Pictured: Dr Dorothy Maxwell,Partner and Head of Sustainability, BDO, and Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland
This week sees new and notable appointments at Actavo, MII, Shannon Airport Group, M&A, ABM, Origin Enterprise plc, Deloitte Ireland and BDO.
By Youssef Fathalli
Patrick McMahon, Chief Financial Officer,
Actavo
Actavo has announced the appointment of Patrick McMahon to the position of Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, he will lead the company’s financial operations, providing strategic direction and financial planning to support Actavo’s continued growth.
McMahon brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience across the energy, utilities and home services sectors. He brings a forward-looking approach to financial leadership that aligns closely with Actavo’s core value of ‘Perform as a Team’.
McMahon has held several senior international finance roles, including serving as Vice President of Finance at Direct Energy Services in North America and as Chief Financial Officer at Bord Gáis Energy. Earlier in his career, he led the finance function at British Gas Home Services.
Keith Tobin, Actavo Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Patrick McMahon as Chief Financial Officer. His extensive experience across fast-moving sectors and thoughtful leadership approach makes him an excellent fit for Actavo. Patrick’s focus on collaboration and continuous improvement aligns strongly with our values, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to grow and deliver for our clients.”
Commenting on his appointment, Patrick McMahon said: “I am excited to join Actavo at this critical juncture in its growth journey. The company’s service delivery model, supported by its dedicated teams, has significant potential for growth. I am looking forward to working closely with Keith and the wider team to continue to drive the business forward and deliver for our customers, colleagues and shareholders.”
A Chartered Accountant trained with KPMG, he holds a Master of Accounting from University College Dublin and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
Aedamar Howlett, Chair of the Jury,
MII
Shane McGonigle, CEO MII commented: “Aedamar is a distinguished global leader with an exceptional record at executive level, recognised for her strategic acumen and expertise, spanning marketing, commercial and general management leadership roles.
It is these traits that make Aedamar the ideal choice for this critically important role”.
Howlett takes over from Colin Gordon who was the Chairperson of the MII AIM Award Jury since 2021.
The MII AIM Awards celebrate and recognise the absolute best business case studies that demonstrate the power of professional marketing to build marketing success.
Howlett is seen as the perfect fit, being known for delivering accelerated business growth in challenging, dynamic and increasingly regulated environments. With extensive experience in the FMCG sector in Ireland and internationally, she carries a reputation for inspiring stakeholders, simplifying complexity, and recognising bravery in the face of adversity, all qualities that are essential as Chair of the Jury.
One of the unique and defining features of the MII AIM Awards is the Chair of the Jury. This Chair sits on all 24 juries and personally assesses every presentation, guaranteeing the consistency and high standard of judging across every category. McGonigle further commented: “We recognise that the in-person judging process can be a demanding challenge for the presenters. Aedamar’s leadership style is defined by a passion for empowering people, and we are confident that her inclusiveness will create an open and safe environment for entrants to put their best foot forward in the jury room”.
Howlett’s academic credentials include a BA in Economics & Business from Trinity College Dublin, completion of a Digital Accelerator programme at Stanford University, and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. Aedamar is a Fellow of Marketing Institute Ireland and The Marketing Society (London), and a former Chair of the Irish Beverage Council (IBEC).
The MII AIM Awards 2026 open for entries on November 21st 2025.
Ken Johnson, Board Director,
Shannon Airport Group
Welcoming the appointment, Conal Henry, Chair of The Shannon Airport Group, said: “Ken Johnson is a very welcome addition to our Board. His extensive experience in governance, risk, and leadership development will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as a Group. Ken’s appointment further strengthens the depth of expertise on our Board, and I look forward to working with him during this exciting phase for The Shannon Airport Group and the wider region.”
Johnson is a former Partner with PwC, where he spent over 23 years advising senior leadership teams nationally and internationally across a range of sectors. Johnson has extensive expertise in audit, accounting, risk management, and corporate governance. In addition to his client leadership roles, Johnson led PwC’s Mid-West Practice. He is also an executive coach, supporting senior leaders and boards in enhancing performance and effectiveness.
Johnson has served on the PwC Oversight Committee and is a Past President and Board Member of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce. He is currently a Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee at Milford Care Centre and an external member of the Audit & Risk Committee at iCare Housing.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Johnson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Galway and a Professional Diploma in Business and Executive Coaching from the Smurfit Business School. He is accredited at Senior Practitioner level with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.
Megan Smythe, Managing Director,
M&A
International advisory firm Interpath has announced the appointment of Megan Smythe, the latest senior addition to its M&A team, joining as a Managing Director, with Yvonne Diamond also coming on board as a Tax Director. These new appointments grow the leadership team to 14 Managing Directors and 22 Directors in Ireland across Deals Advisory, including M&A, Transaction Services and Debt & Capital Advisory, along with Tax, Restructuring, Strategy & Value Creation, Forensics, Data & Technology. Interpath employs over a hundred people overall in Ireland across its locations in Dublin, Cork and Belfast with more than 1,000 colleagues across Interpath’s international network of 30 offices.
Megan Smythe will provide corporate finance and M&A advisory services on buy and sell-side transactions to clients across the market. Megan arrives from KPMG where she built a strong reputation across complex deal environments and cross-border mandates. Along with her track record of delivering value in high-stakes transactions, she brings deep sectoral insight and her appointment reflects Interpath’s continued investment in senior talent to support clients navigating challenges and opportunities in its financial and strategic decisions. Yvonne Diamond arrives from BDO’s Financial Services Tax practice where she established a reputation for her technical expertise in tax structuring, transaction support and tax compliance. An Irish Tax Institute CPD tutor, Yvonne authors articles and provides commentary on the ever-changing global tax landscape for specialist tax publications including the Irish Tax Review and the Tax Monitor in Finance Dublin. Alongside Megan and Yvonne, Interpath in Ireland has also recently announced the arrival of John Doddy as the firm’s Head of Advisory in Ireland and Kirstie O’Flanagan as Head of Transaction Services. Other developments include the promotion of Brendan O’Reilly as a Managing Director in its Restructuring practice.
Kieran Wallace, Managing Director and Head of Interpath in Ireland, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Megan and Yvonne to the Interpath team in Ireland. Their arrival reinforces our growing position of strength in the market within our Advisory practice and supports our offices with more than a hundred employees in Ireland and more than a thousand internationally. This is a people-powered business, and we will continue to add incredible talent and specialist expertise to our diverse and expanding Irish team, along with our growing international network.”
Commenting on her appointment, Megan Smythe, Managing Director at Interpath in Ireland said: “It’s an exciting time to join Interpath, following the recent significant investment in its Deals practice. The Irish M&A landscape remains buoyant, with strong levels of deal activity from both corporates and private equity investors. Irish businesses continue to attract robust international investment in an increasingly complex global environment. I’m looking forward to working with our clients, both domestically and internationally, to unlock opportunities, drive value, and deliver outcomes that truly matter.”
Yvonne Diamond, Tax Director at Interpath in Ireland said: “I’m excited to be joining the growing tax practice that Interpath has been building since it launched last year with its wide scope of services including tax advisory, tax support for M&A and Transaction Services, resolution of tax controversy, insolvency and restructuring. This service, as part of the wider advisory offering, is a compelling prospect for supporting Irish and international businesses to protect and grow value.”
These developments are part of a wave of new senior appointments internationally across its Advisory business, which spans its 30 offices and is supported by cross-service line capability spanning Valuations, Pensions, Tax, Data & Technology. Recent arrivals include Managing Directors Robert Connold and Neil McBride in the UK and Tobias Huesmann in Munich.
Kelly Parish, Vice President of Transport and Aviation,
ABM
With 15 years of experience in Transport, Aviation, and Integrated Facilities Management, Kelly most recently served as Director of Transport and Aviation at Mitie. She will play a key role in delivering ABM’s growth strategy in the transport sector.
This announcement strengthens ABM’s offering in Ireland, and it follows the appointment of Dinny Crowe as Vice President, Operations, All-Ireland earlier this year. Dinny is responsible for managing all ABM business operations across the island of Ireland.
Richard Sykes, SVP and President of ABM UK and Ireland, said: “Kelly joins us at a pivotal time in our company’s history. Her extensive industry credentials will ensure we continue to deepen ABM’s presence in our chosen sectors while evolving our world-class service. As we mark this change in our senior leadership team, I also want to acknowledge the exceptional work of Jim Niblock. His commitment and guidance have been central to our progress, and his influence will be felt long after his retirement.”
Dinny Crowe, Vice President, Operations, All-Ireland, ABM, said: “Kelly’s appointment is an exciting development that will greatly complement our work here in Ireland. Her depth of experience across aviation and transport will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen ABM’s integrated offering for our aviation partners and the broader transport network.”
Kelly Parish, Vice President, Transport & Aviation, said: “ABM’s reputation for excellence, innovation, and customer focus is impressive. I’m excited by its growth trajectory and the opportunity to drive expansion across the transport sector. ABM’s values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and excellence, along with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, resonates strongly with me. I look forward to working with our talented teams and partners to accelerate growth, strengthen our market position, and define the future of transport and aviation services across the UK.”
She succeeds Jim Niblock, Managing Director for Transport & Aviation who will retire after a career spanning over 30 years; seven of which leading ABM’s aviation presence into 17 airports, and over 40 airlines.
ABM’s integrated approach continues to grow in the aviation sector, with services spanning cabin secure cleaning, ground handling, special assistance, facilities management, engineering, bussing, airside logistics, security, and passenger experience. Earlier this year, ABM announced a partnership with Edinburgh Airport to deliver facilities management solutions, further strengthening its position as a trusted partner across multiple service lines.
Building on this breadth of expertise, Kelly Parish will be central to extending ABM’s capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the wider transport sector.
John Hennessy, Non-executive Director and Chair-Designate,
Origin Enterprises plc
Hennessy brings extensive leadership and governance experience from executive and non-executive roles in both public and private companies. Most recently Hennessy served as Chair of Dalata Hotel Group plc, since its IPO in 2014, overseeing the significant expansion of the business in Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe. Previously, Hennessy chaired CPL Resources plc and served as an independent non-executive Director at H&K International.
Hennessy also brings legal and financial expertise from his time as a Senior Counsel at the Bar of Ireland, specialising in commercial law and taxation, and as a Partner at Arthur Andersen, where he led forensic accounting and advisory services. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Trinity College Dublin and a Barrister-at-Law degree from King’s Inns. He is a Fellow of several professional bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and an accredited mediator with CEDR.
Gary Britton, Chair, commented: “It has been a privilege to serve on the Board of Origin for over ten years, including three years as non-executive Chair. I have worked alongside a dedicated and talented group of directors, current and former, and an outstanding leadership team who have demonstrated their commitment to Origin. Over the past decade, we have navigated change, embraced new opportunities and remained focused on delivering our strategic vision. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all those I have had the pleasure of working with during my tenure. Your support, collaboration, and integrity have made this role both rewarding and inspiring.
“I am delighted to welcome John as Chair Designate. He brings exceptional business acumen and expertise to Origin, and I am confident that the Group will continue to thrive under his and Sean’s leadership. I wish the Board, and the executive team, continued success in the years ahead.”
Sean Coyle, Group CEO, added: “On behalf of the executive team and the wider Group, I sincerely thank Gary for his outstanding leadership, guidance and dedication during his tenure on the Board. His strategic foresight and steadfast commitment to Origin have been instrumental in shaping the Group’s direction and success, and we wish him all the very best for the future.
“John’s appointment as Chair Designate of the Board marks an exciting new chapter for Origin. He brings a wealth of experience, and I am confident that his stewardship will be instrumental in guiding the Board as we execute the next phase of our growth strategy.”
John Hennessy, Chair Designate, added: “I look forward to joining Origin and working collaboratively with my fellow board members, the executive team, and all stakeholders to build on the strong foundations already in place and to continue to deliver long-term value for our shareholders. Origin is a dynamic business, with a strategy focused on optimising sustainable land use and it is a privilege to join an exceptional team with such commitment to this vision and ambition for the future.
“I want to acknowledge Gary for his significant contribution during his tenure and the trust placed in me to take on this important position. I am confident the Board will continue to drive meaningful progress for Origin and all our stakeholders in the years to come.”
Various appointments
Deloitte Ireland
Uroš Djordjević, Partner
Uroš Djordjević has joined the firm as a Partner in the Technology & Transformation (T&T) practice. With more than 20 years’ experience in consulting, Uroš brings deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, having successfully built and led practices at Codec, Avanade, and EY.
In his new role, Djordjević will focus on scaling Deloitte’s Microsoft Business Applications practice, with a particular focus on the public sector and financial services.
“Joining Deloitte is an exciting new chapter,” says Uroš Djordjević. “There’s enormous potential to help organisations unlock value through technology, particularly in complex, highly regulated industries. I’m thrilled to be part of that journey.”
Camilla Mackenzie, Partner
Also joining the firm is Camilla Mackenzie, who has been appointed as a Partner in Deloitte’s Risk Advisory business, leading the Financial Crime offering within the Risk, Regulatory & Forensic team.
Mackenzie is a highly experienced leader in financial crime prevention, compliance, and risk management, with a global track record spanning Asia, the US, Canada and Latin America. She was most recently a Partner at KPMG Denmark, where she built and scaled a successful Nordic financial crime practice. Prior to that, she held senior industry roles, including Global Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Scotiabank in Canada.
Now relocated to Dublin, Mackenzie will lead Deloitte’s growing financial crime business across Financial Services, TMT, and the Public Sector.
“This is a space where client needs are evolving fast, and expectations are higher than ever,” explains Mackenzie. “I’m excited to build something bold and distinctive with Deloitte, and to support clients in protecting their businesses and reputations.”
“The calibre of leaders joining our firm speaks to our ambition,” says Harry Goddard, CEO of Deloitte Ireland. “We’re not just responding to market shifts, we’re shaping them. Uroš and Camilla bring deep expertise and bold thinking, and we’re excited to have them on board as we continue to expand our offerings and deliver impact where it matters most.”
As the number one professional services firm globally, Deloitte continues to grow its footprint across technology, risk, and transformation, helping clients lead with confidence in a fast-changing world.
Dr Dorothy Maxwell, Partner and Head of Sustainability,
BDO
BDO Ireland has announced the appointment of Dr Dorothy Maxwell as a new Partner and Head of Sustainability, further strengthening the firm’s capability to support clients in navigating rapidly evolving ESG requirements.
With 28 years’ international experience working across business and government, Dr Maxwell brings deep expertise in sustainability strategy, implementation and reporting to BDO. Prior to joining the firm, she served as Head of Sustainability at Davy Horizons/Bank of Ireland Group and the Brown Thomas Group, and has held policy roles with the European Commission, the UK Department of the Environment and Enterprise Ireland.
She has also worked with global organisations including HRH Prince of Wales’ International Sustainability Unit, Accenture, Willis Towers Watson and The Sustainable Business Group. Her core competencies span Climate Transition Planning (including SBTi delivery),
GHG accounting, biodiversity, circular economy, sustainable finance and supply chain due diligence, as well as sustainability reporting for CSRD, IFRS, GRI and CDP.
She is a recognised thought leader in the field, having authored publications such as Unpacking CSRD with Ibec and Valuing Natural Capital – Future Proofing Business and Finance, and is an Adjunct Lecturer in Trinity College Dublin’s Business School. She is also a board member and Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS) and previously co-chaired the Central Bank of Ireland Climate Forum Sustainable Finance Working Group.
Commenting on the appointment, Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Maxwell to BDO Ireland. Her exceptional expertise and leadership in sustainability will further enhance our offering to clients as they respond to environmental regulatory requirements and expectations from stakeholders. Her appointment reflects our ambition to guide clients through their sustainability transformation journeys with practical, commercially focused solutions.”
Dr Dorothy Maxwell added: “I’m excited to join BDO Ireland at this time. The sustainability landscape has become challenging for organisations to navigate with current geopolitical volatility. However, the imperative to manage sustainability risks and opportunities remain essential for value creation and return on investment. With fast changing sustainability demands from regulators, customers and investors – businesses require credible, actionable advice to respond. By bringing together deep sustainability expertise and BDO’s broad advisory capability, we can help clients translate their goals into measurable progress, strengthening competitiveness, managing risk and creating sustainable growth for the future.”
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Business & Finance, Appointments
Business & Finance, Appointments
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