Appointments

New and notable appointments at BGF Ireland, Azets Ireland, Orbitus, BDO Ireland, Mason Hayes & Curran, and Access Bookings

By Business & Finance
17 July 2025
Pictured: Micheál Walsh, Investor at BGF Ireland

This week sees new and notable appointments at BGF Ireland, Azets Ireland, Orbitus, BDO Ireland, Mason Hayes & Curran, and Access Bookings.

By Héloïse Chaudot


Micheál Walsh, Investor
BGF Ireland

BGF Ireland has appointed Micheál Walsh as an investor, whose main responsibility will be to lead the firm’s Organisation function in Dublin.

Walsh brings two decades of experience in corporate lending, origination, and strategic deal-making across Ireland. Prior to his appointment, Micheál held senior roles at AIB and Bank of Ireland, where he focused on sourcing and executing growth-focused lending opportunities.

Leo Casey, Head of Republic of Ireland and Partner at BGF, said, “Micheál is widely respected for his market knowledge, strong origination track record, and ability to connect with founders, advisors, and investors alike. As we continue to expand our presence across Ireland, his insight and network will be instrumental in identifying and partnering with ambitious businesses that have strong growth potential.”

Commenting on his appointment, Micheál Walsh said, “Irish SMEs are actively seeking investment that enables them to accelerate growth without compromising their vision. BGF is uniquely positioned to meet that demand, and I look forward to contributing to its mission alongside a team that’s deeply embedded in the growth economy.”


Marc Lowry, Head of Growth
Azets Ireland

Azets has announced the appointment of Marc Lowry as its new Head of Growth.

Lowry brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic growth roles. In his new role as Head of Growth, Lowry will lead the execution of Azets Ireland’s growth strategy, working closely with CEO Neil Hughes and the leadership team to expand the firm’s market presence and enhance its service offering. He will drive initiatives focused on market expansion, innovation, and the development of differentiated client propositions.

Lowry will also play a central role in strengthening client relationships, enabling cross-functional collaboration, and embedding a firm-wide growth culture.

Commenting on his appointment, Marc Lowry said, “I’m excited to join the senior leadership team as Head of Growth at Azets Ireland. This is an ambitious firm with a strong reputation for supporting Ireland’s entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses, and I’m proud to be part of that journey. In today’s fast-changing environment, helping ambitious entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses unlock their full potential has never been more important.”

Neil Hughes, CEO of Azets Ireland, commented, “Marc is an accomplished executive with deep commercial experience and a successful track record of driving revenue growth and leading transformation at large, complex businesses.”


Eoin Casey, Head of Litigation
Orbitus

The advisory firm Orbitus has recently appointed Eoin Casey as its Head of Litigation.

After 15 years of specialised solicitor experience in litigation, Casey’s new role will oversee the delivery of strategic, high-quality legal solutions across multiple sectors. He will oversee a growing team of solicitors, focusing on managing complex dispute resolution cases and mentoring junior lawyers.

Following his appointment, Casey commented, “I feel very privileged to be a part of Orbitus’ growth strategy, and I am eager to contribute to the firm’s ongoing success. Joining at such a pivotal time, I look forward to collaborating with the talented team to deliver effective and strategic legal solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.”


Ian Barrett, Restructuring Partner
BDO Ireland

BDO Ireland has announced the appointment of Ian Barrett as Restructuring Partner.

Barrett joins BDO with nearly 20 years’ experience in the restructuring and insolvency field, having held senior roles across some of Ireland’s largest accounting and advisory firms, where he most recently served as a Managing Director in KPMG’s Turnaround & Restructuring practice.

He has a track record of helping businesses and lenders navigate challenging financial situations. He has supported the successful wind-down, restructuring and sale of financially distressed businesses across a wide range of sectors, including retail, construction, financial services, property, aviation, healthcare, motor and hospitality, and is frequently called on to advise lenders on how best to manage complex cases.
Barrett also brings valuable experience in reviewing company failures and advising on improvements in governance and business practices.
Commenting on the appointment, Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ian to BDO. His deep sectoral experience and proven leadership in some of the most high-profile restructuring matters in Ireland make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

Various appointments
Mason Hayes & Curran

Pictured (L-R): Jane O’Neill, Kevin Power, Caroline Fitzpatrick, David Hickey and Katie McAuliffe. Not pictured – Aimée Lenehan.

Mason Hayes & Curran has announced the appointment of five senior promotions in its healthcare law team.

Kevin Power, Head of Medical Law at Mason Hayes & Curran, said the appointments reflect the depth and strength of the team. He commented: “These promotions recognise five outstanding lawyers who each bring sound judgement, practical insight, and deep sectoral experience. In today’s highly dynamic legal and regulatory landscape, our clients rely on clear, confident guidance. We are proud to support the healthcare sector with one of the largest and most experienced legal teams in the country.”

Aimée Lenehan

Aimée Lenehan has nearly 20 years of experience advising healthcare clients in Ireland and internationally. She specialises in high-stakes professional negligence claims and regulatory hearings. Lenehan is a graduate of UCD and a member of the Medico-Legal Society of Ireland.

She said: “I’m committed to guiding clients through complex proceedings with clarity and rigour, ensuring efficient and fair resolution of matters.”

Caroline Fitzpatrick

Caroline Fitzpatrick specialises in defending complex clinical negligence claims and is a long-standing advocate for mediation. She is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and has been with the firm for 25 years.

Fitzpatrick commented: “Mediation can often provide a more constructive path forward and help everyone involved reach a resolution with speed.”

David Hickey

David Hickey supports healthcare providers with medical negligence claims, inquests, and inherent jurisdiction applications. Clients rely on his practical and calm guidance when facing challenges. A former Deputy CEO/Head of Registration with the Medical Council, he brings calm and clarity to complex cases.

A graduate of UCD, Hickey formerly worked with the Medical Council and is a member of the Medico-Legal Society of Ireland.

Following his appointment, Mr. Hickey said, “My work includes defending clinical claims and guiding clients through coroner’s court inquests, ensuring they feel supported and well prepared.”

Jane O’Neill

As a former barrister, Jane O’Neill brings strategic judgment to litigation and frequently represents healthcare professionals at inquests. She develops litigation strategies tailored to the needs of each healthcare client.

O’Neill holds degrees from UCD, Queen’s University Belfast, and King’s Inns.

She commented: “Each case is different, and I develop strategies that reflect the client’s context and goals to ensure that a bespoke approach is taken to each matter.”

Katie McAuliffe

Katie McAuliffe advises on the legal challenges that come with delivering care, from inquests to clinical claims. She offers deep insight and assurance so clients can make confident decisions, even in difficult circumstances.

McAuliffe is a graduate of UCC and a member of the Medico-Legal Society of Ireland. She commented, “I focus on providing solution-driven guidance on the complex and often sensitive issues that arise in the healthcare sector and beyond.”


Ashleigh Dillon, Client Development Executive
Access Bookings

Ashleigh Dillon has recently been appointed as Access Bookings’ Client Development Executive at the Irish office in Ardmore Studios.

Dillon brings a decade of experience working with various production companies across Ireland, having filmed in locations throughout Europe.

In her new role, Dillon will be responsible for growing Access Bookings’ client base across Ireland, and her focus will be on providing seamless travel arrangements, enabling individuals and crews to move effortlessly from destination to destination, and negotiating the best deals for corporate travel.

Commenting on her appointment, Ashleigh Dillon says, “It’s a hugely exciting time to be in the media and film travel sector in Ireland. We’re experiencing a significant period of growth, especially with Screen Ireland’s 2025 Production Slate launching over 80 planned productions across feature film, TV drama, animation, documentary, and short film.”


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