areas of IT and Logistics.
He has played a leading role in Hilton Foods international expansion, particularly in developing strategic logistics solutions through warehouse automation, IT and robotics.
He currently serves as both Chief Information Officer and Tech Venture Business Director
Suzanne Tracy, Chief Technology Officer
SIRO Ireland
Suzanne established and leads the Technology function in SIRO, a joint venture between Vodafone Ireland and ESB (the Irish state-owned electrical utility), which is delivering FTTH to Irish homes and businesses over the electrical network.
Suzanne is responsible for the selection, design, and delivery of the SIRO Full Fibre Network rollout.
She is also responsible for all business process transformation, digital automation, IT system deployment, operations, cybersecurity, and the critically important in-home fibre service installation for all SIRO Retail & Enterprise customers.
Having started her career as a process engineer in pharmaceuticals, Suzanne has 25 years’ experience in Technology & Engineering, primarily with Vodafone Group Technology across multiple European markets.
Suzanne is a member of the FTTH Council Europe Board, a Board member of Vodafone Group Services Ireland Limited, and was recently appointed to the Board of An Garda Síochána.
Niall Twomey, Chief Technology Officer
Fenergo
Since 2009, Niall has been part of the Fenergo journey, leading the team that designs and develops the global standard in Client Lifecycle Management technologies.
With a proven track record in global enterprise technical strategy, design, architecture, product engineering, roadmap planning, and pre-sales client engagements, Niall leads a global team to create solutions that deliver impactful ROI for our global financial services clients.
A frequent speaker at industry events, Niall also produces regular thought-leading papers, blogs, and videos on cutting-edge technology topics.
Sandra Vujovic, Chief Information Officer
Vodafone
Sandra Vujovic has been CIO of Vodafone Ireland since March 2025. Prior to this, she served as CIO of Vodafone Spain.
She has held a number of technology leadership roles at companies including Johnson & Johnson, Mundipharma, adidas, and, most recently, Signify.
Sandra is a graduate of Queensland University of Technology, where she earned both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Business and Finance. She also recently completed an MBA through EMBA.
Jennifer Ward, Chief Technology Officer
Arthur Cox
Jennifer Ward is a Chief Technology Officer with more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale transformation programmes across financial services and fintech in Ireland and Europe.
She specializes in digital transformation, cloud and AI adoption, enterprise resilience, governance, and regulatory change, with a strong track record of delivering complex business and technology outcomes.
An experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair, Jennifer has led transformation portfolios valued at up to €150 million and managed teams of more than 300 people.
Her expertise spans strategic transformation, mergers and acquisitions, fintech startups, shared services, and organizational change.
She holds degrees from Trinity College Dublin and has completed executive education programmes at Harvard Business School and University of Cambridge. She is also an active sponsor of Women in Tech initiatives.
Derek Wilson, Group Chief Information Officer
Origin Enterprises
Origin Enterprises plc champions sustainable land use through technically led solutions across agriculture, environmental, urban and infrastructure development, and amenity markets.
Origin’s focus is on empowering its customers to enrich their land so that it achieves its true potential.
Origin holds leading market positions in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Poland, and Romania.
Derek Wilson leads Origin’s technology strategy, governance, shared services, transformation programmes, and AI/data analytics across the EU, UK, and LATAM markets.
He also has entrepreneurial P&L responsibility for Origin’s SaaS B2B digital agriculture business, which identifies, builds, and implements innovative geospatial solutions.
Wilson was previously Technology and E-Commerce Director at The Irish Times Group and Managing Director of Siemens Business Services. He has also held senior positions with KPMG, Version 1, and JBA.
Rob Wilson, Chief Technology Officer
Smyths Toys
Rob Wilson is the Chief Technology Officer of Smyths Toys. He is a respected industry leader with over two decades of experience as a business-led CIO/CTO in the Retail, Brand Management, Manufacturing, and Media industries.
Since 2013, Rob has served as CTO at Smyths Toys.
During his tenure, he has been instrumental in building a successful multi-channel business focused on delivering exceptional customer service and driving efficiency throughout the organisation.
Rob strongly believes in empowering teams to foster innovation, accountability, trust, and simplicity. Before joining Smyths Toys, he held positions at Havas Media, Musgrave, and Pentland Group.
