By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Matt Williams, CEO UK & Ireland, Allianz Trade
This week sees new and notable appointments at Allianz Trade, Social Finance Foundation, Alice Public Relations, CompassRock International, Edwards Lifesciences, Barretstown, Viatel Technology Group, Mercy Hospital Foundation and United Drug.
Matt Williams, CEO UK & Ireland
Allianz Trade
Allianz Trade has announced the appointment of Matt Williams as CEO for Allianz Trade in the UK & Ireland, effective 1 July 2025. Matt Williams, who is currently Regional Credit Director for Allianz Trade in Northern Europe (NEUR), succeeds Sarah Murrow, who will become CEO of Allianz Trade in Americas as of 1 July 2025. Both appointments are subject to the standard regulatory approval requirements.
Matt Williams (46) succeeds Sarah Murrow on 1 July 2025, after two decades at Allianz Trade. Williams brings experience to his new role, having held a diverse portfolio of international roles since joining Allianz Trade in 2004. Williams began as a Credit Analyst, before being promoted to Regional Risk Manager for the UK & Ireland in 2009. Six years later, he took on his first regional role, as Head of Risk Underwriting for Allianz Trade in NEUR, from 2015 to 2020. In 2020, Matt became Risk Director for Benelux, based in Belgium, then moved to Paris in 2021 to assume the position of Credit Director for Allianz Trade for Multinationals. In 2024, Matt relocated back to London to join the NEUR Regional Management Team in his current role as Regional Credit Director.
Clare Quinn, Head of Finance & Risk
Social Finance Foundation
The board of the Irish social finance organisation, Social Finance Foundation has appointed Clare Quinn to the role of Head of Finance & Risk.
Social Finance Foundation’s new Head of Finance & Risk, Clare Quinn, is an ACCA Accountant with extensive experience in the financial services and banking industry. Having worked with KBC Bank Ireland Plc for over 18 years, she held a number of senior leadership roles within both the lending and funding functions of their Retail and Corporate Banking Departments.
Clare Quinn holds a BA in Economics and Politics awarded by Trinity College Dublin, a Professional Certificate in Conduct Risk, Culture & Operational Risk Management and a Professional Diploma in Digital Transformation in Financial Services. She has PRINCE2® Project Management Certification and is also a Qualified Financial Advisor.
Niamh Breathnach, Deputy CEO
Alice Public Relations
The communications agency Alice Public Relations has announced the appointment of Niamh Breathnach as Deputy CEO. Ms. Breathnach began working with the agency as a Client Executive in 2016 during its first year in business. Since then, she has risen through the ranks, joining the Executive Leadership Team in 2018 and the Board of Directors in 2023.
Ms. Breathnach’s high calibre of work was recognised by the PR industry in 2019, when she was selected as the winner of the Young Communications Professional of the Year at the PRII/PRCA Awards for Excellence in PR.
Announcing her appointment, Martina Quinn, Founder and CEO of Alice, said: “Niamh’s contributions at Alice have aligned closely with our mission to deliver meaningful change that makes Ireland, and the world, a better place.
“She has been a key driver in the ongoing growth of the business, playing a vital role in both client retention and securing new contracts since she started with Alice almost 10 years ago. Together, we have worked on campaigns to promote climate action, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, health awareness, children’s rights, integration, and Ireland’s rich culture and heritage.
“As we continue our work, Niamh is well placed to guide both the team at Alice and our clients, drawing on her broad experience and expertise across media relations, integrated marketing campaigns, influencer and public sector engagement, and media training. Her new leadership role will help to further advance Alice’s vision of driving positive change across Ireland and further afield.”
Commenting on her promotion Niamh Breathnach said: “I’m delighted to step into the new position of Deputy CEO, at an exciting time for our business as we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year. Having worked with Alice since the early days of the company, I have been part of the various stages of growth and the ups and downs that come with that. As we enter this new phase, I look forward to continuing to work with our clients and indeed with our own team to ensure we meet the ambitious targets we have set for the years ahead.”
Pierre Melhado, Head of Ireland
CompassRock International
Asset and property management service provider CompassRock International has appointed Pierre Melhado as its new Head of Ireland to lead on the new third party management mandates that it is working on and oversee the team already in place. Melhado brings 20 years of industry experience to the role, including extensive experience of high velocity leasing, expense reduction, project management and maximised organisational efficiency.
Melhado comes to CompassRock from the US, where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Bayshore Properties, a vertically integrated property management company where Melhado was instrumental in scaling the platform from 3,000 to over 7,000 apartments.
His previous experience includes senior operational and property management roles at global real estate investment firm CA Ventures in London, Magnolia Capital, Beztak Properties and Laramar Group. With particular expertise in operational management, lease ups, the repositioning of assets and PropTech, he is ideally placed to build the firm’s offering in Ireland.
David Woodward, CEO, CompassRock International comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Pierre to the CompassRock Team. I have known Pierre for over 20 years and have worked with him on some very large and challenging multifamily projects in the U.S. Pierre’s vast experience both in the U.S. and internationally will bring global best practices to the Irish market. In addition, his track record in working with third-party asset and property management clients will allow CompassRock to further grow our Irish platform. Also, he will bring a local level of support to CompassRock’s sister company, Global Apartment Advisors, to provide a wide range or living sector consultancy to the Irish market”.
Emmet Kelly, Plant General Manager
Edwards Lifesciences
Edwards Lifesciences has announced the appointment of Emmet Kelly as Vice President, Plant General Manager for its cutting-edge manufacturing facilities in Castletroy, Limerick and Shannon.
Millions of patients worldwide suffer from structural heart disease, facing high mortality rates and severe quality of life limitations. At the Limerick plant, more than 500 employees are dedicated to manufacturing life-saving breakthrough implantable devices such as surgical and transcatheter therapies to treat patients’ heart valves, helping them live longer, healthier lives.
In his role, Kelly will oversee all aspects of the Ireland operations, including manufacturing execution, talent development, process optimisation, and the implementation of continuous improvement programmes. He will also represent Edwards with external stakeholders, including local government, community organisations, and regulatory agencies.
Kelly brings over 25 years of medical technology industry experience, including nearly a decade in the US, with a strong background in manufacturing, human resources, supplier management, and strategic project management. He has successfully led plant improvements and expansions and managed manufacturing across multiple lines and locations. Kelly holds a Master of Industrial Engineering from University College Dublin.
“I am honoured to join Edwards and lead the Irish facilities, which play a vital role in the company’s global supply chain,” said Kelly. “I look forward to working with the talented team in Ireland, inspired by our patient-focused culture to pioneer and deliver innovative, life-changing medical technologies to patients around the world.”
Siobhan Kavanagh and John Mitchell, Directors of Medical and Programme and Director of Partnerships,
Barretstown
Barretstown children’s charity has announced the appointment of two senior staff to its Executive level. Siobhan Kavanagh and John Mitchell have been appointed as Directors to the Barretstown Senior Leadership Team.
Kavanagh is now Director of Medical and Programme and Mitchell is the Director of Partnerships.
Kavanagh and Mitchell will join the senior Leadership team which includes CEO; Dee Ahearn, Director of Development; Tim O’Dea, Finance and Operations Director; Mairéad Forristal and People Director; Catherine Moriarty.
Welcoming the appointments, Barretstown CEO, Dee Ahearn said: “As we at Barretstown expand and grow our services, the experience, insight and knowledge both Siobhan and John will bring to the senior leadership team is immeasurable. Their collective contribution will ensure the senior leadership team continues to deliver best-in-class psychosocial care and therapeutic programmes to children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, and their families. Last year alone, through these medically endorsed programmes we proudly served 22,000 campers and we are on track to exceed this number in 2025. I know I speak for the wider senior leadership team when I say we are very much looking forward to continuing to work with Siobhan and John to deliver our long-term service expansion strategy”.
Kavanagh has extensive paediatric cancer care experience having worked for more than two decades at Children’s Hospital Ireland, Crumlin ahead of joining Barretstown in 2022. In her new role, Kavanagh will direct all medical operations in Barretstown and drive programme innovation across all our residential and Outreach Programmes.
Mitchell originally joined Barretstown in 2004 and has held several roles within the organisation. More recently he held the position of Head of Partnerships. Mitchell will now be responsible for the continued development of relationships with key stakeholders, leading national and international medical research academia and well as charity partners and universities both home and abroad.
Sergiusz Paprzycki, Director of Critical Infrastructure,
Viatel Technology Group
Viatel Technology Group has announced the appointment of Sergiusz Paprzycki as Director of Critical Infrastructure. This appointment will further empower Viatel in the secure delivery of mission-critical communications and essential digital services to its valued public and private sector customers.
Paprzycki ‘s appointment reinforces Viatel’s proactive approach to bolstering its internal infrastructure and enhancing the security posture of its customers.
“As an ISO 27001 accredited organisation, designated as an essential large entity under NIS 2 legislation, Viatel is setting the benchmark for best practice,” stated Paul Rellis, CEO of Viatel Technology Group. “Our customers rely on us to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity and compliance. Sergiusz’s leadership will ensure we not only meet, but exceed, their expectations, providing them with the assurance they need to protect their sensitive data and maintain business continuity. By strengthening our own critical infrastructure, we directly enhance the security and resilience of the services we provide to our customers.”
The appointment comes at a key point in time, with increased scrutiny on supply chain security. Paprzycki brings nearly two decades of invaluable experience to the role, having progressed through the ranks at Viatel, from an engineering role in the 24/7/365 Network Operations Centre to the Senior Leadership Team.
“Sergiusz’s deep technical expertise, unwavering customer focus, and proven leadership make him the ideal candidate to spearhead our critical infrastructure initiatives,” added Paul Rellis. “His work will directly translate into enhanced security and reliability for our customers, empowering them to operate with confidence in an increasingly volatile cyber landscape.”
Sergiusz Paprzycki emphasised the company’s commitment to proactive cyber resilience. “The services we provide are fundamental to our customers’ operations. We are continuously implementing rigorous systems, processes, and safeguards to strengthen our resilience. This ensures our customers benefit from the most robust and secure solutions available and can be confident in the integrity of their supply chain.”
Rachel Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer,
Mercy Hospital Foundation
The Mercy Hospital Foundation has announced the appointment of Rachel Stevenson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the voluntary sector, Stevenson is a highly accomplished senior leader with a deep commitment to driving positive change.
Stevenson began her career in London and has championed causes across disability, social disadvantage, Black & Minority Ethnic issues, and homelessness. For the past 23 years, she has served as Director of Fundraising at Cork Simon Community where she was also a member of the Senior Management Team. She played a pivotal role in transforming lives through her leadership and partnership-based approach to affecting social change.
Stevenson is committed to building capacity within the not-for-profit sector and has volunteered on the Boards of various charities over the years. She is currently Chair of Charities Institute Ireland’s Munster Fundraisers Network, further demonstrating her dedication to the nonprofit sector.
On her appointment, Stevenson said: “I am honoured to join such an incredible organisation and look forward to contributing to the vital work of my colleagues – our Foundation team, our voluntary Board of Directors, and the Mercy University Hospital staff. Together, we will continue to ensure that the people of Cork have access to the highest quality healthcare through ‘The Mercy’.”
Welcoming Stevenson to the role, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, Eoin Tobin said: “We are thrilled to have Rachel join the Mercy Hospital Foundation as CEO. Her extensive experience, passion for making a difference, and strong leadership skills make her the ideal person to drive our mission forward. We look forward to working with her to continue supporting the incredible work of ‘The Mercy’.”
David Keyes, Managing Director in Ireland,
United Drug
David Keyes has been appointed as the new Managing Director of United Drug in Ireland.
Keyes has been serving as the Director of United Drug Distributions and Head of Public Affairs for PHX Ireland since 2020, where he played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the organisation’s pan-European commercial strategy.
Having first joined United Drug in 2012, Keyes has provided strategic leadership across multiple areas of the business, including Pre-Wholesale, Government Contracts, and Public Affairs.
Upon the announcement, Paul Reilly, CEO of PHX Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome David into his new role as Managing Director of United Drug in Ireland. David brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge, a steadfast commitment to service excellence, and a proven ability to navigate complex healthcare environments. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to drive growth and strengthen our supply chain operations across Ireland.”
On his appointment, David Keyes said: “I’m excited to take on this new role and opportunity with the talented team at United Drug. We have a strong foundation, and I’m committed to continuing to drive the business forward, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners across Ireland. Our priority now is to ensure that United Drug is best positioned for continued growth, operational excellence, and service delivery, as we meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners across Ireland.”
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