By Business & Finance 
The Business & Finance CFO 100 Index 2024, in association with Sia Partners, recognises the top 100 Chief Financial Officers working across some of the most innovative companies in Ireland and the UK today.
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David Arnold, Group Chief Financial Officer,
Grafton Group plc
David Arnold joined the Board and the Group as Group Chief Financial Officer on September 9th, 2013. Prior to this, he served as Group Finance Director of Enterprise plc, a leading UK Maintenance and Support Services business, from 2010 to 2013. Between 2003 and 2010, Arnold was Finance Director of Redrow plc, a prominent housebuilder. Earlier in his career, he held senior financial roles with Six Continents plc, a global hotels group, and Tarmac plc, a renowned building materials company. Arnold currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Crest Nicholson Holdings plc, a major UK housebuilding group.
Michael Behan, Chief Financial Officer,
EirGrid Group
Michael Behan was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the EirGrid Group in January 2022, bringing over two decades of experience in financial management and leadership. Since joining EirGrid in 2006, Michael has held a number of pivotal roles, including Group Financial Controller and Financial Controller for the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO). His expertise has been integral to EirGrid’s financial strategy and operational success. Prior to his tenure at EirGrid, Michael served in senior finance positions at ESB National Grid, Deloitte, and John P. Greely & Co. As a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, he has a proven track record in enhancing financial performance, driving growth, and ensuring effective financial governance within the energy sector.
Julie Berg, Chief Financial Officer,
Mainstream Renewable Power
Julie Berg has 25 years of experience in auditing and accounting in the UK and Norway. Julie is an experienced leader within finance and internal control and has worked with international companies and Norwegian listed entities for over 20 years, advising on accounting issues, risk and compliance and finance transformation. She has also played a central role in some of Norway’s largest acquisitions, demergers and listing projects. Julie’s broad experience across many areas of expertise and several sectors means she is able to draw on her many years of experience advising global companies, and her wide global network and add real value to any team she is part of.
She joined Mainstream Renewable Power as its Chief Financial Officer in April 2024.
Adrian Blackshields, Finance Director,
Primark
Adrian Blackshields is currently a Finance Director at Primark. Adrian Blackshields brings experience from previous roles at Primark, Vodafone and Deloitte Consulting. Adrian Blackshields holds Bachelor Of Science in Finance from University College Cork, and has robust skills that includes Operations, Retail, and more.
Basil Blakeney, Finance Director,
AbbVie
Basil Blakney is an accomplished Finance Director with over 15 years of experience in senior financial roles, including positions as Finance Director and Site Director at AbbVie Limited and previously at Abbott Laboratories. He is a qualified member of both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Associates of the Irish Tax Institute (AITI). In 2017, Blakney enhanced his expertise by obtaining a Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection. Throughout his career, Blakney has demonstrated key strengths in delivering results through high-performing teams and building strong, collaborative relationships both within organisations and with external stakeholders. His leadership has been instrumental in driving financial success and strategic growth. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Basil Blakney serves as a board member of Allergan Ltd., where he continues to contribute his financial acumen and strategic insights to the company’s ongoing success.
Ken Bowles, Group Chief Financial Officer,
Smurfit Kappa
Ken Bowles was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer in April 2016 and was appointed a Director in December 2016. He joined the Group in 1994 and has occupied a number of finance roles in various parts of the Group. In 2004 he was appointed as the Group’s first Head of Compliance, in 2007 he became the Group’s Head of Tax and in 2010 he was appointed Group Financial Controller. Bowles is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants and holds a first class MBA from the UCD Graduate School of Business.
Andrew Boyle, Chief Financial Officer,
Aon Ireland
Andrew Boyle has been Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at Aon in Ireland since July 2024, where he is responsible for the financial strategy, planning, and overall financial management of the company. He brings over 20 years of experience as a CFO across the professional services, investment management, and broking sectors. Much of his career was spent at Mercer, where he held various senior roles, including European CFO and Global CFO for Mercer’s investment business in Boston. Andrew is known for his ability to build and manage high-growth businesses, transform underperforming divisions, and lead complex, multinational teams. His experience includes assessing and integrating M&A targets, strategic planning, and implementing risk management practices. He holds a Fellowship with Chartered Accountants Ireland, having trained and qualified at KPMG. Andrew’s extensive background and proven track record make him a key asset to Aon, particularly as the company continues to navigate growth and transformation in a competitive industry
Brendan Brennan, Chief Financial Officer,
ICON plc
Brendan Brennan has served as Chief Financial Officer since February 2012. Brennan has developed his career with over twenty years’ experience in various industries. He joined ICON in 2006 and has served in a number of senior finance roles in the company including the role of Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance. Prior to this, he developed his broad financial experience in Cement Roadstone Holdings, a major Irish building materials organisation. Brennan spent a number of years in public accounting with PwC prior to this. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Dublin City University. Over his many years of experience in the CRO industry, Brennan has been involved in many industry organisations and developments including ACRO (Association of Clinical Research Organisations) where he was the founding Chairman of the industry CFO round table group, a group formed to aid CROs dealing with the various industry challenges. Brennan held the position of Chairman of the round table from its foundation in 2017 to December 31st.
Pat Brennan, Chief Financial Officer,
Novartis
Pat Brennan is Chief Financial Officer at Novartis. Novartis Ireland business includes the Global Service Centre, Sales and Marketing business units in Dublin and Manufacturing and Services in Cork. Brennan has worked with Novartis for the past eighteen years in various finance and business roles in Switzerland, Turkey, and Ireland. He gained experience prior to Novartis with ArcelorMittal, as well as in the motor industry, real estate in Chicago, and Sourcing and SCM roles in the food manufacturing industry. Brennan holds a Master of Science in Global Business Services from Smurfit Business School UCD along with an Accounting degree from the Cork Institute of Technology, and he is a Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA).
Annemarie Britz, Director of Finance and Business,
Central Bank of Ireland
Annemarie Britz was appointed Director of Finance and Business Performance on 1 January 2024. She joined the Central Bank in 2019 as the Head of the Financial Control Division. Prior to joining the Central Bank, Annemarie spent most of her career working in the private sector in South Africa where she held several CFO positions, and thereafter she joined the Reserve Bank of South Africa where she held the positions of Deputy CFO and Deputy Head Financial Markets. She represents the Central Bank as a member of the Budget Committee and the Accounting and Monetary Income Committee of the ECB. Annemarie holds a BCom Accounting Honours degree, a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting from the University of Pretoria (South Africa), and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Donal Buggy, Chief Financial Officer,
Ornua
Donal Buggy is Group Chief Financial Officer of Ornua since 2013. He has responsibility for group financial strategy, reporting & control, treasury management and taxation. Donal has also previously been responsible for ICT and Mergers & Acquisitions and acted as Interim CEO of Ornua for 8 months between 2023 & 2024. He joined the Ornua Board of Directors in 2020. Prior to joining Ornua, Donal was Group Chief Financial Officer and Board member of Independent News & Media plc (INM) from 2002 to 2012 and represented INM as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of APN News & Media Ltd in Australia from 2003 to 2010. Prior to this, he worked with PwC in Dublin. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Donal holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin.
Yvonne Burke, Chief Financial Officer,
Glen Dimplex
Yvonne Burke is Chief Financial Officer at Glen Dimplex Group, having joined Glen Dimplex in 2020 as Group Finance Director. She is responsible for delivering Glen Dimplex’s ambitious growth plans through organic growth and M&A. Prior to Glen Dimplex, Burke spent fifteen years in the energy sector, including Chief Financial Officer for Customer Solutions in ESB and held a number of senior roles in the UK and Ireland within SSE plc and Airtricity including heading up the Residential Customer Business. She qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Accounting from the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG).
Aaron Carroll, Finance Director,
BT
Aaron Carroll is the Finance Director of BT Ireland, a leading communications services company employing over 650 people. BT Ireland provides essential services to mid-to-large organizations across various sectors in Ireland, playing a critical role in supporting their operations. A seasoned veteran with 19 years of experience at BT, Carroll was appointed Finance Director in April 2016. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional financial leadership, guiding the company through numerous strategic initiatives and helping to strengthen its position in the competitive telecommunications landscape. Carroll’s long-standing commitment to the business, coupled with his financial expertise, has made him a key figure in driving the financial success and operational efficiency of BT Ireland.
Lavanya Chandrashekar, Chief Financial Officer,
Diageo
Lavanya Chandrashekar was appointed Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Diageo plc in July 2021. She previously held the roles of Chief Financial Officer, Diageo North America and Global Head of Investor Relations within Diageo. Externally, Chandrashekar was Vice President Finance, Global Cost Leadership and Supply Chain at Mondelez International. She worked in various senior finance roles across North America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mondelez International. She also led Procter & Gamble teams across India, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America in various senior finance roles.
Padraig Clancy, Executive Director Finance,
Gilead Sciences Inc.
Padraig Clancy began working at biotechnology company Gilead Sciences Inc. in 2008 as a Director of Finance. He progressed to Senior Director Finance, then Executive Director Finance before being appointed Vice President Finance — Financial Shared Services in 2019. He has global experience in the pharmaceutical industry across the supply chain from bulk API production, tablet manufacturing and packaging through to distribution and commercial operations. Clancy is experienced in leading strategic organisational and operational change in complex business environments and has demonstrated ability in working with cross functional management on all areas of business to deliver results including commercial operations, budget and finance management, cost reduction programs, operational excellence initiatives and strategy formulation and planning. He has proven organisational and motivational skills along with a strong record in staff development to deliver on objectives and targets.
Paul Cogan, Chief Financial Officer,
Wisetek
Paul Cogan holds a degree in Business and Accounting from the University of Limerick. With over twenty years’ financial experience, Cogan brings a wealth of financial and managerial expertise which he has gained in various roles across a variety of sectors, operating both nationally and internationally. Previously, he was the Group CFO with the Irish Times. Prior to that, he held a number of senior finance positions with Diageo, including Commercial Finance Director for the Nordic Region, and Global Sell to Cash Director before relocating home to Ireland.
Patrick Cooney, Chief Financial Officer,
Version 1
Patrick joined Version 1 in 2024 as CFO following a highly successful tenure at Kerry Group plc, where he served as Europe CFO for nine years, helping the organisation to navigate several geopolitical challenges including Brexit, cost inflation and the impact of COVID-19. Patrick spearheads Version 1’s financial growth strategy, driving the business safely during a time of rapid expansion through acquisition and progression into new markets. His charter includes building a high performing finance team that can support business performance and growth, while remaining grounded in the three sides of the company’s strategic operating model – customer first, empowered people and a strong organisation.
Neil Corcoran, Chief Financial Officer,
Irish Life Investment Managers
Neil Corcoran joined ILIM as Chief Financial Officer in 2020. Corcoran has over twenty five years’ experience across financial services and has held a variety of senior finance roles covering asset management, banking and asset servicing. He joined ILIM from Bank of Ireland Group where he was Director of Group Finance. Previous roles within Bank of Ireland included CFO for the Irish Retail Division and Head of Finance for Bank of Ireland Asset Management. Corcoran is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and holds a BSc in Management.
Stephen Craig, Chief Financial Officer,
State Street
Stephen Craig has been the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at State Street for over seven years, where he plays a key role in steering the financial direction of one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. Stephen is responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring strategic growth, and managing complex financial processes across the global business. Before joining State Street, Stephen spent several years at Merrill Lynch, where he served as Director of the Hedge Fund Group. There, he was in charge of everything from managing financial strategies to handling operational processes, giving him the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Prior to Merrill Lynch, Stephen held a role at Deutsche Bank as Director of Change Management from 2004 to 2006, where he led several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the bank’s financial and operational efficiency. His background in navigating complex financial systems and driving change has been a cornerstone of his career. Stephen’s academic foundation in Business Economics and Accounting from the University of Southampton further equipped him with the tools and insights to excel in the financial sector.
Conor Curley, Chief Financial Officer,
AMCS
Conor Curley is an accomplished finance professional with a strong track record in supporting high-growth companies across international markets. He has held key financial roles at Digicel, contributing to the company’s operations in Papua New Guinea, China, and other global locations. His international experience has strengthened his ability to navigate complex financial challenges in dynamic markets. A Chartered Accountant with a Master’s degree in Accounting, Conor combines technical expertise with strategic insight. He has extensive experience in financial control, reporting, corporate finance, and strategic planning, aligning financial operations with broader business goals. Conor’s adaptability and global perspective make him a valuable asset in driving financial strategy and operational efficiency.
Paula Deegan, Chief Financial Officer,
Aerospace Dublin
Paula Deegan is the Chief Financial Officer at Dublin Aerospace, where she has played a crucial role in the company’s financial operations and growth over the past twelve years. She began her time at Dublin Aerospace in 2009 as a Financial Controller, quickly advancing to Head of Finance before being appointed CFO. In her current role, she oversees all financial aspects of the company, including budgeting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making within the highly specialised aviation industry. Before joining Dublin Aerospace, Paula gained substantial experience in the aviation sector, holding key positions at SR Technics Group, where she served as a Component Services Accountant and later as Manager Controlling. Her career also includes roles at FLS Aerospace and Aer Lingus, further honing her expertise in financial management and operations within the aviation industry. Paula’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies from Dublin Institute of Technology, which she obtained in 1991. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the aviation sector, combined with her financial acumen, have made her a pivotal figure in the financial leadership of Dublin Aerospace. Under her guidance, the company has maintained a strong financial footing, supporting its operations and growth strategies in a competitive global market.
Mark Denley, Chief Financial Officer,
Vodafone Ireland
Mark Denley is a highly experienced Finance and Commercial leader, currently serving as Finance Director at Vodafone UK. With over 15 years of experience at Vodafone, Mark has held several senior finance roles, including Head of Finance for Vodafone Business and Finance Director for Group Commercial. Throughout his career, he has led financial strategies across diverse business units, focusing on areas such as enterprise solutions, business transformation, and P&L management. His work has included driving financial performance and efficiency, overseeing large-scale budgets, and leading strategic initiatives across multiple markets. Mark is skilled in financial planning, stakeholder management, and commercial decision-making, ensuring the alignment of financial objectives with the broader strategic goals of the organization. He is also a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Enda Devine, Finance Director and Executive Director,
IPB Insurance
Enda Devine is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, a member of the Institute of Directors in Ireland and a member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland with a Diploma in Information Systems awarded by Trinity College Dublin. He has held a number of Senior Executive, INED and Board level positions over the past twenty years in leading financial services organisations.
Jacinta Devine, Chief Financial Officer,
Dole plc
Jacinta Devine was appointed to the Dole plc board on June 30th, 2022 and serves as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to this she served as Corporate Secretary of Dole plc. Devine was appointed to the role of Company Secretary of Total Produce plc in 2017 having previously held the role of Assistant Company Secretary. She joined the Group in 1996 and during this time held a number of senior accounting and financial positions including Divisional Finance Director of Ireland and the UK. Dole plc believe that Devine is qualified to serve on the board of directors due to her long standing experience in leadership positions in Total Produce and Dole plc, her understanding of finance and financial reporting processes, her experience in senior financial positions and her experience and knowledge of corporate governance matters from her time as Company Secretary of a publicly traded company. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
Download the full list as PDF
Business & Finance CFO 100 (alphabetical by surname):
View part one (A–D)
View part two (D–L)
View part three (L–P)
View part four (P–W)
