By Business & Finance 
Pictured: David Kelly, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Gas Network Ireland.
This week sees new and notable appointments at Gas Network, Guaranteed Irish, Viatel Technology Group, Limerick Chamber, Pinergy, Belong To, and Safefood.
By Héloïse Chaudot
David Kelly, Chief Executive Officer
Gas Networks Ireland
Gas Networks Ireland has announced the appointment of its new CEO, David Kelly.
Kelly is currently the Director of Customer and Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland and has been with the company since 2022. Entering his new CEO position, Kelly brings over 20 years of executive-level experience in the private and public sectors.
Additionally, David Kelly is the Vice President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and will be appointed President next week.
Commenting on his new position, Mr Kelly said, “By replacing natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, Gas Networks Ireland is working to deliver a net-zero carbon gas network and to reduce emissions across several key sectors, including those that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise, like transport, agriculture, industry, and power generation.”
Various appointments
Guaranteed Irish
Guaranteed Irish has announced a series of appointments to its Board.
Joanna Gardiner
Gardiner is the CEO of ELAVE Gardiner Family Apothecary. Joining the board, she brings extensive experience in Irish manufacturing and family business leadership.
Bryan Dunnem
Dunne is the Partner and Head of Matheson’s Employment & Benefits Practice. He brings experience in advising leading domestic and international organisations. Additionally, Bryan Dunne has expertise in employment law, governance, and people strategy.
John Reade
Reade joins the Board of Guaranteed Irish, in addition to his current role of Head of Business Insurance at FBD. Reade has extensive knowledge of risk management and business resilience. His track record will play a key role in strengthening Guaranteed Irish’s evaluation and approval processes.
Marty Patterson, Client CTO
Viatel Technology Group
Marty Patterson has been appointed as Client Chief Technology Officer at Viatel Technology Group. In his new role, Patterson will help organisations to modernise, optimise costs, and strengthen resilience. He will work closely with CIOs and CTOs.
Joining from a previous role as Head of Innovation at Auxillion, Patterson brings experience in leadership roles in both Professional and Managed services.
Commenting on his new position, Marty Patterson said, “Viatel is uniquely positioned to solve the challenges that so many businesses face. By aligning our pillars of Cybersecurity, Communication Services, and Digital Services, we offer a cohesive strategy that most providers cannot match.”
Donnacha Hurley, Chief Executive Officer
Limerick Chamber
Donnacha Hurley has taken up the position of Chief Executive at Limerick Chamber, assuming responsibility for advancing the organisation’s long-term strategy and amplifying its voice in representing members’ interests. In the role, he will work to cultivate a pro-business climate that supports independent retailers, SMEs, and larger employers across the region.
A seasoned leader with deep roots in the Mid West’s commercial landscape, Hurley brings significant operational and growth expertise to the post. He joins the Chamber after a 17-year tenure as General Manager of the Absolute Hotel, where he oversaw the property’s development and performance.
Previously, Mr Hurley was on the Chamber’s board, as part of the policy committee. Additionally, he was also the President in 2021/2022.
In taking on the position, Mr Hurley will be tasked with advancing the Chamber’s core strategic objectives, sharpening its representation of members’ interests, and fostering conditions in which local retailers, SMEs and larger organisations can expand and succeed.
Jack McLoughlin, Senior Energy Analyst
Pinergy
Pinergy has announced the appointment of Jack McLoughlin as a Senior Energy Analyst. In his new role, McLoughlin will deliver market reports and manage risk across Pinergy’s energy portfolio.
McLoughlin is a fully qualified ACA from Chartered Accountants Ireland. Before his new position, he was a CSRD Sustainability Analyst and Finance Business Analyst at ESB.
Commenting on his new role, Jack McLoughlin said, “I am delighted to join Pinergy, a company at the forefront of the energy transition. I firmly believe effective market analysis will power Pinergy’s ambition to help customers make data-informed choices today, to take control of their energy tomorrows. I’m looking forward to shaping my career in Pinergy and to building up strong working relationships with my new colleagues.”
Kieran O’Donovan, Chief Executive Officer
Belong To
Belong To, the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people, has announced the appointment of its new CEO, effective 10 March 2026. Kieran O’Donnovan joins from THINKHOUSE, where he was Head of Client Service.
O’Donovan brings 18 years of experience to the role from the commercial creative and youth-culture industry. He is a recognised leader in youth culture and strategic innovation. In his new role, he will mainly focus on modernising advocacy and strengthening support systems for LGBTQ+ youth across Ireland.
Joanne Uí Chrualaoich, Chief Executive Officer
Safefood
Safefood has announced the appointment of Joanne Uí Chrualaoich as its new CEO. The company focuses on promoting awareness and knowledge of food safety and nutrition in Ireland.
Uí Chrualaoich joins from the Department of Health, where she held the role of Head of Population Health Screening and Cardiovascular Policy.
Commenting on her appointment, Joanne Uí Chrualaoich said, “The work of Safefood is a cornerstone of the all-island health and food safety infrastructure, and I am delighted to lead an implementation body that remains central to North-South cooperation. Growing up in a border community, I have a deep appreciation for the vital role these partnerships play. My goal is to leverage my experience in both the food and health sectors to drive organisational growth while maintaining the strong, collaborative links I have built with colleagues in both the Department of Health in Dublin and the Department of Health in Belfast.”
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Business & Finance, Appointments
Business & Finance, Appointments
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