By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Emma Ralph, Origin Enterprises
This week sees new and notable appointments at Origin Enterprises PLC, Food Safety Authority, Viatel Technology Group, A&L Goodbody LLP, Horizon Quantum, SYS Financial and Land Development Agency
Emma Ralph, Group Head of Biostimulants, Adjuvants and Micronutrients,
Origin Enterprises PLC
Origin Enterprises plc (‘Origin’ or ‘the Group’), the international group for sustainable land use solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Emma Ralph as Group Head of Biostimulants, Adjuvants and Micronutrients.
As part of the Group commercial team, Emma will lead the Biostimulant, Adjuvant and Micronutrient (“BAM”) portfolio activities across the Group, while Simon Parker will continue to lead the Crop Protection portfolio. She will work closely with our in-country portfolio, technical and commercial teams to strengthen our product offering. Levering both third-party supplier partnerships as well as our own in-house capabilities, Emma will play an important role in maintaining a pipeline of innovative solutions that support our agronomists and deliver enhanced value to our customers.
Emma brings over 25 years of agricultural industry leadership to Origin. Most recently, she served as Managing Director of Interagro since 2018, one of the adjuvant producers in the UK, and led the development of a range of adjuvant and biostimulant products, as well as a export business to countries around the world. Emma began her career as a crop protection buyer and portfolio manager for an agricultural buying group before moving to a commercial role at BASF in 2010.
Emma Ralph, Group Head of Biostimulants, Adjuvants and Micronutrients, said: “I am very much looking forward to joining Origin, a progressive organisation focused on delivering sustainable solutions in agriculture and horticulture, and with a strong desire to develop a global presence in the field of biostimulants, adjuvants and micronutrients.”
Alex Steel, Origin’s Group Commercial Director, said: “I am delighted to welcome Emma to Origin. Her tremendous experience and deep understanding of the rapidly growing biostimulant, adjuvant, and micronutrient markets will be invaluable as we continue to expand and optimise our product portfolio and commercial offering. Emma’s appointment signals our ambition to drive forward our leadership position in this segment, by ensuring we continue to offer a best-in-class portfolio of innovative products that meets the evolving needs of the market.”
Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive,
Food Safety Authority
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today announced that Mr Greg Dempsey has been appointed Chief Executive. Mr Dempsey is currently Deputy Secretary General at the Department of Health and will take up office following the conclusion of tenure of the current Chief Executive, Dr Pamela Byrne, on 1 March 2025.
Mr Dempsey has worked in the Department of Health for over a decade, where he was previously Assistant Secretary and Head of Finance, before becoming Deputy Secretary where he headed the Corporate Affairs Division overseeing the highest standards of corporate governance in the Department. Prior to that, he was Chief Finance & Operations Officer with the Department of Finance, having joined there from in the Central Bank. Before he joined the public sector, Mr Dempsey had a career in the private sector, where he worked in a number of Financial Services firms, including as CEO of Zurich Bank.
Ms Ann Horan, Chair, FSAI said “The Board is delighted to welcome Mr Dempsey as the new Chief Executive of the FSAI. Mr Dempsey’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the FSAI, as we roll out our new Strategy 2025-2029, which sets out an ambitious roadmap to continue safeguard consumer health and enhance trust in Ireland’s robust food safety system. With his exceptional leadership skills, and a clear vision for the future, we are confident that he will safeguard and further drive the FSAI’s exemplary track record in delivering its legal mandate,”
Ed Heneghan, Chief Information Security Officer,
Viatel Technology Group
Viatel Technology Group has announced the appointment of Ed Heneghan as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Ed brings expertise to Viatel, gained from his years as founder of Henocon, a specialist cybersecurity consultancy.
Sergiusz Paprzycki, Head of Networks at Viatel Technology Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ed to the role of CISO at Viatel. His deep understanding of cybersecurity threats and best practices will be invaluable to both Viatel and our customers. The appointment of a dedicated CISO underscores Viatel’s commitment to addressing the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Enterprises face increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks and stringent regulatory requirements.”
Ed Heneghan, Chief Information Secutiry Officer at Viatel Technology Group said, “I am honoured to join a company with such a strong reputation for proactive cybersecurity. I look forward to contributing to Viatel’s mission of safeguarding customer information and systems, and helping organisations navigate the cybersecurity challenges of 2025 and beyond.”
Jeff Greene, Partner Employment Group,
A&L Goodbody LLP
A&L Goodbody LLP (ALG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Greene as a partner in its Employment group. Jeff brings a wealth of experience having been a partner at another large domestic law firm in Ireland for the past number of years.Ray Lloyd, VP Engineering,
Horizon Quantum
Horizon Quantum, a quantum computing software company founded by Irish scientist Dr. Joe Fitzsimons, has appointed Dr. Ray Lloyd as its VP of Engineering. Dr. Lloyd will work in Horizon Quantum’s European headquarters in Dublin.
Dr. Lloyd has over 30 years of experience in technical leadership, innovation, and research. His career spans roles in software development, hardware design, scientific research, and consultancy. He has contributed to companies ranging from startups to industries such as IBM Research, Eiratech Robotics, Stratus Technologies, InnaLabs® Ltd, and GoogleX. He holds a PhD in Computer Science and Physics (AI), a BSc in Computer Science, and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering.
Dr Ray Lloyd, VP of Engineering, Horizon Quantum said “I believe the success of quantum computing will be driven by the adoption of the technology into the mainstream. What excites me about Horizon Quantum is its mission to simplify the complexities of quantum computing and empower developers and engineers with familiar tools to solve complex, real-world problems that are computationally constrained on classical computers. I’m thrilled to join the team at such a critical juncture and contribute to advancing quantum computing and its transformative potential and impact to future generations across the world.”
Keith Dundon, Head of Finacial Services,
SYS Finacial
SYS Financial, a financial planning services firms based in Ireland, is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Dundon as Head of Financial Services, effective October 2024. With a track record in providing tailored financial solutions, Keith’s leadership will play a critical role in SYS Financial’s commitment to client-focused growth.
Keith has built his career at SYS Financial, gaining hands-on experience across the company’s three main service lines: corporate financial services, private client wealth management, and personal financial planning. His qualifications – include QFA, RPA, and PTP – demonstrate his commitment to continuous professional development and technical expertise. In his new role, Keith will lead SYS Financial’s advisory services, oversee sales strategy, manage revenue growth, and foster client relationships to ensure the highest standards of client care and solution delivery.
Tony Delaney, CEO of SYS Financial, said; “We are thrilled to appoint Keith as our Head of Financial Services. His deep understanding of our business and commitment to exceptional client service make him the ideal leader to drive our financial services division forward. Keith’s insights and dedication to quality will greatly enhance our capabilities and support our growth in the years to come.”
David Duffy, Senior Research Economist,
Land Development Agency
The Land Development Agency (LDA) has appointed David Duffy as its Senior Research Economist.
With over 20 years of economics and research expertise, Mr Duffy will establish and lead the development of the economics function at the State’s affordable housing delivery body.
Mr Duffy, a native of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, has previously worked as a Director with Property Industry Ireland, and as an economist and researcher with the Economic and Social Research Institute. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s in economics from University College Cork and a PhD in economics from Maynooth University.
David Duffy, Senior Research Economist with the LDA, said: “This is a particularly exciting time to join the LDA. The Agency’s position as one of the leading affordable home providers in the country has been acknowledged and supported with increased State capital, through which it will deliver thousands of new homes between now and 2030. This is a critical mission, and one I am proud and enthusiastic about contributing to alongside my new colleagues in the LDA”.
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: “David’s appointment marks another important step forward for the Agency as it continues to become the largest homebuilder in the country. David has provided valuable insights into Ireland’s housing market for over two decades, most recently with Property Industry Ireland and previously with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). His experience will be central in steering the Agency’s growth and investment strategy over the coming years. I am excited to welcome David to the LDA team and look forward to working closely with him as the organisation accelerates its delivery of affordable housing.”
