New and notable appointments at WTW, Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC, Grant Thornton, and A&L Goodbody

Business & Finance

1 month ago

Pictured: Orlagh Farrington, Head of Health & Benefits Ireland, WTW

This week sees new and notable appointments at WTW, Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC, Grant Thornton, and A&L Goodbody.

By Héloïse Chaudot

Orlagh Farrington, Head of Health & Benefits Ireland

WTW

WTW has announced the appointment of Orlagh Farrington as its new Head of Health & Benefits. With over 20 years of experience in the health insurance industry, Orlagh has experience working with major health organisations, including VHI Healthcare and Laya Healthcare.

In her new role, Orlagh will be responsible for delivering innovative health and benefits solutions to clients and their employees across the country.

Commenting on the appointment, Rick Wilkinson, Head of Health & Benefits GB & Ireland, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Orlagh Farrington to WTW. With over two decades of experience in the private healthcare sector and a strong track record in client management and strategic leadership, she is well-positioned to drive forward our growth ambitions and enhance the value we deliver to clients.”

Lisa Dennehy, Chief Claims Officer

Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC

Aviva has announced the appointment of Lisa Deneehy as its new Chief Claims Officer. Lisa began her career at Aviva in 2007 as a newly qualified solicitor with its former in-house legal team, Haddingtons. She later transitioned to private practice, becoming a partner in the litigation and dispute resolution team at RDJ Solicitors. In 2018, she returned to Aviva as Senior Claims Manager to re-establish the in-house claims legal team and later served as Head of Technical Claims. Lisa holds a BCL in Law from University College Cork.

Shona O’Hea, Head of Assets Management, Conor O’Dwyer, Head of Government and Public Sector

Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton has announced the appointment of Shona O’Hea, and Conor O’Dwyer as Head of Assets Management, and Head of Government and Public Sector, respectively.

Shona O’Hea will collaborate with the company’s global Asset Management network to analyse industry trends and challenges, and develop solutions that address and support clients’ needs. Shona is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds a diploma of Internal Audit with the Institute of Internal Auditors. She received a bachelor’s degree from Dublin City University.

Conor O’Dwyer brings extensive experience in leading large-scale transformation projects within the public sector. He oversees global, multidisciplinary teams to plan, launch, and execute complex change initiatives that help governments enhance public service delivery.

With 19 years of consulting experience at top global professional services firms, Conor has supported public sector leaders in developing solutions that are impactful, sustainable, and focused on citizens’ needs.

He holds a Professional Diploma in Organisational Change and Transformation from Smurfit Business School, a certification in Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption from INSEAD, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering from Dublin City University.

Clare Cashin, Partner

A&L Goodbody

A&L Goodbody has announced the appointment of a new partner, Clare Cashin.

Clare brings over two decades of experience in construction law, with a strong focus on dispute resolution across both public and private sector projects. She has extensive expertise in alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, conciliation, adjudication, and arbitration. In addition to her dispute work, Clare advises on construction contracts and regulatory matters, particularly health and safety, and has significant experience handling procurement challenges. She is set to join A&L Goodbody’s Construction & Engineering practice later this summer.

David Widger, Managing Partner at ALG, commented: “Construction projects, both private and public, are attracting much-needed investment at the moment. Large scale infrastructure projects and housing are certainly high on the Government’s agenda. For that reason, our Construction & Engineering practice is very active and we see that continuing. Clare’s appointment is a welcome addition to our market leading team and to our partnership, we wish her all the best.”

New and notable appointments at Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, Clonmel Healthcare, Marsh and Europcar Mobility Group.

New and notable appointments at McCann FitzGerald LLP, Barden, The National Lottery, Albany Beck, Advertising Standards Authority, Eir evo, Astatine, and Schneider Electric

New and notable appointments at 30% Club Ireland, DLA Piper Ireland and Interpath