By Business & Finance 
Conor Gray, CEO, Boylesports
In association with Next Generation, Business & Finance highlights notable professional appointments and promotions.
Conor Gray, CEO, BoyleSports
BoyleSports, Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, appointed Conor Gray as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the end of July. Mr Gray takes over the role from John Boyle, the company’s founder.
Mr Gray has worked with BoyleSports for 16 years, having joined the company’s Baggot Road Dublin branch as a trainee cashier in 2001. In 2003 he moved to the BoyleSports Information and Media department at its headquarters in Dundalk, County Louth. Over the next ten years he took on executive roles in various departments within the company including IT, Trading and Digital. In 2013 he moved to Asia to oversee relationship development work for BoyleSports returning to the BoyleSports Head Office in January 2014 as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
John Boyle, BoyleSports Executive Chairman, said: “After 35 years building BoyleSports from one shop into Ireland’s largest independent bookmaker, it would not be possible step back if I were not confident that I was handing the reins to the right person. In Conor I am confident I have a successor who can bring not only experience and expertise but also a passion for all things related to bookmaking in general and BoyleSports in particular.”
Prior to joining BoyleSports Mr Gray, who is a graduate of Queens University Belfast, worked with the accountancy firm Deloitte & Touche, where he specialised in banking and pensions. Hailing from Armagh and an avid GAA fan Conor is married to Kerry and has two daughters.
Barry Dempsey
Barry Dempsey, Chief Executive, Chartered Accountants Ireland
The Council of Chartered Accountants Ireland announced the appointment of Barry Dempsey to the role of Chief Executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland. He brings considerable executive leadership experience to the organisation following acting Chief Executive roles in both the commercial private and voluntary sectors.
Mr Dempsey was previously Chief Executive of the Irish Heart Foundation. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Peter Mark and Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society. He has also served as Chairman of the Council of the Irish Management Institute.
Mr Dempsey said: “I am excited and honoured to join the team as Chief Executive. Chartered Accountants Ireland is a dynamic organisation that has significantly evolved over recent years to meet the demands of members in a changing business environment both on the island of Ireland and internationally.
“I am enthusiastic about the opportunities to provide outstanding services and value to the members and students of Chartered Accountants Ireland and for the Institute to play an important role in the business community. As a result of the work of committed staff and volunteers, Chartered Accountants Ireland is well placed for continued success.”
He holds an MBA from Trinity College, Dublin.
Sarah McDonnell, Principal, Unispace
Sarah McDonnell, Principal, Client Relations and Studio Manager, Unispace
Unispace has appointed Sarah McDonnell to its team in Dublin as Principal, Client Relations and Studio Leader.
Ms McDonnell brings 22 years of extensive industry experience to Unispace, and has worked on a wide range of work overseeing all project management processes from purchase, through to design development and construction contract completion.
Her extensive experience includes projects across all industry sectors including work for clients such as Willis, JP Morgan, Jazz Pharma, Google and Workday.
Anthony Hazell, Managing Director, Europe at Unispace, said: “Sarah has in depth experience of the Irish market – her professionalism and experience are well known within the industry. The studio in Dublin is building an impressive portfolio of work including projects for PwC, Virgin Media and Boston Scientific, among others.
“Unispace is making waves in the industry because of our distinct approach, and we are building on our progress by bringing on board a studio leader like Sarah who is highly creative, innovative and leads from the front. We are delighted to welcome her to our team.”
Prior to joining Unispace, Sarah worked for Sisk, Shelbourne Development and most recently StructureTone in Dublin where she project managed and delivered projects for industry leading clients such as Willis, Google, KPMG and Workday.
In her time with Shelbourne Development she managed all of the firms Irish and European projects. Key projects here included 75 St Stephens Green, a 10,000 sq.m. office building that achieved some of the highest rents in Dublin at the time as a result of its prestigious location and quality finishing.
