By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Aoife Brennan, CEO of Linsey.
This week sees new and notable appointments at Linsey, Mason Hayes & Curran, Azets Ireland, Limerick Chamber, Rethink Ireland, Xeinadin, O’Flynn Exhams LLP Solicitors, Auxilion, BGF, Pinsent Masons, WEEE, YourTeam, and Ómós.
By Héloïse Chaudot
Aoife Brennan, Chief Executive Officer
Linsey
The property advisory company Linsey has announced the appointment of its new CEO, Aoife Brennan.
She brings 25 years of experience in the Irish property sector. In her new role, Brennan will continue to strengthen the organisation’s position as a trusted, progressive, client-focused and data-driven advisor.
Aoife Brennan is a nearly 20-year Lisney veteran whose career spans four divisions — research, investment, land and valuation. A director since 2016, she has been the driving force behind the firm’s major strategic initiatives in recent years.
Following her appointment, she said, “I am delighted to be appointed as CEO of Lisney and wish to thank my fellow Senior Directors for their confidence in me as the firm enters its next phase.
I want to pay tribute to David for his outstanding work over the past six years. He successfully brought us through the pandemic in his first few weeks in charge and then implemented significant structural and operational changes to strengthen the firm’s foundations and position it for future growth. I look forward to building on his hard work.”
Helen Dixon, Global Digital Regulatory Consultant
Mason Hayes & Curran
Pictured (L-R): Helen Dixon, Global Digital Regulatory Consultant, and Philip Nolan, Chairperson and Head of Data & Technology.
Helen Dixon has been appointed Global Digital Regulatory Consultant at Mason Hayes & Curran. She will work within the Data & Technology Team. She brings extensive regulatory experience to the role, having previously served as Commissioner of both the Data Protection Commission and the Commission for Communications Regulation. She will advise clients navigating the growing complexity of EU and international rules across data, technology, AI and content. Her appointment comes as regulatory enforcement in the sector continues to intensify.
Upon her appointment, she commented, “Regulators are placing greater emphasis on accountability, transparency, and risk mitigation in online environments. I look forward to helping Mason Hayes & Curran’s clients develop practical strategies that enable them to operate confidently while meeting regulatory and societal expectations.”
Philip Nolan, Chairperson and Head of Data & Technology at Mason Hayes & Curran, added, “We are delighted to welcome Helen to the firm at a time when digital regulation is rapidly expanding and evolving, along with increased enforcement.
Organisations face growing expectations to manage risk and user safety while ensuring correct governance mechanisms are in place. Helen’s unique experience at the highest levels of regulatory oversight strengthens our ability to help clients build compliance while they continue to deliver cutting-edge technology services to their users.”
Jennifer Kelly, Partner
Azets Ireland
Pictured (L-R): Neil Hughes, CEO of Azets Ireland, Jennifer Kelly, Payroll and Outsourcing Partner, and Susan Wylie, Head of Accounting and Business Advisory Services, Azets Ireland.
Azets Ireland has appointed Jennifer Kelly as a partner in its Payroll and Outsourcing division. Kelly brings over 20 years of experience across payroll and outsourcing, having advised clients ranging from start-ups to multinationals in the retail, healthcare and hospitality sectors.
In her new role, she will support the expansion of Azets Ireland’s payroll and outsourcing offering as Irish firms face significant regulatory change, including pension auto-enrolment and the EU Pay Transparency Directive.
The division has doubled in size over the past 18 months amid growing demand from mid-sized businesses navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Commenting on her appointment, she said, “I’m delighted to take on the role of partner at Azets Ireland at such a pivotal time for Irish firms adapting to a rapidly evolving payroll and regulatory environment.
Business owners are facing increasing challenges and regulations, such as the introduction of pension auto-enrolment.
Phase one of VAT modernisation and eInvoicing is ahead of us in Nov 2028, in advance of the EU’s VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) requirements, which will apply from 2030.
Mid-sized firms around the country need specialist expertise and advice more than ever to successfully navigate this evolving environment and unlock their growth potential. I look forward to working with our talented team to deliver the expert advice and innovative digital capabilities that can support them to unlock their growth ambitions.”
Maria Gleeson, President
Limerick Chamber
Pictured (L-R): Outgoing President Mairead Connolly and Maria Gleeson, Limerick Chamber President.
Maria Gleeson has been named President of Limerick Chamber for 2026. The Chief Operating Officer of Soul Tribe takes over from outgoing President Mairead Connolly, Tax Partner at PwC.
Gleeson brings senior leadership experience across commercial, operational and strategic roles. She joined the Chamber board in 2021 and has held the position of Vice-President, while also contributing to its Policy, City Centre and Climate Action sub-committees.
Her priorities as President will include strengthening Limerick’s appeal as an investment destination and representing the interests of members across the Mid-West.
Speaking on her appointment, she said, “Limerick Chamber provides a powerful platform where businesses collaborate, innovate and support one another while working collectively to shape policies that enable long-term regional prosperity; and it is a privilege to take on the role of President.
I am committed to building on the established legacy passed on from Mairead and our predecessors, and driving my vision as President, where Limerick Chamber will continue to be a powerful advocate, calling for action to leverage the assets in the region as a catalyst for growth. ”
Various appointments
Rethink Ireland
Rethink Ireland has announced three senior hires and a new board appointment to mark its tenth anniversary.
Tanja Buwalda moves from Marketing Communications Manager to Business Development Director, having joined the organisation in 2023.
Pádraic Vallely, with the team since 2018, steps into the newly created role of Head of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships. He previously led the Cork Foundation.
Agnes O’Shaughnessy joins as Head of Social Enterprise with 16 years of community development experience, most recently on the LEADER programme in Clare.
Gerry Fitzpatrick joins the board, bringing governance and accounting expertise from a long career at Deloitte Ireland and a series of non-executive roles since 2019.
Rethink Ireland has grown from a single staff member in 2015 to a team of over 50. Its fund now stands at €129 million, having supported nearly 500 social innovations and reached more than 1.1 million people since 2016.
Deirdre Mortell, Rethink Ireland CEO, said of the new appointments, “This is a big year for Rethink Ireland as we celebrate a decade of supporting social innovation and changing over a million lives across Ireland
It’s exciting to see natural leaders like Tanja and Pádraic grow alongside our organisation and our ambitions for the future, and I’m delighted to see them progress their careers within the organisation.
I’m also thrilled Agnes O’Shaughnessy has chosen to join us as our new Head of Social Enterprise, and to welcome Gerry Fitzpatrick to our board, who brings with him decades of experience as a business leader.”
Various appointments
Xeinadin
Pictured (L-R): Keith Daly, Aileen O’Neill, Philip Scully, Lisa Lokasto, Bríd Darcy, and Adam Tierney, pictured at Xeinadin’s office in Kildare.
Xeinadin has named six new partners across its Irish operations, with promotions spanning Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Limerick and Ennis.
In Dublin, Philip Scully and Adam Tierney join the partnership from the Northwood office. Both specialise in accounting and tax advisory, with a focus on the healthcare sector. Scully has been with the firm since 2017, Tierney since 2018.
Keith Daly becomes a Partner in Cork, having joined from EY in 2024. His practice covers tax planning, succession and corporate restructuring for SMEs. Lisa Lokasto takes up the partner role in Kildare, combining a legal background with expertise in tax and compliance across a range of client types.
In the Mid-West, Aileen O’Neill joins the partnership in Limerick after 24 years in audit and financial advisory. Bríd Darcy is promoted at the Ennis office, where she works across audit, advisory and corporate finance.
Commenting on the appointments, Derry Crowley, CEO, Xeinadin, said, “These appointments
As we continue to grow, we want to create clear opportunities for our people to progress and to ensure our clients benefit from the best possible expertise, insight
William Hanly, Partner
O’Flynn Exhams LLP Solicitors
Pictured (L-R): William Hanly, Partner, and Micheál Ó Mulláin, Managing Partner O’Flynn Exhams LLP.
William Hanly has been named Partner at O’Flynn Exhams LLP Solicitors. He has been with the Cork firm since 2021, working across civil and commercial litigation, personal injuries and employment law. Hanly specialises in construction-related disputes, having advised clients on contractual claims, building design issues and defective products matters. He has appeared at all levels of court.
He qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and holds a law degree from University College Cork as well as a Construction Law diploma from the Law Society of Ireland.
Speaking about his new role, Hanly said, “I would like to sincerely thank my fellow Partners for their show of support in promoting me.
OFX is a great place to work – we are very much a team with our new Managing Partner, Micheál Ó Mulláin, steering the ship. There is a real family feeling around the office, and it meant a great deal to receive such kind wishes and generous words of congratulations from both colleagues and clients since news of my appointment began to spread. I’d also like to pay tribute to my colleague Pat Mullins.
We joined OFX at the same time but started working together more than 12 years ago, and he has been and continues to be a great mentor to me.”
Micheál Ó Mulláin, Managing Partner at O’Flynn Exhams LLP, added, “Will has been a real asset to the firm since he joined as a Senior Associate in 2021.
His clear, practical and effective advice has seen him build excellent professional relationships with clients and gain the respect of his colleagues. Will’s rise through the ranks exemplifies the firm’s commitment to progressing its people while supporting them to deliver the best possible service and outcomes for clients.”
Deirdre Roche, Head of Commercial Operations & Business Performance
Auxilion
Dublin-based IT managed services firm Auxilion has named Deirdre Roche as Head of Commercial Operations and Business Performance. Roche spent several years at Ergo in senior leadership roles before joining Auxilion. She has also held positions at Intel Ireland and iSite, with experience spanning programme management, delivery and Microsoft-based solutions.
Her remit at Auxilion will cover commercial strategy, forecasting, pricing and bid management, alongside revenue growth and cost targets.
Commenting on the appointment, Paul Schmitz, Commercial Director, Auxilion, said, “Having worked in the IT services sector for more than two decades, Deirdre brings a wealth of experience to the team and bolsters our commercial strategy.
Her strategic insight and operational focus position her strongly to support our ambitious growth plans, and we have no doubt she will help to create even more opportunities for the business, as well as for clients and partners.”
Laura McCoy, Portfolio Director
BGF
BGF has named Laura McCoy as Portfolio Director for Ireland. She joins from Elysian Capital, where she led the firm’s Irish office.
McCoy has more than ten years of private equity experience, spanning deal origination, execution and portfolio management across Ireland and the UK. She will support BGF’s Irish portfolio companies on strategy and governance, while also developing the firm’s relationships within the Irish business community.
Speaking on the appointment, Leo Casey, Partner and Head of BGF Ireland, said, “Laura brings a wealth of portfolio and investment expertise, alongside deep commercial insight. Her addition reinforces our commitment to helping ambitious companies scale with patient capital and long‑term strategic support. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”
Lisa Carthy, Head of Dublin Office
Pinsent Masons
Lisa Carty has been named Head of Pinsent Masons’ Dublin office. A commercial litigator, she joined the multinational law firm in 2023 from William Fry LLP. Carty’s practice covers complex contractual disputes, financial services litigation and judicial review. She received the Client Choice Award for Litigation and the Women in Law Award for Dispute Resolution in both 2020 and 2021.
She takes on the role as the firm continues to expand in Ireland across financial services, technology, energy and infrastructure, having opened its Dublin office in 2017.
Commenting on the appointment, Laura Cameron, Managing Partner at Pinsent Masons, said, “Dublin is a key strategic market for our firm and continues to present significant opportunities across financial services, technology, infrastructure and the wider business landscape.”
Lisa Carthy, Head of the Dublin Office, said, “It is an exciting time to take up the mantle of leading our Dublin office.
The Dublin team is fantastic, and it is a real privilege to work with experts in their field as we continue growing our practice and supporting clients in navigating increasingly complex legal and commercial challenges.”
Elizabeth O’Reilly & Caroline Bergin, Board
WEEE
Pictured (L-R): Caroline Bergin and Elizabeth O’Reilly.
WEEE Ireland has named Elizabeth O’Reilly and Caroline Bergin to its board.
O’Reilly, appointed as Director, has been with the organisation since 2005. Her background spans environmental compliance, Extended Producer Responsibility and circular economy policy. She has grown WEEE Ireland’s membership to around 1,400 producers and represents the organisation on national and European bodies, including the National Waste Advisory Group and the WEEE Forum.
Bergin joins as Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman-Designate of the Nomination and Governance Committee. She has over 30 years of legal and governance experience and holds a Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance from UCD Smurfit School.
Commenting on the appointments, Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, said, “Elizabeth has been central to the development of Ireland’s EPR framework since its inception and brings exceptional insight into how policy translates into real-world compliance and impact. Her appointment further reinforces WEEE Ireland’s commitment to environmental stewardship, regulatory excellence and leadership in circular economy innovation.
Caroline adds a wealth of governance and legal expertise that will support robust oversight and long-term strategic decision-making. At a time when the circular economy is moving from aspiration to enforcement, these appointments ensure WEEE Ireland is well positioned to lead.”
Clair Schindler, Director of Accounting & Finance
YourTeam
YourTeam has named Clair Schindler as Director of Accounting and Finance. She brings a background in senior finance and accountancy recruitment, having most recently led Frazer Jones’ Irish operation. Before that, she held roles at HRM and Executive Connections.
The appointment reflects a broader shift among Irish businesses towards outsourcing as an alternative to traditional hiring amid a tight labour market.
Commenting on the appointment, YourTeam CEO Niresh Moodley said: “Clair’s experience in senior recruitment gives her valuable insight into the challenges businesses face in accessing talent.
Her move reflects a growing shift towards outsourcing as a practical alternative to traditional hiring, helping organisations access expertise in a more flexible and cost-efficient way.”
Various appointments
Ómós
County Laois guesthouse and restaurant Ómós has made two senior appointments ahead of opening reservations on March 24.
Patrick Healy joins as General Manager, bringing experience from Cashel Palace Hotel, Adare Manor, The Berkeley London and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Alanna Starnes takes up the role of Marketing Manager, having previously worked at Cashel Palace Hotel, The Hardiman and Sheen Falls Lodge.
The property incorporates the restored Victorian-era Millbrook House, converted stables and a new restaurant building across 4.2 acres.
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Business & Finance, Appointments
Business & Finance, Appointments
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