Pictured: Tom O’Connor, Chairman of Mail Metrics.
This week includes new and notable appointments at Mail Metrics, Unio Financial Services, IAPI, Interpath, Sodali & Co, HOMS Assist, Core Creative, and Expleo.
By Héloïse Chaudot
Tom O’Connor, Chairman
Mail Metrics
Mail Metrics has appointed former Version 1 CEO Tom O’Connor as its new Chairman of the Board. He brings over two decades of senior leadership experience, most notably from his long career at IT services firm Version 1, where he held various roles from 2001, culminating in his appointment to Chief Executive Officer in 2017. O’Connor led the company through a remarkable period of growth as CEO, tripling revenue and profits, expanding internationally across the UK, Ireland, Spain, and India, and completing ten strategic acquisitions.
Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I’m honoured to join Mail Metrics as Chairman. The company’s ambition and drive, together with its focus on innovation in customer communication management, align strongly with my own passion for helping Irish firms achieve international scale through technology-driven transformation. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and MML Capital Ireland to support the next stage of growth.”
Nick Keegan, CEO of Mail Metrics, added, “Tom O’Connor’s leadership experience and track record of delivering transformation at scale make him an exceptional asset to Mail Metrics. We are delighted to welcome him as Chairman at a time when the business is making huge strides forward in assisting our clients’ transition to digital communications. We also express our sincere gratitude to Martin Cullen for his outstanding contribution over the last three years. Martin was a great support to the Board during our initial phase of growth, and we wish him continued success in his leadership role at Microsoft.”
Ricard Jones & Derek Buckley, CEO & CCO
Unio Financial Services
Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I am delighted to be joining Unio Financial Services, one of Ireland’s leading wealth management and employee benefits businesses, at such an important stage in its development. With a strong heritage supporting both personal and corporate clients, and the backing of the global Great-West Lifeco group, Unio has built a reputation for trusted advice, long-term relationships and consistent delivery.”
Following his appointment, he said, “Unio has ambitious growth plans, and I look forward to working with the advisory teams in Dublin and regionally to scale the business. The combination of the strength of our parent company, Irish Life Group domestically and the wealth leadership position of Great-West Lifeco internationally, positions Unio uniquely to meet the needs of a new and growing market in Ireland that wants a refreshing, progressive and differentiated wealth management offering.”
Niall Carty, Director of Public Affairs
IAPI
In his new role, Carty will be leading Policy, Regulation, and Public Affairs, delivering information and advice to members. He will also influence external stakeholders on policy and regulatory affairs.
Carty joins Iapi from Coimisiún na
Welcoming his appointment, Siobhan Masterson, IAPI CEO, said, “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Niall Carty as Director of Public Affairs at IAPI. This appointment signals our strong intention to externalise our member representation, enhance the reputation of our industry to those who shape our operating environment and deliver professional advisory services to our membership. Niall’s knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset to IAPI members and the executive team.”
Brad Goodey, Managing Director
Interpath
Colm Woods, Senior Director
Sodali & Co
Most recently, he served as Managing Director of CW8 Communications, a boutique, global advisory firm that works with multinational founders, executives, investors and boards to build understanding and trust around emerging technologies and disruptive business practices. Guided by a holistic approach to strategy and execution, he has specialised in providing national and multinational communications strategy, crisis and issues management, corporate affairs, ESG communications, media training, and narrative development for clients ranging from startups to PLCs and government bodies.
Commenting on his appointment, Colm Woods, Senior Director of Sodali & Co, said, “I’ve been very impressed by Sodali’s strategic, senior-led approach to stakeholder advisory, which has never been more important. As organisations of all sizes navigate a more complex and demanding stakeholder environment, I’m excited for the opportunity to work with brilliant Sodali colleagues and clients on strategic comms efforts that protect reputation, simplify complexity, and deliver communications with impact.”
Eavan Gannon, Managing Director and Head of Dublin for Sodali, added, “We’re excited to welcome Colm to our senior Sodali team in Dublin. With more than a decade of Irish and international experience, Colm has demonstrated a strong track record of advising and managing the reputation of senior executives, boards, and investors across a wide variety of sectors and markets. His genuine passion for strat comms will be a great complement to our team – expanding and strengthening our capabilities as demand grows for integrated, strategic advice at the intersection of capital markets, governance and reputation.”
Olga Sandys & Bronagh Gennery, Solicitor and Probate Administrator
HOMS Assist
Pictured (L-R): Bronagh Gennery, Probate Administrator; Claire Tuohy, Partner; and Olga Sandys, Solicitor.
HOMS Assist has expanded its Probate and Wills Department with the appointment of Olga Sandys as Solicitor and Bronagh Gennery as Probate Administrator.
In her role, Gennery will assist solicitors in managing the legal and administrative aspects of wills, trusts and estates. From preparing essential documentation to liaising with solicitors and beneficiaries, she is committed to providing a seamless and stress-free experience for clients during what can often be a challenging time.
Commenting on the appointments, Robert Bourke, Partner-in-Charge at HOMS Assist, said: “The expansion of our Probate and Wills Department reflects the increasing demand for expert, compassionate legal guidance in estate planning and administration. As estates become more complex and families seek greater clarity around succession and asset protection, it is essential that we continue to invest in experienced, high-calibre professionals.”
Various appointments
Core Creative
Pictured (L-R): Back Row – Kate O’Callaghan, Shane Doyle, Shane O’Brien and Rob Murray
Front Row – Ann Sheridan, Caitriona Ní Laoire and Gráinne Kehoe
The marketing communications agency Core Creative has announced the appointment of a new senior management team.
Rob Murray and Shane O’Brien have been appointed as Creative Partners to elevate creative standards and output across the agency. In their roles, they will lead the development of distinctive brand strategies and creative platforms that will deliver cut through across multiple platforms, ensuring ideas are both expertly crafted and built to deliver measurable impact for clients.
Murray, formerly Creative Director at Core, has extensive experience in creative storytelling and brand building. Since joining the agency, he has led some of Core’s most memorable campaigns, including the launch of Sky Mobile in Ireland featuring Roy Keane, Sky’s sponsorship of the Irish Men’s and Women’s National Teams, and the award-winning Outbelieve campaign.
O’Brien is a multi-award-winning creative director, copywriter, and screenwriter, with a distinguished advertising career that includes roles such as Executive Creative Director at BBDO, Creative Director at Rothco, Creative Director at Guns or Knives, Senior Copywriter at Rothco, and Copywriter at Irish International BBDO. Shane also has a diverse creative background in comedy for stage, television, and film, with credits across RTÉ 2, BBC 3, Channel 4, and multiple feature films.
Together, their work has been celebrated globally, earning accolades at Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Clio Awards, Eurobest, London International Awards, EPICA Awards, Kinsale Sharks, ICAD, Effies, Webbies, and the Lovies.
Ann Sheridan, Head of Creative Operations, has been promoted to drive operational excellence across Core Creative, utilising smarter workflows, leveraging Core’s tools and technology, and ensuring greater consistency and efficiency – supporting the team in producing high-quality work for clients.
Kate O’Callaghan has been promoted to Creative Business Partner, working closely with the senior team to further build and strengthen the business, while Gráinne Kehoe, as Head of Client Service, will lead the high standards of partnership and trust that Core Creative has become known for.
Speaking on the announcement, Caitriona Ni Laoire, Managing Director, said, “Over the past five years, we’ve shown that creativity can be a real commercial advantage when paired with strong standards and effectiveness. Now we’re building on that foundation. With Rob and Shane joining as Creative Partners, and Ann, Kate and Gráinne strengthening how we deliver and partner with clients, we’re raising our ambition for the work. The team shares an incredible spirit and a commitment to getting great ideas made. Our goal is clear: produce bolder, more distinctive creative that drives results and growth.”

