By Héloïse Chaudot 
Pictured: Eimear Dunne, Head of People & Transformation, OpenSky.
This week sees new and notable appointments at OpenSky, ClassCover, Bird & Bird, Wellington IT, and NFP Ireland.
Eimear Dunne, Head of People & Transformation
OpenSky
The Irish data, AI & Governance specialist OpenSky has announced the appointment of Eimear Dunne as Head of People & Transformation. In her new role, Dunne will be responsible for the company’s AI-enabled workforce strategy. She will also oversee the rollout of the company’s new operating model over the next year.
“Clients do not buy technology in isolation; they are interested in people who deeply understand their world and bring the judgement, credibility, and curiosity to solve complex problems,” Eimear Dunne commented.
“As AI reshapes the industry, our response at OpenSky is to give our people the skills, support, and room to grow into what that work becomes. I am thrilled to step into this role to build a workforce strategy where our capability stays ahead of industry demand, and our people find their next career milestone right here at OpenSky.”
Eva Gallagher, Head of Education Partnerships
ClassCover
Former school teacher and principal, Eva Gallagher has been appointed as Head of Education Partnerships. In her new role, she will lead the company’s growth plans.
ClassCover is an Australian-based substitute teacher and SNA booking platform. Her hire follows ClassCover’s success in Australia, where the platform is now used by half of the country’s schools. It also comes at a time when substitute teacher shortages are placing increasing pressure on the Irish education system.
Gallagher also brings a unique perspective to her new role, having worked across the education sector in both Ireland and Australia. She began her career as a teacher before serving as principal of Yeats College Waterford. She later relocated to Sydney, where she worked as a substitute teacher. Having experienced firsthand the challenges schools face in finding substitute teachers and, in turn, the difficulty substitute teachers face in finding work, Eva Gallagher will support ClassCover in solving both problems.
Commenting on her appointment, she said, “I am thrilled to be joining ClassCover in delivering this solution and helping the company grow its presence across the Irish education sector. In Australia, the platform is already used by half of the country’s schools and has taken great strides in alleviating the substitute teacher crisis. I’m looking forward to replicating that same success here and strengthening our position within the Irish market.”
Pearse Walsh, Legal Director
Bird & Bird
Pictured (L-R): Michael Finn, Head of Country, and Peasr Walsh, Legal Director, Bird & Bird.
The international law firm Bird & Bird has announced the appointment of Pearse Walsh as Legal Director.
Walsh brings over 10 years of experience advising domestic and multinational corporate clients, including income tax, corporation tax, R&D tax credits, and cross-border transactional planning.
His experience will complement Bird & Bird’s existing strengths across Corporate and M&A, Intellectual Property, Employment, Data Protection, and Tech & Comms, further enhancing the Dublin team’s ability to support clients on increasingly interconnected tax, regulatory and commercial challenges.
Speaking on his new appointments, Pearse Walsh commented, “Bird & Bird has a strong international reputation and a distinctive focus on businesses being changed by technology and innovation. I’m delighted to join the growing Irish team and look forward to bringing my legal, tax and business experience to the firm while supporting domestic and multinational clients across advisory, regulatory and cross-border matters.”
Mairead Coulter, Head of Customer Engagement
Wellington IT
Mairead Coulter has been appointed as Head of Customer Engagement at Wellington IT. She joined Wellington IT in 2024 following a 28-year career with Ulster Bank, and brings extensive experience in banking and customer engagement to her new role.
Wellington IT provides core banking software, digital banking solutions, and a wider suite of technology and professional services specifically designed for credit unions.
Commenting on her appointment, Mairead Coulter, Head of Customer Engagement at Wellington IT, said, “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and my focus will be on continuing to strengthen those relationships and ensure we are responding to what credit unions need from their technology partners.”
Niall Scannell, Wealth & Financial Planning
NFP
Former Rugby player Niall Scannell has been appointed to the NFP’s Wealth and Financial Planning team in Cork.
Scannell joins NFP following a 13-year career in professional rugby with Munster. A long-serving member of the province’s senior squad, he competed at the highest level of the professional game and represented Ireland on the international stage.
Alongside his professional rugby career, Scannell continued to develop his knowledge and qualifications in finance and business. He is a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), holds a Diploma in Management Accounting from CIMA and a BCL in Law from University College Cork.
In his new role as Private Client Consultant within NFP’s Wealth and Financial Planning team, Niall Scannell will work with individuals, families and business owners on retirement and pension planning, investment and wealth management, and longer-term financial planning. He will work closely with clients to understand their financial position and priorities, develop tailored financial plans and provide ongoing advice as their circumstances and goals change.
Commenting on the appointment, Colm Power, Managing Director of NFP Ireland, said, “We are delighted to welcome Niall to our Wealth and Financial Planning team in Cork. He brings a strong understanding of financial planning and of NFP’s wealth and investment offering, backed by his QFA qualification and broader knowledge of finance and business.
“Niall also brings a very particular set of qualities from his career in professional rugby. Competing at the highest level for more than a decade demands discipline, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a team – qualities that translate particularly well to working with clients and developing long-term financial plans.
“He will be a strong addition to our team in Cork, and we look forward to the contribution he will make as we continue to grow our Wealth and Financial Planning business.”
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