By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Ronnie Patton, President, ACCA Ireland
This week sees new and notable appointments at ACCA Ireland, MyMortgages.ie, Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS), Hidden Hearing, Allianz Insurance, FSCom Limited, ByrneWallace LLP, Poolbeg Pharma, and Alice Public Relations
Ronnie Patton, Global President,
ACCA Ireland
A retired finance lecturer from Northern Ireland has been elected president of the leading global professional accountancy body ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Ronnie Patton, from Bangor, County Down, leads more than 750,000 ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) members and future members across 181 countries. He joined ACCA in 1981 and is a former president of ACCA Ireland. He was senior lecturer in Professional Accounting Practice at Ulster University, Belfast, from 2003 until this year.
Ronnie Patton, Global President, said: “I can’t wait to get started and to do all I can to contribute to our work around the world. The themes that I have chosen as my focus for the year ahead are Purpose, Professionalism and People. They’re about how ACCA stands for more than just making money; about how the professionalism of ACCA members makes them stand out in the crowd; and about how our people are special because they embody values and a purpose that make the world a better, more sustainable place.”
Patton is joined in the leadership of ACCA’s global governing Council by fellow officers – deputy president Ayla Majid from Pakistan, the CEO of a sustainable finance consultancy; and vice-president Melanie Proffitt, from England, who is CFO of a hotels group in the Cotswolds. He is the second member of ACCA Ireland in three years to serve as ACCA President, following Orla Collins from Dublin in 2021/22.
Ryan Flanagan, Senior Mortgage Advisor,
MyMortgages.ie
Ryan Flanagan has been appointed Senior Mortgage Advisor of MyMortgages.ie., at Cork and Dublin-based. Well-known Mortgage Brokerages in Ireland, established in 2005. In this pivotal position as Senior Mortgage Advisor, Ryan will take on the responsibility of assisting clients in obtaining mortgage solutions tailored to meet their specific financial needs. His duties encompass providing expert advice, evaluating client eligibility for various mortgage options, and skillfully guiding them through the often intricate mortgage application process.
Established in 2005, MyMortgages.ie has grown organically to become one of the best-known Mortgage Brokerages in Ireland.
Joey Sheahan, Head of Credit at MyMortgages.ie, said, “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ryan as our Senior Mortgage Advisor. Having worked with Ryan for some time now, I can confidently say that his dedication and expertise make him an ideal fit for this role. His tenure as a Mortgage Administrator at MyMortgages.ie has equipped him with the right blend of customer service skills, managerial aptitude, and financial acumen”.
As a Senior Mortgage Advisor, Ryan will analyse clients’ eligibility and unique risk profiles and tailor mortgage options such as interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment terms to meet their specific needs and goals. He will serve as a knowledgeable guide throughout the mortgage application process, addressing any concerns or inquiries clients may have. Working closely with his colleagues, Ryan will ensure clients navigate the mortgage experience with clarity and confidence, helping them to secure the best possible terms.
Ryan joined the MyMortgages team in 2021. Prior to this, he worked as a Food and Beverage manager with JD Hotel Group for four years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics in addition to being a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), reflecting his strong foundation in financial concepts and advisory services. Ryan also holds a Green Belt in QQI Lean Six Sigma.
Mr. Sheahan continued, “Ryan’s background and qualifications make him exceptionally well-suited for this position. During his time as Mortgage Administrator, he has cultivated a deep understanding of our organisation’s operations, client base, and the intricacies of the mortgage industry. His previous tenure in the hospitality industry allowed him to develop strong customer service and managerial skills, which will undoubtedly be valuable assets in his new role as Senior Mortgage Advisor. Ryan’s wealth of experience, qualifications, and commitment to delivering exceptional service will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of our clients and our company as a whole”.
Paula Farrell, Client Services Director – Food & Environmental,
Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS)
Paula Farrell has been appointed to the role of Client Services Director – Food & Environmental of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS).
With over 20 years of commercial and operational experience, Paula will lead the Food and Environmental department at CLS to drive and enhance service solutions for national and multi-national clients. Her role will focus on business development as well as nurturing high-performance teams of technical analysts specializing in food and water safety testing operations, ensuring high levels of compliance and health and safety standards.
Paula holds a Bachelor Degree of Science, in Environmental Management from Atlantic Technological University (ATU). As a senior management professional, she has worked with a range of companies across environmental services and compliance.
Duncan Graham, Sales Director,
Hidden Hearing
Pictured (from l-r): Dolores Madden, Marketing Director, Hidden Hearing, Duncan Graham, Sales Director, Hidden Hearing, Stephen Leddy, Managing Director, Hidden Hearing and Patricia Garland-Moloney, HR Director, Hidden Hearing.
Hidden Hearing has announced the appointment of Duncan Graham as Sales Director. Graham was Managing Director of Retail Excellence Ireland, for the past three years, and has a wealth of experience in retail and consumer sales and marketing.
Stephen Leddy, Managing Director, Hidden Hearing, said, “With a unique blend of insight and expertise, Duncan Graham is ideally positioned to direct Hidden Hearing’s ambitious strategic and tactical development plans. The Hidden Hearing leadership team welcomes Duncan Graham’s deep understanding of the Irish business landscape, and his exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen, which will help drive the company on its planned growth trajectory.”
Graham’s appointment comes at an important juncture for the hearing healthcare specialist, that operates an extensive network of 85 clinics across the island of Ireland.
With an ageing population, pressured public health services, and growing awareness of the holistic significance of hearing health, the sector is seeing tremendous demand. Larger individual clinics, enhanced outreach services, and a more extensive national network are part of the company development vision.
Hidden Hearing has opened a new clinic in Castlebar. At 150sqm, it is one of the largest in the country.
“We are poised to further strengthen Hidden Hearing’s market presence, and continue our mission to improve lives through better hearing. Duncan Graham is a valuable addition to our leadership team in that regard,” Stephen Leddy confirmed.
From Nottingham in the U.K., Duncan Graham initially honed his skills with Marks and Spencer and built his career in retail working with brands including Brown Thomas, where he was General Manager of the Dublin department store.
Duncan Graham, Sales Director, said: “I am truly excited to join Hidden Hearing and to contribute to an organisation dedicated to improving quality of life by making life-changing hearing healthcare more accessible.”
Justyna Banasik, First Head of Sustainability,
Allianz Insurance
Justyna Banasik has been appointed Head of Sustainability in Ireland of Allianz Insurance, one of the country’s largest insurers. Justyna will oversee the implementation of Allianz’s sustainability strategy across all business functions, with a particular focus on addressing climate change and environmental concerns.
She brings more than 16 years of industry experience in portfolio underwriting and customer functions to the position. She will lead the development of decarbonisation roadmaps for Allianz Ireland’s insurance portfolios in addition to the company’s own operations and investment portfolios.
As Head of Sustainability, Justyna will also be responsible for ensuring progress relative to targets and alignment with Allianz Group strategy. In 2022, Allianz undertook to accelerate its decarbonisation journey and now aims to become Net Zero in its operations by 2030, twenty years ahead of its original 2050 target. In line with this, Justyna will oversee the implementation of internal and regulatory sustainability reporting requirements.
Helen Merry, Chief Underwriting Officer at Allianz Ireland, said: “At the core of Allianz Insurance is our desire to protect. Sustainability is at the top of our agenda, and we have made solid progress in recent years. Shaping the market to build a more secure, sustainable future is a huge challenge that requires dedication, persistence and an innovative mindset. Justyna’s extensive experience with Allianz Ireland over the past 10 years means that she is uniquely placed to build on our strong foundations and ensure that we deliver on our ambitious sustainability targets.”.
Commenting on her appointment, Justyna Banasik added, “I am delighted to be taking on this role at such a critical time for the industry. Transforming how we do business for our customers, employees, and partners is something I am deeply passionate about as we build towards achieving our net-zero goals and ensuring Allianz continues to play a positive role in society.”
Justyna holds a BA in English from Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie in Poland. She joined Allianz as a graduate and received her certificate from the Associateship of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) in 2016.
Rick Seehra, Head of Banking,
FSCom Limited
Rick Seehra has been appointed Head of Banking at FSCom Limited, a Belfast-based consultancy firm specializing in governance, risk, and compliance.
With 13 years of experience in the financial services sector, Rick brings extensive expertise in prudential risk and compliance. His senior advisory background in banking and regulation positions him as the driving force in the expansion of the company’s UK banking practice.
Rick makes the move to FSCom, which supports financial services institutions across the UK and Ireland with their compliance and regulatory obligations, after spending a number of years in several GRC practices, most recently as Head of Prudential in Bovill. His specialist expertise is in advising banks, investment firms, asset managers and wealth managers on their prudential risk and compliance advisory needs.
Over the course of his career, Rick has built relationships with regulatory authorities and key industry stakeholders. He has also developed partnerships with RegTech providers, contributed to treasury recovery and resolution planning teams at a major global bank, and served within the risk and advisory team at an accounting firm delivering financial services regulation support.
Rick Seehra, Head of Banking at fscom, said: “FSCom is an award-winning specialist consulting firm that has built a rivalled reputation across the compliance and regulation industry in the UK and Ireland. It has evolved into a leading GRC firm that offers unique and scalable services and has achieved remarkable revenue growth in recent years. I am excited to join the team as Head of Banking and look forward to sharing my expertise with fscom’s prestigious client base.”
Jamie Cooke, Managing Director at fscom, said: “With a strong leadership background in the banking, prudential risk and compliance spaces, Rick is an exceptional addition to our team. His wealth of experience, commercial insight and knowledge of the regulator’s perspective will be of significant value to our clients and the growing fscom team. Rick has established himself as a thought leader in the area of prudential risk management, showcasing his commitment and dedication to advancing the wider profession.”
Orla Riddell, New Tax Partner,
ByrneWallace LLP
ByrneWallace LLP has announced the appointment of Orla Riddell as a new partner in their Tax team
Orla is a dual-qualified solicitor and tax advisor specialising in corporation tax and works across various industry sectors. She has several years of experience advising clients on all aspects of taxation law, with particular expertise in advising clients in the technology, pharmaceutical and retail sectors.
Orla’s previous experience includes working in a big 4 practice, and leading the tax function of a large multinational retailer in Ireland covering all aspects of Irish tax, including corporation tax, transfer pricing, VAT and property transactions.
Anthony Smyth, Head of Tax, said: “We are delighted to welcome Orla to our Tax team. Having held senior tax roles in both industry and more recently in practice, Orla can draw upon her unique insight into the commercial and operational challenges that face clients from a tax perspective to provide excellent, commercially-focused tax solutions. We are very much looking forward to working with Orla and drawing upon her extensive knowledge and experience.”
Feargal Brennan, Managing Partner, added: “Orla will be a valuable addition to our growing tax practice, and will further strengthen and enhance the team’s position in the market as a leading tax advisor.”
David Allmond, Chief Business Officer,
Poolbeg Pharma
Poolbeg Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company targeting diseases with a high unmet medical need, announces the appointment of key former executives of Amryt Key Senior Members Former Amryt Pharma Leadership Team join Poolbeg Pharma to its leadership team.
These experienced professionals will assume pivotal roles within Poolbeg, further enhancing the Company’s expertise and capabilities. Poolbeg’s Chairman, Cathal Friel, co-founded both Poolbeg and Amryt Pharma plc. Poolbeg intends to follow a similar strategic approach to Amryt which focuses on developing a number of exciting clinical assets and the acquisition of approved and marketed drugs, which not only generate revenue but also fund the development of a robust pipeline of innovative products.
David Allmond will join Poolbeg Pharma as Chief Business Officer. David was previously Chief Business Officer at Amryt and was instrumental in putting in place the global commercial infrastructure at Amryt which supported its revenue growth from c. $1.5 million when he joined in 2016, to approaching US $250 million some six years later, when Amryt was sold to Chiesi Farmaceutici S.P.A. David played a pivotal role in Amryt, acquiring the Lojuxta distribution rights for Europe and the Middle East in 2016 and joined Amyrt thereafter. Lojuxta became Amryt’s first approved, revenue-generating product. David also played a very significant role in Amryt’s acquisition of Aegerion in 2019 and Chiasma Pharmaceuticals in 2021. Previously, he played a key role in leading the EMEA team at Aegerion Pharmaceuticals and was the Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing at Celgene during a period of very rapid growth for the company having previously established Celgene’s UK operating company and led their marketing and market access team for EMEA.
John McEvoy, SVP Chief Legal Officer,
Poolbeg Pharma
John McEvoy was appointed SVP, Chief Legal Officer, at Poolbeg. John was Global General Counsel at Amryt from 2017 and continued in his role at Amryt following its sale to Chiesi Farmaceutici S.P.A. earlier this year. John played an instrumental role in Amryt’s rapid growth, leading the acquisition of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals in 2019 and Chiasma Pharmaceuticals in 2021. He also led the company’s dual-listing on Nasdaq in 2020 and its subsequent sale to Chiesi. John is a qualified lawyer in the US (New York), England & Wales, and Ireland.
Laura Maher, Vice President of Clinical Operations,
Poolbeg Pharma
Laura Maher was appointed Vice President of Clinical Operations. Laura joined Amryt in 2018 and as Associate Director of Clinical Operations, she led the clinical research programmes for multiple products in Amryt’s pipeline including Filsuvez®, the world’s first approved epidermolysis bullosa treatment. Laura has an extensive background in Clinical Operations having previous roles in Prothena Biosciences, Cancer Trials Ireland, and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer.
Cathal Friel, Co-Founder and Chairman of Poolbeg Pharma, said: “I believe that Poolbeg has the potential to deliver the same success as Amryt, which I co-founded in 2015 and IPO’d on AIM in 2016 and which went on to dual list on Nasdaq in 2020 before its sale in 2023 to Chiesi Farmaceutici S.P.A. for US$1.48 billion. When we established Poolbeg Pharma we always had the ambition of creating a substantial biopharmaceutical company and over the last two and a half years we have made great progress in building an innovative and attractive pipeline. We welcome these exceptional individuals to the Poolbeg team as we look to accelerate this strategy, which is focussed on developing a number of very exciting clinical assets and the acquisition of approved and marketed drugs, which not only generate revenue but also fund the development of a robust pipeline of innovative products. Their extensive experience and achievements at Amryt Pharma align with our vision of rapidly generating revenues and creating value for shareholders. We look forward to some very exciting months and years ahead for the entire Poolbeg team, its stakeholders and shareholders.”
Eileen Dunne, Senior Training Consultant,
Alice Public Relations
Alice Publix Relations has announced RTÉ Newscaster Eileen Dunne as a Senior Training Consultant, focused on providing training in media spokesperson skills. A native of Dublin, Ms. Dunne worked with RTÉ for 42 years, retiring in November 2022.
Martina Quinn, Founder and Managing Director of Alice, said: “We are delighted to have a journalist of Eileen’s calibre joining our media training team. Over her career with RTÉ, she covered some of the biggest stories of the past four decades, including multiple General Elections, historic referendum campaigns, the talks leading to the Good Friday Agreement, and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Ireland. At Alice, we provide media training for a diverse client base, ranging from elected representatives to community activists, business leaders and charity CEOs. Eileen is perfectly placed to put our training clients through their paces, ensuring they are well prepared and know what to expect in advance of media interviews.”
During her time with RTÉ, in addition to her work in the Newsroom, Ms. Dunne presented a weekly radio programme, ‘The God Slot’, and music programmes on RTÉ Lyric FM. For four years up to November 2014, she was the International President of the Association of European Journalists. In a voluntary capacity, she is a member of the organising committee of the annual Kennedy Summer School.
Paul-Michel Ledoux, Video & Storytelling Consultant,
Alice Public Relations
Alice Public Relations also announced the appointment of Paul-Michel Ledoux as a Video & Storytelling Consultant. A native of Belgium, Mr. Ledoux is a video-reporter and filmmaker. From 1992 to 2001, his career took him to over 50 countries, including conflict zones worldwide, where he worked on TV news reporting for the BBC, Reuters and RTÉ, amongst others. He also worked on documentaries for organisations such as the United Nations and the Red Cross.
More recently, Mr. Ledoux has focused on video production, running his own company in Brussels for over a decade, where his clients included the European Council and the European Commission. After moving to Ireland in 2014, he founded 1 Minute 40 Media, a full-service video production agency, specialising in storytelling, explainers and live video streaming.
Martina Quinn, Founder and Managing Director of Alice, said: “Paul-Michel will also contribute to our media training services. Drawing on his extensive experience in journalism and corporate video production, he will advise our training clients on how best to prepare for and conduct TV and video interviews. He will also work with a broader array of Alice clients on corporate storytelling and video production.”
Alice Public Relations was founded in 2015, and operates on an all-island basis, with offices in Dublin and Belfast. The company has a team of 24. It provides communications services for clients seeking positive change in Ireland and further afield. Its training packages include media spokesperson skills, crisis communications, public affairs, communications strategy, and digital marketing. Current Alice clients include LGBT Ireland, The Housing Agency, Education and Training Boards Ireland, the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, and the Immigrant Council of Ireland.
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