By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Christine Tobin, Account Manager, Fuzion
New and notable appointments at Fuzion, Future Planet, Codex Office Solutions, Deloitte Ireland, Ibec, McCann FitzGerald LLP, Auticon Ireland, and Mason Hayes & Curran.
Christine Tobin, Account Manager,
Fuzion
Fuzion has announced the appointment of Christine Tobin to the role of Account Manager at the award-winning communications and creative agency.
An experienced and versatile journalist, PR and marketing professional, Christine joins the corporate communications team with 20 years of experience in the industry. Having written over 10,000 news stories in her career, she has written about everything from crime, court and council, to health and human interest, art and agriculture. Christine ran her own communications business for many years and has worked with 100+ clients across all sectors. Now based in Kilkenny, the former news editor, press photographer and radio producer worked in regional media in her native Kerry, as well as Cork and Kilkenny, and as far away as Whangarei in New Zealand, where she was Deputy Editor and Business Editor of the NZME weekly and daily titles.
Commenting on her appointment, Christine said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Fuzion team at such an exciting time for the company. I look forward to being part of the energetic and skilled communications force of the award- winning agency, as it continues to deliver exceptional results for its valued clients, supporting businesses to meet their corporate and public affairs objectives.” Fuzion is a national brand communications agency with offices in Dublin and Cork. Fuzion has an extensive client portfolio working with high-profile national and international brands across a wide range of industries including the public sector, non profit, maritime, energy, hospitality and tourism, professional services, food and beverage, retail, philanthropy and social well-being. Fuzion has just revealed a contemporary rebrand to highlight the future focused concept of “Brand Communications”, which offers clients a seamless approach to communications and design with specialist but connected divisions of Consumer, Corporate & Public Affairs, Digital, Brand and Design.
Orla Carolan – Executive Director of ESG Strategy and Compliance, Colum Kenny – Director of Sales, Mary White – Operation Manager, Simpal Sharma – Sustainability Solutions Lead.
Various,
Future Planet
Future Planet, the leading AI sustainability software company, has announced the addition of four key strategic appointments in response to significant market demand for sustainability software solutions.
The new roles and appointments are Orla Carolan as Executive Director of ESG Strategy & Compliance; Colum Kenny as Director of Sales; Mary White as Operations Manager and Simpal Sharma as Sustainability Solutions Lead.
Companies are under increasing pressure to implement robust sustainability strategies and comply with regulatory pressure like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These four appointments will accelerate Future Planet’s vision to help companies achieve sustainable performance and compliance.
With nearly two decades of experience, Orla Carolan brings a wealth of knowledge from senior roles at Grant Thornton and JPMorgan Bank (Ireland). She recently worked on secondment with the EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) secretariat on the development of the sector-specific European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Orla is one of Ireland’s leading authorities on the CSRD and her leadership will be instrumental in helping Future Planet’s customers with ESG strategies and compliance.
Speaking on her new appointment, Orla said: “As a customer of Future Planet in my last role, I saw first-hand the benefits companies can get from a combination of sustainability expertise and smart software. I had to join the company. I’m delighted to work with Future Planet’s amazing team and their state-of-the-art technology to ease the compliance and reporting burden for more clients, and help these clients develop and achieve their ESG strategies.”
Drawing from over 12 years of multifaceted experience across research, engineering, and management consultancy, Colum Kenny joins Future Planet as Director of Sales to drive the company’s growth trajectory and solidify its position within the market.
Also joining Future Planet are Mary White as Operations Manager and Simpal Sharma as Sustainability Solutions Lead. With a career spanning more than two decades in people, communications, DEI and culture management, Mary’s expertise will be pivotal in overseeing day-to-day operations and spearheading strategic initiatives to propel Future Planet’s continued success.
Leveraging extensive experience in the manufacturing industry and a deep understanding of ESRS and CSRD regulations, Simpal’s proficiency in conducting research and benchmarking across multiple sectors will be invaluable in driving sustainable solutions forward.
On the new appointments, Debbie Power, Chief Commercial Office of Future Planet said: “The time is now. Companies are under pressure to embrace ESG strategies, not only as a compliance measure but as a core component of their business. However, while there has never been so much awareness, there are very few sustainability solutions to ease the burden. At Future Planet, we are here to help. Each of our new team members will be instrumental in empowering our customers to transform, as we help them shape their sustainability strategies, support their compliance requirements and simplify their ESG data management, to deliver real and tangible change.”
Aisling Murray, Head of People and Culture,
Codex Office Solutions
Codex has announced the appointment of Aisling Murray as the new Head of People and Culture. Aisling joined Codex as an HR Business Partner in 2020, where she was instrumental in establishing the in-house Human Resources department.
Under Aisling’s leadership, Codex was honoured as Ireland’s Best Workplace™ in the Great Place to Work (GPTW) Small Category for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Alongside Emily McKenzie (Codex Head of Marketing), she received the Special Ambassadors Award at the GPTW 2023 Best Workplaces for their significant contributions to developing, defining, and extending Codex’s organisational principles during a period of growth and rebranding.
Aisling has also played a crucial role in transforming Codex’s offering to current and perspective employees, which has included the introduction of flexible working, enhanced and inclusive leave entitlements and various other wellbeing initiatives, not to mention the new on-site gym. Codex’s overall employee benefits package, including the new leave policy, has been benchmarked among the 90th percentile of all Irish SMEs.
“Aisling has been a transformative presence at Codex, driving our people and culture strategy with dedication and insight,” said Patrick Murphy, Codex CEO. “Her leadership has been pivotal in our recognition as a great place to work, and we are excited to see her continue to shape our workplace culture.”
“These are exciting times at Codex as we build on our proud 45-year history while diversifying into new markets, new products, and new services. Aisling’s expertise and commitment will be invaluable as we continue to invest in our people and our company’s future.” Mr Murphy concluded.
Aisling holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the National College of Ireland and a Bachelor’s degree in Business & E-Commerce with German from Dublin City University. Prior to joining Codex, she held HR and recruitment roles at Seetec Ireland, Workhuman, USIT, and Sigmar Recruitment.
“I’m honoured to take on this new role at Codex Office Solutions and to continue working with such a talented team,” said Aisling Murray, Codex’s new Head of People and Culture. “I look forward to further advancing our people and culture initiatives and supporting employees as we move forward.”
Various,
Deloitte Ireland
Harry Goddard, CEO, Deloitte Ireland (centre) pictured with 13 new partners. (L to R, starting in back row): Niamh Barry, Tax & Legal, Karen Clarke, Tax & Legal, Sinead Gogan, People & Purpose, David Walshe, Consulting, Caroline Costello, Financial Advisory, Aileen Stephens, Tax & Legal, Rory Brown, Audit & Assurance, Joanne Clarke, Tax & Legal, Rebecca Ring, Consulting, Tom Hynes, Consulting, Nicola Flannery, Risk Advisory, Grace Cartin, Audit & Assurance, Thomas Fedigan, Audit & Assurance. Jason Clarke Photography.
Deloitte Ireland has appointed 13 new partners across its business, following strong growth throughout the year. The new partners are Thomas Fedigan, Rory Brown, and Grace Cartin, (Audit & Assurance); Rebecca Ring, David Walshe, and Tom Hynes (Consulting); Caroline Costello (Financial Advisory); Nicola Flannery (Risk Advisory); Aileen Stephens, Niamh Barry, Karen Clarke, and Joanne Clarke (Tax & Legal); and Sinead Gogan (People & Purpose).
The appointment of nine female partners brings the proportion of females within the partnership group to 33%, on track to achieve the target goal of 35% by 2025.
Commenting on the appointments, Harry Goddard, CEO, Deloitte Ireland, said:
“Congratulations to all our new partners, on what is a significant milestone both for them and for our organisation. Our new partners showcase the full breadth and depth of capabilities across our industry groups, and have a proven track record of driving our clients’ strategic agendas. Improving gender balance at all levels of our organisation is a priority, and while we still have a journey to travel, these appointments support our ambition of achieving 35% female partnership by 2025. Championing growth and diversity within their own teams is also an area our new partners have shown huge strength, and I wish them all every success in their new roles.”
New executive team appointment with 50/50 gender split
Deloitte has also announced a number of new appointments to its Ireland executive team, whose skills and experience will support the firm’s continued growth. The executive team consist of 10 people, with 50% women.
Details of the new executive are included below.
The new partners are:
Niamh Barry
Niamh specialises in employment tax and global mobility. She has significant experience in advising clients across a broad range of payroll tax issues, including Revenue audits, due diligence matters, expense policy reviews, issues arising from global mobility programmes, and taxation of equity schemes.
Niamh has spent time in two different industry roles giving her huge insight into how clients operate, the challenges they face and how they expect an adviser to show up. She works across a wide range of industries and sectors with a particular focus on technology, construction, financial services, and pharmaceutical. Niamh is a UCC alum and a member of both Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Irish Tax Institute.
Rory Brown
Rory is a highly experienced chartered accountant who has spent the last 13 years with Deloitte as part of the financial services audit department. With a focus on banking and payments clients, as well as extensive experience in the private credit and real estate sectors, Rory has led some of the firm’s largest and most complex engagements both locally and internationally. As a trusted adviser to many of our large listed and regulated clients, Rory has developed deep credit expertise, enabling him to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients as they navigate complex issues. His ability to build and maintain strong client relationships has been instrumental in driving successful outcomes for clients.
Grace Cartin
Grace has over 12 years’ audit and assurance experience working with a range of large private and multinational clients. She provides audit and advisory services in both IFRS and FRS 101/102 reporting frameworks across a wide range of business sectors with a focus on banking, energy, technology, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Grace also has experience working internationally with Deloitte in the US. She has a law degree from Newcastle University, is a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, and is actively involved with the Chartered Accountants Ulster Society member services committee.
Joanne Clarke
Joanne’s experience spans a vast range of industry sectors which allows her to understand the unique VAT challenges facing individual clients and their distinct business needs.
Joanne has extensive experience providing international organisations with VAT technical analysis, supply chain structuring & optimisation, governance & compliance and dispute resolution across the globe, including five years of complex VAT implementation projects in the GCC.
Joanne is also a trusted adviser to diverse family-owned businesses, start-ups & SMEs, public sector/PPPs and NGOs, supporting them every step of the way with their local and international VAT requirements. Joanne is a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) with the ITI and a Chartered Accountant with the ICAI.
Karen Clarke
Karen specialises in M&A tax in the Business tax department and has been with Deloitte for over 12 years. Karen has significant experience working on a variety of M&A transactions including advising on the tax structure of transactions, undertaking the tax due diligence aspects (both buy side and vendor), review and advice of legal agreements and post-acquisition integrations.
Karen also advises Private Equity investors (domestic and international) in relation to investing in Irish businesses and works with many of their portfolio company’s post-acquisition.
Karen is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and an Associate of the Irish Taxation Institute.
Caroline Costello
Caroline began her career as a lawyer in South Africa, and has worked in Financial Crime risk management for more than 15 years, with a focus on forensic and financial crime advisory services. She has been involved in numerous international engagements throughout Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, focusing on leveraging technology, operations and qualified people to effectively identify and mitigate financial crime within high risk industries.
Caroline has worked with clients in various sectors, with a focus in the financial services and public sector. She has extensive experience in Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing, including supporting multinational financial institutions with complex compliance transformation initiatives, leading large-scale remediation projects, and implementation and enhancement of controls for compliance with international regulatory standards relating to AML/ATF, ABAC, and Sanctions.
Thomas Fedigan
Thomas has over 13 years’ experience providing audit and advisory services to a broad range of listed and multinational clients, primarily in the Consumer and Energy, Resources & Industrials sectors. He has extensive experience in leading large and complex, multi-location group audit engagements under PCAOB and ISA standards. Thomas has significant experience dealing with complex reporting matters including US GAAP & IFRS transition projects, initial stock exchange listings, SEC regulations and financial process improvement reviews.
Thomas holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance from Dundalk Institute of Technology, an MBS in Accounting from Dublin City University and is a member (FCA) of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Nicola Flannery
Nicola specialises in digital trust and transparency including data privacy, internet regulations and trustworthy AI. With over 15 years’ experience across industry and professional services she has a diverse client portfolio across all sectors (TMT, Pharma, FSI, Consumer and Public Sector). She has led on some of Deloitte Ireland’s largest privacy and internet regulation engagements, supporting clients with all elements of privacy and emerging technology risk. She is an expert in Compliance by Design (Privacy, Data Ethics, Trust) and has extensive experience across end-to-end data protection with a focus on operations: managing GDPR maturity assessments at system and department level as well as strategizing, developing and operationalising data protection frameworks and operating models. She uses her knowledge and skills to support clients with innovation and brand enhancement using compliance as an enabler. Her qualifications include a Masters in Commercial Law and a Diploma in Technology Law. She is a Fellow of the IAPP (FIP) and holds a CIPP/E and CIPM.
Sinead Gogan
Sinead is Chief Human Resources Officer and has responsibility for the firm’s people and purpose strategy, including end-to-end talent solutions, internal communications and social impact.
Sinead began her HR career in Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) and has held HR, internal communications, and corporate responsibility roles in Ireland and internationally. She spent 15 years at Fidelity Investments where over her tenure she was Vice-President of human resources with responsibility for locations in Ireland, China and Global Business Services.
She is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development and holds a number of post-graduate qualifications.
In a voluntary capacity, she serves as Chair of the Board for Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services and is a member of the Irish Management Institute (IMI) Council. In 2022, she was appointed as an ordinary member to the Board of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in Ireland.
Tom Hynes
Tom is focused on finance transformation and has extensive experience in providing programme and project management for large-scale finance transformation programmes supporting clients with their finance strategy, operating model design and implementation.
Tom has worked with clients across multiple industries including life sciences, technology, media, energy, financial services and the public sector.
During his time in Consulting, he has lead the feasibility, design and implementation of finance shared services functions on a global basis. He has also supported the set-up of centres of excellence in the areas of transfer pricing, statutory reporting and decision support. Tom has assisted clients optimise their finance functions through digital technology.
Tom has a B.Comm from NUIG and a Masters in Accounting from UCD. Tom is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
Rebecca Ring
Rebecca is a specialist in healthcare consulting with over 12 years of experience collaborating with healthcare providers and regulators such as the HSE, public, and private hospitals. Her primary focus lies in healthcare strategy and overseeing large capital infrastructure projects, contributing significantly to some of Ireland’s most substantial healthcare programmes. Rebecca focuses primarily on healthcare strategy and large capital infrastructure projects and has worked on some of the largest programmes in healthcare in Ireland. Prior to joining Deloitte, Rebecca spent a number of years working with VHI on their provider expansion programme and prior to that in Accenture’s healthcare practice. She brings deep industry experience and a breadth of experience within the sector. Rebecca’s academic background includes a Ph.D. in Pharmacology which she received having spent a number of years conducting primary scientific research in UCD.
Aileen Stephens
Aileen has a deep interest working with Family Enterprises and their business owners. Aileen is a chartered tax adviser with 14 years’ experience focusing on value delivery for her clients using her insights and expertise to develop solutions to challenging issues.
Aileen advises her clients on a wide range of investment portfolio matters including corporate restructurings, business model optimisation, real estate / investment holding solutions, M&A transactions and cross border expansions. At a shareholder level, Aileen advises business owners on succession planning strategies, wealth management, NextGen development and exit readiness for the sale of a business.
David Walshe
David has over 20 years’ experience working on digital transformations leveraging platforms such as Salesforce and Adobe. He is an expert in leading large digital programmes and applying agile practices to deliver business growth.
He leads the Salesforce practice in Ireland and is one of the foremost experts on the platform. He has deep expertise in helping clients leverage Salesforce to deliver great experiences across their Sales, Service and Marketing teams.
David brings a focus on value realisation for clients in the Consumer, Manufacturing and Public Sectors, helping them to generate an increased return on their investment and a faster time to value.
Caimin Keane, Executive Director of People & Culture,
Ibec
Ibec, the group representing Irish business, has announced the appointment of Caimin Keane as their new Executive Director of People & Culture. Caimin will be responsible for developing and executing a human resource strategy that supports and helps deliver Ibec’s ambitious goals. Ibec is Ireland’s largest lobby and business representative group and has over 300 employees with six regional offices, a Brussels office, and an extensive international network in the UK and US.
Speaking about his appointment, Caimin Keane said:
“I am delighted to be joining Ibec at this exciting time of growth. I look forward to continuing the great work in HR and organizational development by creating an environment that connects our people with Ibec’s purpose. We aim to create compelling career opportunities through our unique suite of services, products, and networks. The future success of Ibec will involve harnessing the strength of the collective, ensuring our people have the right skills and capabilities so they can continue to deliver Ibec’s impact for our members, sectors, stakeholders, and society.”
Caimin is an experienced HR and business leader. He was previously the HR Director at Deloitte for the Consulting, Financial Advisory, and Risk Advisory Businesses. Before Deloitte, Caimin held several HR leadership positions within the financial services sector, including roles at Davy Group and Bank of Ireland. He also served in the Irish Defence Forces as an Army Officer in various roles across operational, supply chain, and organizational HR divisions, and completed several UN peacekeeping missions in the Middle East and Balkans.
Ibec Deputy CEO and COO, Liam O’Donoghue said:
“Caimin’s appointment and the creation of the Executive Director role for People and Culture demonstrate Ibec’s commitment to organisational growth and the development of our people. It is always our goal to create an environment where people can develop their careers with a strong sense of purpose. Caimin’s appointment will further enhance our ability to achieve this. He has an impressive track record in all aspects of strategic HR and will be a fantastic addition to Ibec.”
Various,
McCann FitzGerald LLP
Back row from left: Paula Fearon (Legal Technology); Simon Walsh (Restructuring and Insolvency); Gerard Sadlier (Dispute Resolution); Anna Moran (Investment Funds); Mark White (Chair); Stephen Holst (Managing Partner); Aidan Gleeson (Corporate Banking); Clare Gillett (Financial Regulatory). Front row from left: James Quirke (Tax); Deirdre Barnicle (Tax); Conor Cunningham (Dispute Resolution); Sinead Martyn (Environmental and Planning); Ciara O’Herlihy (Corporate).
Yvonne Brewer, Country Manager,
Auticon Ireland
Auticon, the world’s largest autistic majority company, has appointed Yvonne Brewer as Country Manager for Ireland.
Brewer brings over two decades of experience leading diverse teams, delivering innovative solutions and driving business growth at industry giants like Vodafone, Digicel, Enterprise Ireland, Oracle and Capgemini.
Her appointment comes shortly after auticon announced the launch of its 15th global location in Dublin in March 2024.
Founded in Germany in 2011 by a father seeking better employment opportunities for his autistic son, the global social enterprise started as an IT Consultancy, placing autistic IT consultants into specialist roles. Working with autistic consultants, supported by neuroinclusion coaches and advisors, proved to be both commercially and socially rewarding for clients. The business has subsequently expanded across the globe, with offices in Europe, America and Australia.
auticon’s mission is to address the inequalities in employment for neurodivergent adults and showcase the strengths of neurodiversity in society through its Neuroinclusion Services. Neuroinclusion Services by auticon offers a fully comprehensive suite of services to help an organisation become neuroinclusive and therefore become attractive to an untapped talent pool of neurodivergent people.
Global CEO of auticon, Kurt Schöffer, says, “We are delighted to welcome Yvonne to auticon as Country Manager for Ireland. We were incredibly impressed by her demonstrable successes in cultivating key client relationships and delivering strategic initiatives, not to mention her extensive experience and understanding of the Irish market. We are very much looking forward to her bringing her expertise to auticon Ireland as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”
On her appointment Yvonne Brewer comments, “I am passionate about the immense value neurodivergent people bring to the workplace, so I look forward to building upon auticon’s solid global foundations, to help expand the company’s offering into Ireland. There are exciting opportunities ahead to raise awareness of the exceptional skills and talents that neurodivergent people have to offer, as well
as supporting businesses to create working environments that will attract and retain talent and, crucially, enable that talent to thrive.”
Recent research,1conducted by Red C on behalf of auticon and its client Bank of Ireland, reveals that 1 in 10 people in Ireland personally identify as neurodivergent with around 4% of the population stipulating that they have been diagnosed as neurodivergent, with another 4% stating that they self identify as having a neurodivergent condition.1Furthermore, just under 1 in 5 people surveyed stated that they had a neurodivergent person in their close family (e.g. parent/ child/ sibling/ spouse).
Kim Bowen, Employment Law & Benefits,
Mason Hayes & Curran
Prominent Irish law firm Mason Hayes & Curran has announced the promotion of Kim Bowen to partner in its Employment Law & Benefits team. The firm now employs over 600 staff in Ireland, the UK and the US, dedicated to delivering bespoke, innovative client solutions.
Kim specialises in Business Immigration, offering expert advice to SMEs and large multinational corporations on employing non-EEA nationals in Ireland. Her expertise includes assisting clients in obtaining a wide range of employment authorisations and ensuring compliance with Irish immigration regulations. She also advises companies in relation to Workplace Relations Commission inspections.
Kim’s diverse practice spans all sectors, with a particular focus on Technology, Healthcare and Life Sciences. Her recent work includes advising some of the largest global technology companies, further solidifying her reputation as a leading business immigration expert.
Melanie Crowley, Head of Employment Law & Benefits at Mason Hayes & Curran, said: “Our Employment Law team is a leader in the field, and Kim’s appointment further enhances our ability to deliver exceptional service. Her ability to navigate the complexities of immigration law while delivering practical solutions is invaluable, ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive and effective legal support tailored to their specific needs.”
Kim Bowen commented: “With Ireland at almost full employment, helping companies recruit talent from abroad has never been more important. I work closely with clients to ensure they can efficiently onboard new talent and seamlessly navigate the Irish business immigration landscape. Over the years I have advised a large portfolio of clients ranging from individuals to small scale businesses and some of the largest global companies in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors, so I understand the common issues and how they can be best managed.”
Kim is a graduate of University College Dublin. She is a member of the Law Society of Ireland, along with the American Immigration Lawyer Association, the WERC Immigration Work Group and the Irish Immigration Lawyers Association.
