By Business & Finance 
Pictured: (L-R): Ronan Murphy, Patrick Longworth, Marie-Alice Cleary, Jack Kelly, Mark White, Liane Egan, Jerome Kennedy, Stephen Holst, Rachel O’Neill, Edel Corry and Mark O’Connor
This week sees new and notable appointments at McCann FitzGerald LLP, Barden, The National Lottery, Albany Beck, Advertising Standards Authority, Eir evo, Astatine, and Schneider Electric.
Marie-Alice Cleary, Patrick Longworth, Litigation Group, Edel Corry, Real Estate Group, Liane Egan, Ronan Murphy, Mark O’Connor, Finance Group, Jerome Kennedy, Rachel O’Neill, Corporate Group, Jack Kelly, London’s Office Partner,
McCann FitzGerald LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP has announced the appointment of nine new partners.
Marie-Alice Cleary and Patrick Longworth have been appointed partners for the Litigation Group.
Marie-Alice Cleary is a general commercial litigator with a particular focus on regulatory investigations, contentious competition matters, corporate and M&A disputes, and mis-selling claims.
Patrick Longworth is an expert in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Patrick has particular expertise in insurance disputes, including coverage and policy wording disputes and professional indemnity claims. Patrick is also experienced in advising clients in relation to pensions disputes, regulatory investigations and enforcement matters, shareholder disputes, and administrative law matters and related judicial reviews.
Edel Corry has been appointed partner for the Real Estate Group.
Edel maintains a diverse practice across the full spectrum of real estate transactions, including asset acquisition and disposal, commercial leasing and advisory work for the State sector and regulated entities.
She combines deep industry knowledge with a proven track record of delivering for clients on complex, high-value transactions, with particular expertise in the energy infrastructure/renewables sector. Edel regularly collaborates across the Firm on a variety of transactions, including large scale development financings in multiple sectors (PRS, offices, hotels, retail and healthcare) and on corporate M&A deals.
Liane Egan, Ronan Murphy, and Mark O’Connor have been appointed partners for the Finance Group.
Liane has considerable experience and knowledge in advising on project finance, PPPs and structured finance for public sector clients and financial institutions. Liane has particular experience in advising statutory agencies in the transportation sector and advises on the current legislative and regulatory framework which governs such clients.
Ronan acts for aircraft lessors and other market participants across a range of aviation finance transactions, including those relating to aircraft leasing, aircraft financing and the trading of aircraft assets. He has advised a number of aircraft lessors in a diverse range of secured and unsecured debt financing transactions and on a variety of aviation-related capital markets transactions (including aircraft portfolio securitisations and unsecured note issuances). In addition, Ronan has acted for the firm’s clients in the establishment of aviation-related joint ventures, in servicing arrangements involving aviation assets and in significant M&A transactions in the aviation sector.
Mark advises domestic and international sponsors, corporates, financial institutions and private credit funds. With over six years of experience in London at both a Magic Circle firm and a leading US law firm, he has developed extensive expertise across a wide variety of debt products, including leveraged financing, investment grade financing, fund financing, asset-backed lending, real estate and development financing and derivatives.
Jerome Kennedy and Rachel O’Neill have been appointed partners for the Corporate Group.
Jerome advises Irish and international corporate and individual clients on cross-border acquisitions, disposals, restructurings and other general corporate matters. Jerome has particular expertise in private equity, advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, sellers and management teams on private equity transactions.
Rachel specialises in advising US and international clients on all aspects of cross-border M&A, with a focus on private equity transactions, together with general corporate advisory matters, including establishing and expanding operations and investments in Ireland.
Jack Kelly has been appointed as London’s office partner.
Jack specialises in public and private M&A and equity capital markets. He also advises public and private companies, together with all other market participants, on corporate governance, securities law requirements and shareholder activism. Jack spent several years working at two leading US law firms in London and New York and spent nine months on secondment to the EMEA ECM execution desk of a leading international investment bank.
Following these appointments, Stephen Holst, Managing Partner of McCann FitzGerald LLP, said: “These appointments highlight the strength and depth of ambition of our firm, also reflecting our international reach. The new partners will immediately bolster our leadership teams and ensure clients continue to benefit from exceptional legal services. I look forward to working closely with each of our new partners to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
Sinéad Donovan, Strategic Advisor,
Barden
Barden has announced the appointment of Sinéad Donovan as a Strategic Advisor.
Barden has welcomed Sinéad Donovan—former Chairperson of Grant Thornton Ireland and Past President of Chartered Accountants Ireland—to its leadership team. With over two decades of experience, Donovan played a key role in scaling Grant Thornton from 90 to nearly 3,000 employees and led a historic vote unifying CPA Ireland with CAI, making it the largest professional body in the country.
In her new role, Donovan will work collaboratively with Barden’s leadership team to build on the Irish company’s success by expanding strategic networks and deepening partnerships, while upholding the firm’s core values and first-class professional services.
She also serves as a Trustee of Girls Not Brides, a global NGO focused on ending child marriage.
Following her appointment, Ed Heffernan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Barden Ireland, said: “Sinéad’s appointment not only validates our vision but also accelerates our journey to transform recruitment into a true professional services discipline.”
Anne Mulcahy, Chief Marketing Officer,
The National Lottery
Anne Mulcahy has been newly appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer of the National Lottery.
Anne is an accomplished strategy and brand marketer with extensive experience, having held senior positions internationally and in Ireland, including Bank of Ireland, Vodafone, Diageo, and, early in her career, the Coca-Cola company. Most recently, she has worked as a brand consultant for clients, including Curry’s Ireland, identifying growth strategies and developing brand plans.
Commenting on the announcement, Anne Mulcahy new Chief Marketing Officer, said: “I am excited to join the National Lottery, where Ireland comes to dream. The National Lottery is an iconic Irish brand, and I am looking forward to helping it enjoy continued success.”
Cian Murphy, CEO of PLI added: “Anne brings a wealth of experience to the National Lottery. We believe Anne’s leadership will be instrumental in enhancing the National Lottery brand and connecting with our customers in meaningful ways as we continue to raise much needed funds for Good Causes nationwide”.
Garrett Cronin, Board Advisor,
Albany Beck
Albany Beck has recently appointed Garrett Cronin as their Board Advisor.
With a wealth of experience in consultancy and leadership, Cronin will work closely with the company’s Managing Partner and senior team.
A former Partner at PwC Ireland, Cronin was instrumental in launching and scaling the firm’s Consulting Practice, eventually leading over 600 consultants. He also held key roles such as Head of Consulting Operations and leader of Finance Transformation initiatives. More recently, he served as Managing Director of GCN Consulting, where he specialised in business restructuring and growth strategy.
An alumnus of University College Dublin, Cronin is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and holds multiple qualifications in innovation and leadership.
Commenting on the appointment, Paul O’Brien, Managing Partner, Albany Beck Ireland, said: “We are pleased to welcome Garrett to the Albany Beck Ireland Board. His extensive experience in leading business transformation initiatives and scaling consulting operations makes him a strong addition to our leadership team.”
Reflecting on his new position, Garrett Cronin said: “I look forward to working with Paul and the Albany Beck team as the company continues to expand its footprint in Ireland. Albany Beck has built a strong reputation for supporting clients through innovation and operational excellence, and I am eager to support the leadership team in achieving its expansion goals”.
Gary Joyce, Siobhán Masterson, and Stephen Jackson, the Organisation’s Board, respectively,
Advertising Standards Authority
The Advertising Standards Authority has appointed Gary Joyce, Siobhán Masterson, and Stephen Jackson to its Board.
As a seasoned business strategist, leadership advisor, and executive coach, Gary brings over three decades of experience helping leading organisations shape business growth, build strong brands, and drive culture transformations.
She has extensive board involvement across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently Deputy Chair of Barnardos and serves on the boards of European Movement Ireland and the Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative Society Limited (IFAC).
Gary holds a Bachelor of Social Science from University College Dublin, a Master of Science in Executive and Leadership Coaching, a Diploma in Company Direction, and a Diploma in Women’s Studies. She is a Fellow of both the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisors and the Marketing Institute of Ireland, and is currently pursuing the Chartered Director designation.
Siobhán Masterson is the CEO of IAPI, the organisation representing the commercial creative, advertising and communications industry. Appointed in February 2025, Siobhán has wide-ranging experience across corporate affairs, communications, socio-economic policy and commercial strategy. She was previously Global Director for Public Affairs and Communications at Kerry Group plc, Director of Commercial Strategy at the RDS, and Head of Corporate Affairs at Ibec.
Siobhán has represented Irish business on Government taskforces and advisory committees. A former member of the National Economic and Social Council, she has also been a strong advocate for social and business change at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris and the European Commission in Brussels. Siobhén also has extensive experience as a Non-Executive Director, having served on the boards of Business in the Community and Chapter Zero Ireland, a global initiative that supports business leadership on climate governance.
Siobhán holds a Postgraduate Degree in European Economics and Public Affairs from University College Dublin and the European Institute University in Florence, Italy. She also has extensive knowledge of executive education, having completed a Diploma in Leadership, Business Administration, and Management at INSEAD Business School.
Stephen Jackson is Head of Customer and Marketing at PTSB (formerly Permanent TSB plc). With over 20 years’ experience driving global brand growth, building award-winning teams, and delivering market-leading performance, Stephen is renowned for his strategic, customer-centric approach to marketing and business leadership.
Before joining PTSB, Stephen held senior leadership roles at several prominent international and domestic brands, including Vodafone, Lexus, and Davy Group. He has deep expertise in brand and culture transformation, helping organisations enhance both customer experience and business outcomes.
Stephen holds a Master of Science in Marketing and Analytics from Technological University Dublin, a Professional Diploma in Executive Coaching from University College Cork, and is a graduate of the Irish Management Institute.
Commenting on the appointments, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gary, Siobhán, and Stephen to the Board. Each appointee brings unique perspectives and invaluable industry expertise to the role. As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, their guidance will be instrumental in advancing our mission to foster trust in advertising for all.”
Susan Brady, Managing Director,
Eir evo
Eir has recently appointed Susan Brady as the new Managing Director of Eir evo.
Susan Brady will lead Eir evo. She replaces Martin Wells, who has led the division since 2019. Brady joined Eir in 2010, following 12 years at Vodafone Ireland. Most recently, she served as Managing Director of Eir’s Consumer and Small Business division. Under her leadership, Eir has become Ireland’s No. 1 Fibre Broadband Provider and achieved market leadership in Mobile Growth Performance.
Commenting on her appointment, Susan Brady said: “I am honoured to step into this new role at such a pivotal time for eir evo. As we continue to grow and innovate, our focus will be on delivering world-class technology solutions that empower our business customers to grow. I look forward to working with our talented team and building on the strong foundation laid by Martin Wells.”
Welcoming the appointments, Ollie Loomes, CEO of eir, said: “Susan’s strategic vision and deep understanding of our customers make her the perfect choice to lead eir evo into its next chapter.”
Jill Beck, Colette Hynes, Commercial Manager and Finance Director, respectively,
Astatine
Astat
ine has announced the appointments of Jill Beck and Colette Hynes.
Jill Beck, a native of Co. Dublin is a Quantity Surveyor with a broad range of experience from within the construction and engineering sectors. She holds degrees in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. Jill is also a board member at the National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street). As Commercial Manager at Astatine, Jill is responsible for driving the company’s financial success, developing and implementing commercial strategy, contract negotiation, risk management and compliance.
Colette Hynes, originally from Co. Galway, FCCA, brings over 20 years of financial leadership experience. She has a strong track record in strategic planning, risk management, and driving operational efficiency. Colette has successfully driven financial transformations and managed large-scale budgets. Colette holds qualifications in corporate finance, aviation leasing, and company secretarial law, along with a post-graduate certificate in Creative Thinking, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Action from Dublin University Trinity.
Following their appointments, Tom Marren, CEO of Astatine, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jill and Colette to our management team. Astatine is in strong growth mode and I know that both Jill and Colette will contribute hugely to accelerating that growth as we partner with companies large and small in the decarbonisation of Irish industry”.
Rhonda Doyle, Country President of Ireland,
Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric has announced the appointment of its new country president of Ireland, Rhonda Doyle.
Since joining Schneider in 2021. Rhonda has held roles in the services division and, most recently, held the post of Vice President of Customer Operations in the UK and Ireland, where she led customer care, satisfaction and quality, business systems, and strategies to transform digital experiences for customers.
As Schneider’s new Country President of Ireland, Rhonda will be responsible for scaling growth of Schneider’s portfolio and leveraging the opportunities in the market to drive forward its energy transition.
Following her appointment, Kelly Becker, President of Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, said: “Being Irish, Rhonda recognises Ireland’s strategic importance, understands its specific opportunities and needs, and is focused on unlocking its full potential. She brings an innovative leadership style and a strong commitment to developing high-performing teams and the business. As our ambitions for Ireland expand, her ability to foster collaboration—both within Ireland and across other markets—will continue to be a key driver of our success.”
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