By Business & Finance 
Pictured (from L-R): Dr. Colin Hunt, President of Ibec and Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec
This week sees new and notable appointments at Ibec, Orbitus, McCann FitzGerald, The Stepstone Group, Bank of Ireland, and Flynn O’Driscoll.
By Héloïse Chaudot
Dr Colin Hunt, President
Ibec
Dr Colin Hunt, CEO of AIB, has been appointed as Ibec President for 2025 to 2026. He succeeds Anne O’Leary, Head of Meta Ireland.
Dr Colin Hunt holds a PhD in Economics from Trinity College and degrees in Commerce and Economics from University College Cork. He is also a Chartered Bank Director and a Fellow of the Insititute of Bankers.
Prior to joining AIB, Colin was Managing Director at Macquarie Capital, where he led the development of its business in Ireland. He previously served as Special Policy Adviser at the Departments of Transport and Finance, Research Director and Chief Economist at Goodbody Stockbrokers, Head of Trading Research and Senior Economist at Bank of Ireland Group Treasury, and as a Country Risk Analyst at NatWest.
Speaking about his appointment, Dr Hunt said, “It is a great honour to serve as Ibec President and to represent the business community in Ireland, both at home and abroad. Despite the current global economic uncertainty, Ireland stands on the threshold of a great opportunity. Yet we also face significant challenges that must be addressed head-on. While the country is growing economically, demographically, technologically and globally, the infrastructure required to support our growth, potential and aspirations is not keeping pace.”
Jennifer O’Brien, Head of HR
Orbitus
Irish legal and tax advisory firm Orbitus has appointed Jennifer O’Brien to head its newly established HR division.
O’Brien brings more than 10 years’ experience in HR management and leadership. In her new role, O’Brien will bring HR and support to companies and employers nationwide. She will ensure that client HR processes are aligned with relevant tax, legal, and compliance requirements.
Commenting on the appointment, Ben Hardy, Partner & Head of Commercial at Orbitus, said, “Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in corporate HR leadership and recruitment expertise, having developed people strategies across multiple sectors for more than 10 years.”
Speaking of her appointment, Jennifer O’Brien commented, “I am delighted to join Orbitus, a firm with such a strong reputation for delivering excellent legal and tax services. It’s a privilege to be trusted to lead the new HR division, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience in HR strategy and people development to help shape this service. I’m proud to be part of this next chapter for Orbitus and excited to work with the team to develop bespoke HR solutions that help our clients manage their people and business challenges more effectively.”
Christopher Paye, Ireland Country Director
The Stepstone Group
Christopher Paye has been announced this week to take the role of Ireland Country Director at The Stepstone Group.
In his new role, Paye will lead commercial strategy for the Group’s brands across the island of Ireland, which include IrishJobs, Jobs.ie and NIJobs. As Country Director, he will be responsible for driving the growth of the brands in Ireland, advancing their commercial capabilities, and enhancing their innovative services to meet the evolving needs of employers and talent.
Christopher Paye brings more than 15 years of experience in recruitment. He is a graduate of Arts, Politics, and Economics from UCD.
Following his appointment, Paye commented, “I’m delighted to take up the role of Country Director for The Stepstone Group in Ireland and build on our strong legacy of commercial growth across the island of Ireland. The hiring landscape is transforming at a pace, with new technologies such as AI transforming how employers attract, recruit and train potential talent. Amid this transformation, it’s crucial that we continue to enhance our innovative capabilities to meet the changing needs of talent and employers across the country.”
June Butler, Head of Corporate and SME Banking
Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland has announced the appointment of June Butler as its Head of Corporate and SME Banking.
She brings extensive experience in financial services, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement across both public and private sectors. June previously served as Head of SME Banking and Sectors at Bank of Ireland until 2021.
In her new role, June will lead a team of 200 colleagues supporting 3,000 companies across Ireland. She will be responsible for managing relationships with private enterprises, multinationals, and publicly listed firms, while also heading our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) team.
Commenting on the appointment, John Feeney, Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland’s Corporate and Commercial Banking division, said, “We are delighted to welcome June back to Bank of Ireland. Her deep expertise in SME and corporate banking, combined with a strong track record in strategic delivery and stakeholder engagement, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support our corporate and business customers across all sectors.”
Peter McLay, Partner
McCann FitzGerald LLP
Peter McLay has been appointed as a Partner for McCann FitzGerald LLP in their Energy Group.
This appointment reflects the growing demand for legal expertise in energy delivery and complex project structuring, fuelled by planning reform, Ireland’s climate goals, and the ambitions of the National Development Plan.
McLay’s arrival further strengthens McCann FitzGerald’s Energy Group, which is at the forefront of advising on major infrastructure and energy projects in Ireland and abroad.
Commenting on his appointment, Peter McLay said, “Ireland is entering a critical phase in its energy and infrastructure journey, and clients need legal advice that is technically sound, commercially astute and sector-aware. McCann FitzGerald has built a team that understands the full complexity of ambitious projects and the urgency of delivery. The team here is doing outstanding work, and I look forward to helping clients unlock new opportunities ahead.”
John Fitzgerald & Terry O’Malley, Partners
Flynn O’Driscoll
Flynn O’Driscoll has announced the appointment of two new partners: John Fitzgerald and Terry O’Malley.
John Fitzgerald had been appointed as a partner and Head of Restructuring and Insolvency. He will lead the firm’s ongoing growth in this area. Fitzgerald brings over 20 years’ experience and has worked on many restructuring projects over his career.
Speaking on his new role, John Fitzgerald said, “Joining Flynn O’Driscoll at such a pivotal moment in its journey and supporting clients of the firm as well as working with new colleagues is a fantastic opportunity. I look forward to leading the Restructuring & Insolvency team, building on its strong foundation and working collaboratively to drive continued growth, innovation, and success in the years ahead.”
Terry O’Malley has been appointed as a Partner in the Real Estate practice. For the last 7 years, Terry was in the real estate department at Eversheds Sutherland. He has extensive experience in all areas of real estate law, with a particular focus on social housing, retail, hospitality and industrial sectors.
Commenting on his appointment, Terry O’Malley said, “I’m excited to contribute to the continued growth of the Real Estate practice and to work closely with colleagues to deliver clear, concise and practical advice to our clients on complex property transactions.”
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