By Business & Finance 
Mark Hopkins has over 20 years in Ireland’s tech sector and eight years at Dell, where he leads its Ireland operations with a hands-on, strategic approach across nationwide teams.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
My priority is helping organisations across Ireland move from AI experimentation to real business value. That means adopting AI in a way that is practical, secure and scalable.
It starts with the right foundation. From modern data centre infrastructure to AI-enabled PCs, organisations need the tools to put AI to work where it matters most.
What are your biggest challenges as MD?
The biggest challenge is cutting through the hype and helping organisations build a clear, practical business case for AI. Many leaders understand the potential, but translating that into measurable outcomes requires the right strategy, trusted infrastructure and a workforce that is confident using the technology responsibly.
How do you keep your team motivated?
Clarity and purpose are key. Our team understands that we’re helping customers navigate one of the most significant technology shifts in decades. We also invest heavily in our people and look to give them access to AI tools, continuous learning and opportunities to unleash their full potential.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
Our industry faces three key challenges: scaling infrastructure to meet AI demand, ensuring access to skills, and managing data responsibly. AI is driving a huge increase in data and compute requirements, and organisations need support to meet that challenge. At the same time, there is a growing need to ensure the workforce of today and tomorrow has the skills to succeed in the AI era.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
We’re seeing AI become more autonomous and more physical. Agentic AI is evolving from copilots into systems that can manage workflows end-to-end, while “physical AI” is bringing intelligence into real-world environments like healthcare and infrastructure.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
Continued investment in AI infrastructure and skills at a national level is essential. The Government’s new National Digital and AI Strategy is a very positive step in that direction, particularly in its focus on building capability, driving adoption and supporting responsible use of AI.
The next phase is delivery. Strong public-private collaboration will be key to scaling AI in practice, especially in areas like healthcare and public services where the potential impact is transformational.
As an employer, are you finding any skill gaps in the market?
AI is no longer just a specialist skill. Every role now requires a basic understanding of how AI works and how to use it effectively. The organisations that invest in continuous upskilling will move fastest. The uptake by our own teams has been game-changing in how we work, and the advantages and time back it can give if used in the right way has been a huge benefit.
How do you define success, and what drives you?
Success for me is creating the conditions for others to succeed and seeing that translate into real outcomes – whether that is my team or our customers and partners. That is also what motivates me most, seeing people develop and grow in confidence over time.
Ireland has a huge tech sector, so seeing the possibilities translate into benefits for the public and private sectors and individuals alike is very exciting while trying to navigate some of the risks.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given in business?
Surround yourself with good people and listen to them. You’ll make better decisions and build stronger outcomes when you bring the right perspectives around you. When it comes to AI, don’t be overwhelmed by the hype – figure out what benefits it can drive against your business goals and start there. We made mistakes in our first deployments, accept you will make some, but keep pushing forward.
What advice would you give to others starting in business?
Start small, prove value quickly and scale from there. That’s as true for AI as it is for any business. Focus on how your business can solve real-world problems, and the rest follows.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
What stands out most is how is the transformative partnerships that we’ve built with organisations at the forefront of AI. Together with Studio Ulster, we’ve helped harness the power of AI to pioneer advancements in creative production, filmmaking, and immersive experiences for global audiences. By joining forces with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Dell has helped to develop a new AI platform that will advance research in cybersecurity, sustainability, healthcare and robotics.
What’s next for your company?
At Dell, we’re focused on providing the innovative solutions that underpin AI-enabled organisations. With solutions like the Dell AI Factory, we’re helping organisations move from pilot to production while ensuring they retain control over their data and infrastructure.
Where do you want your business to be this time next year?
We want to be recognised as the partner organisations turn to when they are serious about deploying AI at scale—trusted to deliver not just technology, but real outcomes.
What is the best book you’ve ever read (non-business) and why?
Neptune’s Fortune: The Billion Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire. I love history and have had a passion for diving for over 20 years, and this book is a great combination while capturing one man’s passion to discover lost treasure – what’s not to love!
What is your favourite hobby and why?
I’m currently training for a Triathlon, so that takes up some time. It’s a great way to stay focused and disciplined, and it gives me a real sense of balance outside of work. Its nice not to be contactable when you are in the water!
What is your mantra for life?
Stay curious, keep learning and don’t get too comfortable. Progress comes from pushing yourself beyond what feels familiar.
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