New and notable appointments at University College Dublin, BDO Ireland, IAIM, Mason Hayes & Curran, and Lavelle Partners

Pictured (L-R): Liam Cronin, UCD Director of Innovation and Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research

This week sees new and notable appointments at University College Dublin, BDO Ireland, IAIM, Mason Hayes & Curran, and Lavelle Partners.

By Rye Baker

Liam Cronin, Director of Innovation,
University College Dublin (UCD)

University College Dublin (UCD) has announced the appointment of Liam Cronin as its first Director of Innovation to drive entrepreneurship and commercialisation of research outputs within the University.

In this new key leadership role, Cronin will also be responsible for managing the strategic direction of the University’s activities delivered through NovaUCD in the areas of innovation, knowledge transfer and commercialisation, and enterprise development and consultancy.

Professor Kate Robson Brown, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, said, “University College Dublin plays a key leadership role in research and innovation and is at the heart of Ireland’s innovation and knowledge exchange ecosystem and I therefore am delighted to welcome Liam to UCD to take up this new position of Director of Innovation at the University. I look forward to working with him to further drive the innovation agenda across UCD as outlined in Breaking Boundaries, the University’s Strategy to 2030, to enhance our leadership position in innovation, entrepreneurship and in the delivery of impact in the support of Irish and European industrial competitiveness.”

Cronin has 30+ years’ experience working within both the public and private sector. He was formerly the CEO of the RDI Hub in Killorglin, Co. Kerry which opened in 2020. Under Cronin’s leadership over the last the five years, the RDI Hub has supported ca. 100 start-ups and scaling companies, which have secured over €250 million, created over 430 jobs and launched 70 new products and services. In addition, over 10,000 people have attended RDI Hub training programmes since 2020.

Speaking about his new appointment, Liam Cronin said, “UCD has developed a strong track record of success in innovation and entrepreneurship, especially over the last 20 years since the establishment of NovaUCD, and it is a great honour for me to have been appointed to the new role of Director of Innovation at the University. I am especially delighted to be joining NovaUCD which earlier this year was recognised by the Financial Times and Statista as one of the leading start-up hubs in Europe, for the second year in a row, and is once again the only university-based start-up hub in Ireland to feature in the Top 150 ranking.”

He added, “I am looking forward to working with Professor Robson Brown, the innovation team at NovaUCD, and with my new colleagues across UCD to support researchers and start-ups to scale and grow, creating new products and services, leading to high value sustainable jobs, as they break boundaries and reach for the stars.”

Various appointments, Senior Leadership,
BDO Ireland

Pictured (L-R): (L-R): Paul Creedon, Jerusha Peters, Shonagh Sheahan, Gerard Meehan, Brian McEnery, Matthew McEnery, Tinashe Chipindu, Evelyn Daly, Eimear O’Hare and Colm O’Shea.

Paul Creedon, Partner, Audit Department

Paul brings more than 17 years’ experience in the delivery of external audit, assurance and advisory services to a wide range of clients. He began his career with BDO in Ireland before spending a decade with a Big Four firm in Australia. He returned to BDO in 2023, bringing with him a global outlook and deep sectoral expertise.

Paul specialises in International Financial Reporting Standards and FRS102, and has provided audit services to privately owned domestic companies, UK-based clients and subsidiaries of multinationals across sectors such as real estate and construction, professional services, transport and logistics, distribution, agriculture, manufacturing and hospitality. He is recognised for delivering high-quality audits and a commitment to exceptional client service.

Welcoming Paul to the firm, Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, said: “Paul’s international experience and deep audit expertise further enhance the strength of our leadership team. His career journey reflects the kind of talent and ambition we value at BDO, and I have no doubt that he will continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients. His focus on quality and client service aligns perfectly with our growth strategy and partner-led approach.”

Eimear O’Hare, Director, Private Equity

Eimear O’Hare has over 14 years’ experience with the firm, where she is a key member of the Deal Advisory group. A Chartered Accountant, she specialises in working with private equity firms and financial sponsors on transactions including M&A, capital raising and management buy-outs. Eimear is also an active member of the BDO Global Private Equity Group, helping clients identify and execute tailored investment opportunities across international markets.

Shonagh Sheahan, Director, Corporate Finance & Recovery

Shonagh Sheahan has been with the firm since 2013 and is known for delivering strategic advisory services and financial solutions. She has developed deep expertise in corporate finance, with a particular focus on healthcare. She is known for her collaborative approach and for providing innovative recommendations and insights that drive sustainable results. Working closely with clients across private, semi-state and state sectors, she helps clients navigate complex challenges and identify growth opportunities.

Matthew McEnery, Director, Corporate Finance & Recovery

Matthew McEnery has been with BDO since 2012 and specialises in healthcare and public sector advisory. He works closely with public bodies to develop business cases aligned with Infrastructure Guidelines and has advised on M&A, strategic reviews and capital raising across healthcare, construction and public sector projects. Matthew also has extensive experience managing insolvency and recovery assignments.

Jerusha Peters, Director, Audit

Jerusha Peters is a Chartered Accountant with over 13 years of audit and leadership experience across South Africa, the US and Ireland. She specialises in external audits for large and mid-sized companies, particularly in the technology sector, and has led complex, multi-location group audits. Jerusha is known for her technical expertise in IFRS and her commitment to building high-performing, inclusive teams.

Tinashe Chipindu, Director, Technical Support Group

Tinashe Chipindu is an experienced audit professional with over a decade of experience across Big Four and medium-tier firms. He has led complex, multi-jurisdictional engagements across Europe and Africa, supporting clients with financial reporting, internal controls and the adoption of new accounting standards. Known for his agility and cross-cultural communication skills, Tinashe brings both technical depth and strategic insight to client engagements and internal firm initiatives.

Evelyn Daly, Director, Clients and Markets

Evelyn Daly brings over 20 years of marketing experience and leads BDO Ireland’s corporate communications and PR efforts. She specialises in strategic marketing, brand development and digital engagement, with a focus on delivering impactful, integrated campaigns that enhance BDO’s visibility and reputation. Evelyn holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and is known for her ability to craft messages that resonate across sectors and audiences.

Colm O’Shea, Director, Tax

Colm O’Shea is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Consultant with over nine years’ experience advising property developers, investors, trading businesses and family offices. He provides a full range of tax advisory and compliance services, with expertise in structuring, reorganisations, M&A, international tax and due diligence. Colm joins BDO from a Big Four firm and is particularly experienced in areas such as stamp duty, international tax matters and corporation tax.

Gerard Meehan, Director, Private Client Tax

Gerard Meehan is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, a Chartered Tax Adviser and a Trust and Estate Practitioner with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. He has over 22 years’ experience in tax services, specialising in income tax, capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax and succession planning. Gerard also has extensive experience representing clients in engagements with the Revenue Commissioners. He joined BDO from a Big Four firm.

Commenting on the appointments, Brian McEnery added: “These eight new director appointments reflect the depth of talent we have at BDO and the calibre of leadership we continue to cultivate across the firm. Each of them brings sectoral insight, technical expertise and a strong commitment to client service that will play a key role in supporting our future growth. Their promotions demonstrate our focus on developing people from within and ensuring we have the right leadership in place to support clients in an evolving market.”

Pauline Plunkett, Enda McMahon, Board of Directors,
Irish Association of Investment Managers (IAIM)

The Irish Association of Investment Managers (IAIM) has announced the appointment of Pauline Plunkett and Enda McMahon to its Board of Directors.

Their addition brings further depth and leadership to IAIM’s board at a time of continued growth and transformation in Ireland’s investment management sector.

Pauline Plunkett is Managing Director of L&Gs’ asset management business in Ireland and brings more than two decades of experience in investment strategy, governance, and risk management. She is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and is a recognised leader in the European asset management space.

Enda McMahon leads BlackRock’s Irish operations and brings over 25 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of the regulatory and governance landscape. His commitment to fostering trust and constructive dialogue between financial institutions and regulators closely aligns with IAIM’s mission to promote a robust, responsible investment management sector in Ireland. He is a chartered management accountant and his qualifications also include Investment & Treasury and Law.

Michael D’Arcy, Chief Executive Officer of IAIM, said: “These appointments reflect the high calibre of leadership in the Irish investment community and I am pleased to welcome Pauline Plunkett and Enda McMahon to the IAIM board. Their experience will help us further our work in shaping the asset management ecosystem that fosters innovation and strengthens investor confidence.”

Pauline Plunkett said: “For almost four decades, IAIM has played a vital role in shaping Ireland’s investment management landscape. It has been an active advocate for high standards, collaboration, and constructive engagement with policymakers and regulators. Ireland continues to grow as a global hub for investment management and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to support continued innovation and long-term value creation.”

Enda McMahon said: “I am delighted to be rejoining the Board of the IAIM, a critical industry body, with which I have been associated for more than 20 years. We are entering a period of regulatory policymaking for the industry in Ireland and the EU and I look forward to making a contribution to the IAIM’s advocacy for the benefit of the industry and its customers.”

Ursula McMahon, Partner,
Mason Hayes & Curran

Business law firm Mason Hayes & Curran has announced the appointment of Ursula McMahon as Partner in its leading Charity & Not-for-Profit team.

At a time when charities face heightened scrutiny and evolving regulation, Ursula’s proven judgment and governance expertise will empower clients to protect their reputation and manage compliance with confidence.

Ursula works with clients across the charity and public sectors supporting organisations through restructures, mergers and their interactions with the Charities Regulator. Boards and trustees value her practical advice, especially when it comes to managing risk and strengthening governance.

Niamh Callaghan, Head of the Charity & Not-for-Profit team, said: “Ursula is a trusted adviser with a deep understanding of the sector and a real feel for what clients need. Her calm, no-nonsense approach is hugely valued by boards and senior teams. We’re so pleased to welcome her to the team.”

Ursula McMahon said: “It’s a privilege to work with organisations that do so much good throughout society. I’m proud to join the team and continue helping clients build strong, well-governed organisations that are equipped for the road ahead.”

Paul McCutcheon, Partner & Head of Housing,
Lavelle Partners

Lavelle Partners LLP are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul McCutcheon as a Partner and Head of Housing within the firm’s Property Team. This strategic appointment enhances the firm’s thriving Property practice, bringing additional depth in the area of residential Real Estate development.

With over 25 years’ experience, Paul is a recognised expert in residential development. He has advised on the acquisition, development and sale of some of the largest housing schemes in Ireland over the past decade. Acting for many of the country’s leading developers, he has overseen the sale of thousands of residential units to private, public and institutional purchasers.

Commenting on the recent hire, Michael Lavelle, Managing Partner said: “The appointment of someone of Paul’s calibre and reputation aligns with our ambition to further develop our already established Property Team. His arrival, along with our recent move to modern new offices, marks another important milestone in the firm’s continued growth and delivery of outstanding client service.”

Paul McCutcheon added: “I am excited to join Lavelle Partners and I’m looking forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the Property Team and, in particular, to developing the firm’s Housing practice”.