New and notable appointments in association with One4all Rewards: Bank of Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland and more

Pictured: Prag Sharma, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Bank of Ireland. 

This week sees new and notable appointments from Bank of Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, The Health Products Regulatory Authority, Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland, Carbery Group and Greenvolt Next.

Prag Sharma, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
Bank of Ireland 

Sharma, a dedicated AI leader with technical knowledge and extensive global experience, has been appointed Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Bank of Ireland. 

“AI is a core part of our updated strategy to 2028. We are delighted to welcome Prag Sharma as our new Chief AI Officer, a critical appointment in the delivery of the strategy,” Ciarán Coyle, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Bank of Ireland, said. “With a proven track record of delivering impactful AI globally, Prag brings the vision, leadership and expertise required to safely accelerate our AI transformation and unlock meaningful value across the Group. Prag’s appointment also reflects our ambition to position Bank of Ireland at the forefront of responsible AI innovation and adoption.”

In his previous role at Citigroup, Sharma led the Global AI Centre of Excellence. He also recently served as Director in Citi Institute’s Future of Finance think-tank and research unit.

Sharma holds a Bachelor of Electronics Engineering (UCD), a Master’s in Business Administration (Michael Smurfit Business School) and a PhD in Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (UCD). He is a member of the UCD Governing Authority and its Strategy Oversight Sub-Committee.

Diarmuid Collins, Director of Customer and Business Development
Gas Networks Ireland 

Gas Networks Ireland has announced the appointment of Diarmuid Collins as Director of Customer and Business Development.

Collins brings more than 15 years of experience to his new role. He has held numerous senior roles across Gas Network Ireland’s finance functions, including Treasury, Investor Relations and Commercial Finance. He also served as Acting Chief Financial Officer while the recruitment process for a permanent CEO was underway.

“Diarmuid has made a significant contribution to Gas Networks Ireland over the past 15 years and has consistently demonstrated strong commercial acumen, leadership and a deep understanding of our business,” David Kelly, the CEO of Gas Networks Ireland, said. “His experience across finance, strategy and the wider energy sector, together with his commitment to delivering value for our customers and stakeholders, makes him exceptionally well placed to lead this important function. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to deliver on our vision for a net-zero energy future.”

In his new role, Collins will lead customer and business development activities while supporting Gas Networks Ireland’s ambition to replace natural gas with renewable gases.

“I am excited to take on the role of Director of Customer and Business Development at such an important time for Gas Networks Ireland and the wider energy sector,” Collins said. “Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy presents significant opportunities, particularly in the scale-up of renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen. I look forward to working with colleagues, customers and stakeholders to accelerate this progress and help deliver a more sustainable, resilient and secure energy system for Ireland.”

Katherine Morrow, Director of Compliance
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)

In her new role as the Director of Compliance at HPRA, Katherine Morrow will lead the inspection, licensing, market compliance and enforcement activities, in support of the national regulator’s mission to protect public and animal health through the effective regulation of health products.

Morrow has held many senior leadership positions, including Director and National Coordinator of the Affiliation for Pharmacy Practice Experiential Learning.

Jane Curtis, Board
Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland (Aviva)

Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland (Aviva) has appointed Jane Curtis to its Board as a Non-Executive Director.

Curtis has held several senior leadership and advisory roles, including as a Senior Partner at Aon, where she advises pension trustees and organisations on funding, governance and risk management. Curtis has over 40 years of experience in pensions, insurance and financial services.

“Jane brings deep experience in pensions, insurance, governance and risk management, as well as a strong customer focus,” Helen Nolan, Chair of the Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland Board, said. “Following the recent appointments of Victoria Hagon and Aisling Kennedy, Jane’s appointment further strengthens the breadth of expertise on the Board.”

Curtis served as a non-executive director on a number of major financial services boards, including within Aviva and Lloyds Banking Group insurance businesses. She currently serves as Chair of Aviva Protection UK and as a Non-Executive Director of Aviva’s Insurance, Wealth and Retirement (IWR) UK business.

John O’Brien, Chair of Carbery Group Board
Carbery Group

John O’Brien has been appointed as Chair of Carbery Group, the global food and ingredients producer headquartered in West Cork,

He has completed corporate governance programmes at UCC and DCU. He served as President of the Irish Grassland Association in 2002/03 and has held leadership roles at local, county and national executive levels within Macra na Feirme. He has also made significant contributions to community and rural development at both local and national levels.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of Carbery Group,” O’Brien said. “Carbery is a business with strong co-operative roots in West Cork and a growing international presence across dairy, nutrition and taste. The Board’s responsibility is to ensure that the business remains strong, resilient and focused on long-term value for our farmer shareholders, while continuing to serve customers, support our people and invest for future growth.”

Some of O’Brien’s priorities will include supporting a leading milk price, helping to secure the future of family farming in West Cork, and ensuring Carbery continues to grow through innovation, sustainability and investment.

Tadhg Kelly, Chief Operating Officer
Greenvolt Next

Greenvolt Next, part of Greenvolt Group, a leading specialist in renewable energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sector, announced the appointment of Tadhg Kelly as its Chief Operating Officer.

Kelly will be responsible for operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring the delivery of high-quality renewable energy projects while driving operational excellence and supporting strategic growth.

“The appointment of Tadhg Kelly as our new Chief Operating Officer is a significant advancement for Greenvolt Next Ireland,” Owen Power, CEO of Greenvolt Next Ireland, said. “Tadhg brings expansive industry experience, strategic insight and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Under his lead, Greenvolt Next Ireland will continue to expand its operational capabilities, building on our successful growth in the Irish market. I warmly welcome Tadhg to Greenvolt Next Ireland and look forward to us working together as we continue supporting our customers on their renewable energy transition journeys.”

Kelly will also oversee construction, communications and programme delivery, alongside cross‑functional operational performance, helping to accelerate Greenvolt Next’s market share in Ireland and the UK.

“I’m really excited to be joining Greenvolt Next Ireland at such a pivotal time for the business,” Kelly said. “The team are making tangible differences in advancing renewable energy capabilities across Ireland and further afield. Together, we have a significant opportunity to expand our reach, strengthen our market position, and deliver projects that create lasting value for our clients and society as a whole.”