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CIO 100 Index 2024 — Part 1

Business & Finance

The Business & Finance CIO 100 Index 2024 recognises the top 100 Digital Leaders working across some of the most innovative companies in Ireland today.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

The full list is available to download here

Alan Bambury, Chief Information Security Officer,
Kerry Group

Alan Bambury is responsible for application strategy, information security and software compliance as Chief Information Security Officer of Kerry Group.

He previously held roles as SAP Solution Architect, SAP Development Lead and SAP Finance Lead in Kerry Group after joining originally as IT Manager before moving to Kerry Ingredients and Flavours as IT Director. Bambury holds a BA from University College Cork.

Samuel Baxter, Chief Information Security Officer,
FD Technologies

Samuel Baxter is the Chief Information Security Officer for FD Technologies.

He previously held roles as Information Security Manager & Security Lead of Formula 1, Asia Head of Engineering and WinAdmin Engineer at Options Technology, Senior Engineer of Planet Office Systems Ltd and Education Support Analyst at Bournemouth Borough Council.

Nathan Bishop, Group IT Services Director,
Grafton Group plc

​Nathan Bishop is Group IT Director at Grafton Group plc. He has over 25 years’ IT leadership and change delivery experience in a variety of sectors including energy, retail, financial services, and consulting. Since joining Grafton Group in 2014, Nathan has led transformation programmes to modernise technology services and capability groupwide, and has supported the business through a series of acquisitions and divestments.

Prior to his current role at Grafton Group, he was Group IT Operations Director at E.ON, the multinational utility provider, followed by Group IT Services Director at Homeserve.

Phil Blackwell, Chief Technology Officer,
WHYZE Health

Phil Blackwell, is a experienced Chief Technology and Information Officer, with over twenty years of experience across diverse business sectors, including Telecommunications, Media, Financial Services, and now HealthCare/Life Science, to his current role at WHYZE Health.

At WHYZE Health, Phil plays a pivotal role in advancing the organisation’s mission to revolutionise healthcare and research by enabling impactful decision-making. Recognising the pivotal role of technology and AI, WHYZE Health aims to unite the entire healthcare ecosystem to enhance treatment options, improve patient outcomes, and democratise access to clinical trials for patients.

With a track record of leadership in large-scale technology services and infrastructure projects, Phil specialises in constructing robust systems across data, regulated processes, engineering, and service operations. His expertise extends to the establishment of secure and highly available transactional environments, vital for the success of WHYZE Health’s ambitious goals.

Before joining WHYZE Health, Phil served as the Group Chief Technology Officer at Bank of Ireland (BOI), where he spearheaded technology initiatives to drive innovation and efficiency. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Group Chief Information Officer at The Irish Times Group, where he further honed his skills in leveraging technology to enhance organisational capabilities and business improvements.

Phil’s experience and expertise help WHYZE Health as the organisation continues its journey to transform healthcare delivery and research through cutting-edge technology and strategic decision-making.

Jonathan Boylan, Chief Technology Officer,
FINEOS

Jonathan has over 30 years’ experience in enterprise and SaaS financial technology. He is the Chief Technology Officer of FINEOS, a leading provider of Employee Benefits, Life, Accident and Health insurance solutions to over 60 insurers in North America, Europe and APAC. In the last 20 years, Jonathan has played a leading role in the growth of FINEOS from a start-up to IPO with over €120m in annual revenue. While leading technology throughout the period, Jonathan also established and ran product management and led marketing. Like all technology companies, revenue growth is a major focus and Jonathan 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 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.

Peter Brickley, Chief Information Officer EMEA,
CCEP (Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners)

Peter Brickley leads the business process and technology function at CCEP, including steering CCEP’s investments in technology solutions.

Peter has over 25 years’ experience leading technology for global businesses including Heineken, Centrica and BAT.

Before CCEP, he was Global CIO and Managing Director of Global Business Services at SABMiller.

Andrew Brothers, Chief Information Officer,
Primark

Andrew Brothers has been Chief Information Officer at Primark since 2021 with previous roles including CIO for Europe & Indonesia at Ahold Delhaize, Global CIO & Digital Director at TCC Global and CIO at Whitbread.

Brothers is a digital executive with global multi sector expertise in both the client and consulting side. He is driving business value through the use of innovative and market leading technology solutions that are redefining the retail industry.

Eileen Burns, Chief Digital Officer,
Arthur Cox

Eileen Burns is head of the Legal Tech Services and is Arthur Cox’s Chief Digital Officer. She has nearly thirty years’ experience in the consulting services, finance shared service and the tech sector.

Since joining Arthur Cox in September 2018, Burns has focused on developing and enhancing the Arthur Cox consulting and Legal Tech client service offerings including commissioning the Arthur Cox eDiscovery and Investigation Services.

She is also responsible for the digital transformation agenda within Arthur Cox, with a strategy to embed legal tech into the day-to-day work activities of the firm’s partners, associates, trainees and consultants across the firm. It is also her responsibility to identify and shape tech-enabled client services.

Previously, Burns spent seventeen years in senior leadership positions at both European and global levels within Accenture CIO and ten years on Accenture client consulting engagements.

Wayne Bursey, Industrial Cyber Security & Digital Network Lead,
Siemens Ireland & Scotland

Wayne Bursey is the Networks and Cyber Security lead within the Siemens Digital Industry business. Bursey has worked for Siemens for almost twenty five years within the industrial sector focused on Control, Automation and Communication Systems specifically in Operational Technology (OT) environments.

As a consultant within the Manufacturing Environment and Critical Infrastructure Sector, his objective is to strengthen the security of OT Networks and Systems building added resilience into Industrial Control and Safety Systems. Additionally, Bursey is focused on promoting the adoption of the IEC 62243 Standard across OT.

Jared Carstensen, Chief Information Security Officer,
CRH plc

Jared Carstensen is an internationally recognised information and cyber security professional with extensive experience in the design, implementation and governance of security controls, business strategies and frameworks across global organisations spanning multiple sectors. Over the past eighteen years, Carstensen has been advising Fortune 500, 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 and led various projects across the EMEA, Americas and APAC regions and is currently listed as a member of the IT Governance Institute Expert Panel (on 10+ Information Security and related domains). He is a member of the Standards.org advisory panel on ISO 27001, ISO 38500 along with best practice frameworks and standards.

Brian Chapman, Chief Information Officer,
eir Ireland

Brian Chapman is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at eir, appointed in 2018. With over twenty years of experience, Brian specializes in IT organizational and technology transformation.

At eir, Brian has been pivotal in reshaping the IT landscape, driving strategic initiatives that reduce costs and improve service delivery. His leadership has guided significant transformation in IT strategy, architecture, development, security, and operations, all aimed at aligning technological advancements with business objectives.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications from Dublin City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Technology Management from Technological University Dublin.

Patrick Clarke, Chief Information Officer,
AIB (AIB Merchant Services)

Patrick is Chief Information Officer at AIBMS. Previously he was CTO of Rs2 Software plc, providing Issuing and Acquiring solutions to global companies through an on-cloud platform. Prior to that, he served as CEO of OmniPay Platform at First Data, delivering the integration OmniPay into First Data as its Global Acquiring Platform of Choice.

Seán Convery, Chief Technology Officer,
Boylesports

Seán Convery has been CTO of Boylesports since 2015. During this time, Boylesports has seen a dramatic upturn in business performance and expansion underpinned by product development, data insights and technology evolution.

As in his previous roles, Convery has been central in transforming Boylesports into a truly customer-centric, product and technology company in retail, online and the omnichannel worlds and this continues with international expansion.

Convery is passionate about, and personally supports the delivery of business needs across business verticals and ensuring developments are right-sized and right-paced with the business opportunity size in mind. He is personal in inspiring and motivating teams in aligning to the business opportunities and priorities and leads on complex solutions and problem-solving.

Convery has a strong track record of transformation and hands-on experience across all technology domains, from product and development, through enterprise infrastructure and networks, cloud platforms and security to Operations, Corporate IT, M&A and Organisational structuring.

Ashling Cunningham, Chief Information Officer,
Irish Life Group

Ashling Cunningham is an experienced Chief Information Officer at Irish Life Group. She has extensive experience working across manufacturing, services, utilities, and financial service industries. Ashling has a Technology and Finance background, and holds an MSc in Management from Trinity College.

Before joining Irish Life Ashling held several senior leadership and consulting positions in international companies. A regular speaker at seminars, conference, and industry events on the transformational role of digital and technology, data and security, innovation, and women in business, she is a frequent contributor to trade publications.

Louise Dennehy, Chief Information Officer,
Central Bank of Ireland

Louise Dennehy was appointed as Chief Information Officer at the Central Bank of Ireland in September 2019. She joined the company as Head of IT Delivery in April 2017.

Dennehy has over 25 year’s 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.

Michael Devitt, Chief Information Officer,
William Fry

Michael Devitt is the Chief Information officer and head of digital at William Fry. He is an information technology professional and holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (B.Sc.) degree. Devitt has led IT functions in highly regulated environments and has almost thirty five years’ experience in IT working for large multinationals across various sectors, including banking, distribution, sales & marketing, security and legal.

Chris Donnelly, Chief Information Officer,
BWG Foods

Chris Donnelly was appointed Chief Information Officer of BWG in October 2020 having served as IT Director since 2016.

Donnelly joined BWG Foods in 2015, when BWG acquired ADM Londis. He has vast experience in IT, having worked in technology, wholesale and in the retail industry in particular as he 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, Donnelly designed and developed the multi award-winning BWG ShopLink eCommerce platform.

John Duffy, Director of IT,
Brightwater

As the Chief Information Officer of the Brightwater Group, John Duffy has consistently driven business value through the use of innovative and market leading technology solutions that are transforming the recruitment industry. With a robust background in network security, change management, and systems implementations within professional services, John has brought a wealth of expertise to his role since joining the Group in 2013. His leadership extends beyond conventional IT management, demonstrating a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between technology and human capital. John’s contributions have not only streamlined operations but also enhanced the overall candidate and client experience, setting a benchmark for excellence in the industry.

Thomas Farrell, CIO,
NBC Global Finance Limited

Thomas Farrell is CIO of NBC Global Finance Limited. Prior to his appointment at NBC Global Finance Limited, he was Information Technology Risk Manager at Central Bank of Ireland. He was responsible for conducting onsite and ongoing risk assessments of technology across all firms regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Keith Fingleton, Chief Information Officer,
IDA Ireland

Keith Fingleton joined IDA Ireland in March 2015 as Chief Technology Advisor, becoming CIO at the beginning of 2018. 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

Phillip Fischer joined UCD as Chief Information Officer in July 2017 and is responsible for University-wide IT Services including Academic and Administrative Systems, Research IT, Teaching and Learning Technologies, UCD Web Services and the delivery of the IT Strategy 2020.

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.

John Fitzgerald, CIO,
CMS Distribution

Ronan Fitzpatrick, Chief Information Officer,
VHI

Ronan Fitzpatrick has been CIO at the VHI group since 2021 with previous roles including Director of Digital at PwC Ireland and Director of Digital and Mobile at Aer Lingus. Fitzpatrick achieved a BSc in Applied Computing in 1994 from Waterford Institute of Technology.

Business & Finance CIO 100 (alphabetical by surname):

View part one (B–F)

View part two (F–L)

View part three (L–O)

View part four (O–W)

 

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