By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Brid Horan, Chancellor, Dublin City University
This week sees new and notable appointments at DLA Piper, Ibec, Neuromod Devices Ltd, Eversheds Sutherland, Dublin City University, Global Fresh Exotics Ltd, ActionAid Ireland, and WebDoctor.
Phil Hogan, Senior Strategic & Political Advisor,
DLA Piper
DLA Piper has appointed the former European Commissioner, Phil Hogan, as a Senior Strategic and Political Advisor to the firm.
Mr. Hogan’s appointment will further strengthen DLA Piper’s Global advisory and Government Affairs capabilities and it’s ability to offer clients advice amongst law firms in this area, helping clients to navigate rapidly changing regulatory and business environments. As part of DLA Piper’s commitment to offer our clients integrated strategic advice going beyond legal expertise, Mr. Hogan will be spearheading a growing team of leading policy, legal and sectoral experts and offering a holistic perspective on regulatory, political and corporate risk management.
Mr. Hogan joins the wider, global Government Affairs team which includes Lord (Edward) Garnier QC, the former UK Solicitor-General; Lord (Andrew) Tyrie, the former Chair of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards and Chair of the Commons’ Treasury Select Committee; Lord (Gavin) Barwell, Chief of Staff to the Theresa May Government from 2017-2019 along with an established team of consultants.
Mr. Hogan will be based in DLA Piper’s Government Affairs team in Brussels, led by Richard Sterneberg, Partner, DLA Piper. The Brussels practice is part of a global government affairs offering with other centres in Washington DC and London, servicing clients around the world. It is made up of lawyers and policy professionals, many of whom have held senior elected, appointed and staff positions in governments or gained public policy experience in the corporate world.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Hogan said, “Global businesses are operating in increasingly challenging environments around the world, and this will only increase over the coming years. Their ability to understand and adapt to international public policy and societal trends will make the difference between success and failure and DLA Piper’s commitment to providing advice in this area is compelling. This is an exciting time to be joining a firm with a truly global reach and focus on the future needs of its clients.”
Simon Levine, DLA Piper’s Global co-CEO and Managing Partner, commented, “Our clients are operating in increasingly complex political and regulatory environments, be it the growing focus on ESG considerations or rapidly changing global trade relationships. DLA Piper remains committed to offering world leading legal and strategic advice. I am delighted that Phil Hogan is joining us, and I am confident that his unique expertise, experience and perspective will be invaluable to our clients going forward.”
Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper in Ireland, David Carthy, said, “I am delighted to welcome Phil Hogan to DLA Piper. In his role as a Senior Strategic and Political Advisor on DLA Piper’s Global advisory and Government Affairs team, Mr. Hogan will provide an incomparable level of strategic advice and counsel to clients, wherever they are in the world. Given the ever evolving regulatory and business environments, the importance of understanding and affecting policies as they are developed at EU and International level is of the utmost importance to our clients.”
Paula Cain, Commercial Director,
Ibec
Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, is delighted to announce the appointment of Paula Cain as its new Commercial Director. Under this newly created position, Paula will play a key role in delivering on Ibec’s commercial growth agenda, ensuring the continuation of quality commercial services to members while working with the rest of Ibec’s Executive Director Team to deliver on the organisation’s purpose to help build a sustainable future by delivering for business success.
Marking the appointment, Ibec Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer, Liam O’Donoghue said, “Paula has an exceptional track record of delivering large scale growth through strategy development and execution. Her experience will be invaluable in supporting the delivery of Ibec’s ambitions over the coming years, including supporting Ibec’s growth strategy, managing and growing commercial services, and identifying new membership opportunities. We look forward to working with her and wish her every success in the role.”
Speaking following her appointment, Paula Cain commented, “I’m excited to be joining what is Ireland’s largest lobby and business representative group. Ibec positions are shaped by a diverse membership, which range from small to large, domestic to multinational, and 39 trade associations which cover a wide range of industry sectors. I look forward to supporting the organisation’s purpose.”
Paula Cain is a commercial leader with a strong track record built over 20 years with telecommunications company BT, working in both the Irish and UK markets. Paula’s experience includes General Manager roles in BT UK, supporting significant revenue streams and Head of Strategy and Contract Management in BT Ireland leading the strategy for Ireland and Wholesale markets. Paula’s most recent experience has been as a Growth Strategy Consultant with Integrity 360, a software technology company in rapid growth phase. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Sciences from Sheffield Hallam University (1997), and a MSc – Business Telecommunications from University College London (2007).
Eric Timm, Chief Executive Officer,
Neuromod Devices Ltd
Pictured: Eric Timm, Chief Executive Officer, Neuromod
Neuromod Devices Ltd, the Irish medical device company which specialises in neuromodulation technologies, has announced the appointment of Mr. Eric Timm as Chief Executive Officer of its recently established US entity, Neuromod USA Inc., effective from 1st October 2021.
Mr. Timm’s appointment to lead the U.S. business comes as Neuromod prepares to enter the U.S. market with its proprietary medical device for tinnitus treatment, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
Mr. Timm has significant experience, with leadership positions in medical devices and hearing aid companies spanning more than 35 years. He joins Neuromod from WS Audiology, where he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s U.S. wholesale business.
Before that, he was CEO of Sivantos USA when it merged with Widex, becoming WS Audiology. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer of Sivantos USA. In addition, Eric has held general management, sales, marketing and corporate strategy leadership positions at Phonak, Cardinal Health, Bristol-Myers Squibb and 3M.
In August, Neuromod announced the hiring of three experienced hearing healthcare executives to form Neuromod USA’s leadership team and prepare for entry to the US market. Stephanie Glowacki joined the organisation as Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Tish Ramirez (AuD) as Chief Commercial Officer, and Holly Dean as Director, Commercial Sales.
Working with the leadership team, Mr. Timm will be responsible for the development of the organisation’s strategy to work with the private and public hearing healthcare ecosystem to bring Neuromod’s interventions for tinnitus to US patients.
Speaking on the appointment of Mr. Timm, Dr Ross O’Neill, CEO of Neuromod Devices commented, “Eric is a highly regarded executive that has operated at the highest levels in the hearing industry so we are delighted to have him on board to lead Neuromod’s operation in the United States of America. In anticipation of FDA approval, we are developing our infrastructure to give ourselves the fastest start to meeting the needs of people living with tinnitus in the USA, a population that has been chronically underserved when it comes to patient care. Eric’s vast experience and leadership will be instrumental for Neuromod in this exciting and pivotal time and I very much look forward to working with him.”
Mr. Timm holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA from Gustavus Adolphus College. He has also participated in post-graduate development studies with the faculty of INSEAD, the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, as well as civilian training in warnings intelligence and countermeasures planning from the United States Defense Intelligence College.
Mr. Eric Timm said, “Neuromod is a unique company and its vision, to deliver treatments that reduce the suffering of patients underserved by existing clinical treatment options, is equally ambitious and inspiring. The company’s Lenire tinnitus treatment device is backed by science which is pushing tinnitus care forward and is empowering patients and caregivers in Europe to successfully treat their condition. It’s estimated that 50 million people in the USA suffer from tinnitus. Tinnitus is a serious medical condition and it deserves a serious, evidence-based treatment option.”
Neuromod USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Neuromod Devices Ltd. The company specializes in non-invasive neuromodulation technologies and has developed Lenire, the first non-invasive bimodal neuromodulation device for the treatment of tinnitus which has been clinically proven in large-scale clinical trials to soothe tinnitus symptoms. To date Neuromod has raised more than €26 million in venture financing to fund ongoing expansion of the availability of Lenire in Europe and the organisation’s FDA submission process in the US.
Lenire uses bimodal neuromodulation to treat tinnitus symptoms. It delivers mild electrical pulses to the tongue combined with sound played through headphones to drive long-term changes or neuroplasticity in the brain to treat tinnitus.
Liam Boyle, Head of Company Secretarial,
Eversheds Sutherland
Pictured: Liam Boyle, Head of Company Secretarial Team, Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland is delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Boyle as Head of Company Secretarial in Ireland. The appointment is with immediate effect and follows a period of recent accelerated growth for the Firm across its corporate, commercial and financial services divisions.
Liam brings a wealth of experience in the areas of company secretarial, compliance, corporate governance, anti-money laundering and advising directors on their statutory duties and obligations. In recent years, Liam has also advised several high-profile international clients on establishing operations in Ireland and on navigating the Irish legal and regulatory landscape.
Liam recognises that every client’s needs are unique and he works individually with each to ensure that they are provided with the best possible services that are fit for purpose for both now and into the future. Clients with whom he engages will be provided with comprehensive consultation and quick and efficient solutions to any issues or complications as they may arise.
Before joining Eversheds Sutherland, Liam was a manager in the company secretarial department of a large corporate law firm in Dublin, as well as in two global corporate services providers and also one of the ‘big four’ audit firms.
Liam is a Chartered Secretary and corporate governance professional and an associate of the Chartered Governance Institute (ACG). He is also a Licentiate of the Association of Compliance Officers of Ireland (LCOI), a Licentiate of the Institute of Banking (LIB), an Accredited Funds Professional and a Certified Financial Crime Prevention Practitioner (CFCPP).
Announcing the new appointment, Managing Partner of Eversheds Sutherland Ireland, Alan Connell said, “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Boyle as the new Head of our Company Secretarial offering. With his breadth and depth of expertise, dedication and technical advisory skills, Liam is well placed to help us not only meet, but indeed stay ahead of the needs of our domestic and international client base. Liam will make a significant contribution to our Firm in this important role, and I would like to wish him every success for the future.”
Eversheds Sutherland is Ireland’s only full-service, global law practice with an all-island presence and multidisciplinary expertise. It provides an international offering by leveraging the expertise of its colleagues in the Eversheds Sutherland offices across the globe (74 offices in 35 jurisdictions worldwide, including nine offices in the US).
Brid Horan, Chancellor,
Dublin City University
Pictured: Brid Horan, Chancellor, Dublin City University
Dublin City University has today announced the appointment of Brid Horan as the new Chancellor of the university.
In welcoming Brid to the role, President of DCU Professor Daire Keogh said, “Brid Horan has an exceptional record of leadership and service to Irish society, industry, education, equality, and the arts. She has championed the values of DCU throughout a distinguished career, and her experience provides her with unparalleled insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Irish universities. I am delighted to welcome Brid Horan as Chancellor, confident that her leadership will advance DCU’s mission to Transform Lives and Society.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Brid’s predecessor, Dr Martin McAleese, for his tireless work on behalf of DCU, during a decade as Chancellor of the University.”
Brid Horan has over 30 years’ experience in executive, non-executive, and voluntary roles in leading private and public sector organisations and a distinguished record of service and advocacy in NGOs and the arts.
She held senior executive positions with ESB as Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive; she is chair of the Irish Cancer Society and co-founded the 30% Club Ireland, which promotes gender-balance, including opportunities for women to study for careers in STEM -science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She has served on the board of IDA Ireland, and recently completed a term as a board member of the Dublin Theatre Festival.
Brid has also served as a member of DCU Governing Authority from September 2014 to June 2021, on the Audit Committee from 2014 to 2016 and as Committee Chair from 2016 to 2021.
Prior to joining the Authority in 2014, she was also appointed by the Minister for Education and Skills as an external member of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education in Ireland (generally known as the Cassells Group).
In 2016, she was appointed by the Higher Education Authority as Chair of an International Expert Panel to undertake a review of Ireland’s Higher Education Funding Allocation Model. This determines the allocation of funding across higher education institutions including universities and institutes of technology.
Chancellor Brid Horan commented, “Higher education makes an immense contribution to Ireland’s social and economic well-being and success. Dublin City University plays a key role in this by providing life-changing, and life-long, learning opportunities, rooted in excellence in teaching, impactful research, innovation, and broadening access. I’m grateful to the President and Governing Authority of Dublin City University for the honour of being appointed as Chancellor. I look forward to working with all in DCU who are passionate about providing a first class university experience for our students and to supporting our community, society, and the economy.”
The role of Chancellor involves working closely with DCU’s Governing Authority to ensure good governance, integrity and accountability across the University, exercising oversight of the university’s strategic direction, approving the strategic plan and ensuring its successful implementation. The role also includes ceremonial and ambassadorial duties, including the conferring of degrees at graduation ceremonies.
The Chancellor’s appointment was made at the first meeting of DCU’s new Governing Authority which is gender balanced, includes representatives from the world of Education, Industry and the Arts and reflects the values and needs of the university.
Chancellor Brid Horan succeeds Dr Martin McAleese who has served two terms as DCU Chancellor since 2011.
Richard Moore, Managing Director,
Global Fresh Exotics Ltd
Pictured: Richard Moore, Managing Director, Global Fresh Exotics Ltd
Global Fresh Exotics Ltd, the Meath-based importer, grower and distributor of premium fresh produce, has appointed Richard Moore as Managing Director. Moore brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the international and domestic fresh produce industry to the role, including working for the last 10 years as Commercial Director at the Global Fruit Company, home of the Del Monte brand in Ireland.
Global Fresh Exotics has operated in the Irish market since 2000. Moore will guide the company through a period of enhancing its position in the industry. Excellence and best practice in ethical sourcing and food safety standards are always high on the agenda.
The Mangat Family, Owners & Directors, Global Fresh Exotics Ltd. commented, “We are delighted to welcome Richard to the team. His local and international expertise and relationships, combined with his commitment to ethical and sustainable food sourcing aligns perfectly with our strategic goals to provide the highest quality produce and service at the best value to our growing customer base.”
Richard Moore, Managing Director, Global Fresh Exotics Ltd. commented, “I’m hugely impressed with what the team at Global Fresh Exotics has achieved to date. I look forward to continuing to drive their innovative, holistic approach and leading the dynamic team to be responsive to our customers evolving needs in this fast-paced industry.”
Karol Balfe, CEO,
ActionAid Ireland
Karol Balfe, a native of Carlow, recently joined international aid organisation ActionAid Ireland as CEO. In her new role, Karol will oversee ActionAid’s work on women’s and children’s human rights.
ActionAid Ireland was established in 1983. It is part of a global federation working with 25 million people in 45 countries. ActionAid takes a human rights-based approach and has adopted feminist leadership principles in order to support its transformative vision of a just world free from poverty, oppression and patriarchy.
Of the appointment Karol said, “I am hugely exciting to join ActionAid Ireland, an organisation deeply committed to feminist principles, human rights and gender equality. The challenges of inequality, a broken economic system, the climate crisis and discrimination are immense. I am so excited to join such an inspirational organisation that seeks to address systemic change and transform the lives of women and children.”
Chairperson of the ActionAid Board of Directors Anna Lee, said of the appointment, “We are delighted to have Karol join the ActionAid Ireland team as CEO. Karol brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to gender equality and human rights. I am looking forward to working closely with Karol, who will oversee the Irish team and programme of work.”
Karol has worked for over 18 years in the fields of international human rights, development and peace building and has published policy and learning papers on a range of human rights and development issues. Karol worked with Christian Aid for nine years as Global Head of Peacebuilding, Head of Programmes and as an Adviser on Governance, Human Rights and Peacebuilding and worked on a range of human rights issues with Amnesty International Ireland and prior to that with Oxfam. She has a Masters in Globalisation and has worked extensively with a range of civil society partners and communities in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
David Crimmins, CEO,
WebDoctor
WebDoctor, the Irish health technology platform, has received a €3 million investment from VentureWave Capital, the venture private equity investor that focuses on entrepreneurial companies with high impact potential. The investment gives a valuation of €48 million to the business and will be used to accelerate WebDoctor’s international growth and expansion and the scaling of the sales, marketing, product and technology teams.
WebDoctor is a health technology business and telehealth platform which enables engagement and collaboration between healthcare practitioners and their patients. Since its establishment in 2013, the company has processed over three million bookings to GP’s, pharmacies and other health-related clinics and has over 350,000 Irish patients registered on its GP platform.
The demand for telehealth during Covid has skyrocketed with WebDoctor itself experiencing a 75% increase in revenue from 2019 to 2020. VentureWave Capital’s team will work alongside WebDoctor executives, including newly appointed CEO David Crimmins, to drive the company’s post-pandemic growth and its expansion into new markets. CEO David Crimmins, former Commercial Director at GloHealth, has previously launched and marketed products for five companies across three sectors, with P&L responsibility for multimillion euro budgets. VentureWave Capital Chairman and Managing Partner, Alan Foy, will join WebDoctor’s board of directors.
WebDoctor is consistent with the objectives of VentureWave Capital to deliver social outcomes in its investment mandate. These include reduced cost and easier accessibility for patients, support for healthcare professionals seeking flexible work arrangements and reduced carbon emissions through fewer journeys to and energy costs at GPs’ clinics.
Alan Foy, Chairman and Managing Partner VentureWave Capital, said, “We are excited to invest in WebDoctor – a successful, scaling Irish health technology business with a really strong team of promoters and entrepreneurs. WebDoctor is a great example of an Irish company with an excellent market opportunity, proven team and exemplary technology/product platform. We look forward to supporting the team in their future scaling. We are confident the team will drive new opportunities to make an impact on the next phase of their successful journey”.
David Crimmins, CEO, WebDoctor stated, “VentureWave Capital’s investment comes at a pivotal time for WebDoctor, enabling us to meet the exponential growth of the telehealth market and operate on an international scale. This is an exciting time for the company and we look forward to the further development of both our B2C and B2B offerings in the short term.”
Kieran McLoughlin, VentureWave Capital Managing Partner said: “Our Global and Irish investors are committed to backing great companies that generate both financial and social returns. Together with David and the WebDoctor team, we have set significant impact goals for the next 10 years including serving 15 million patients and supporting 500 healthcare professionals seeking flexible work. WebDoctor’s business is aligned with our fundamental objective of generating profit with a purpose.”
Noel McSweeney, Chairman, WebDoctor said: “Against the backdrop of Covid-19 the team has been working on the strategic development of the business and the investment by VentureWave Capital is a clear recognition of our potential as we look towards a positive future.”
WebDoctor was originally founded when brothers Oisin and Howard Kim and co-founder Martin Commins helped a family friend, Dr Sylvester Mooney, transform his medical clinic’s business. Today WebDoctor enables doctors to conduct their day-to-day operations virtually and to automate their booking and payment processes; and patients can attend virtual consultations at a lower cost than in-person appointments.
