Business movers: People starting new jobs in Ireland

Aidan Power has been appointed as director of marketing with Tourism Ireland, based in Dublin. He will be responsible for strategy and insights, driving the organisation’s marketing communications, creative and media strategy, as well as partnerships forward, aiming to increase the value of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. He will lead the development of content to inspire potential visitors. Aidan will collaborate with Tourism Ireland’s international teams, as well as with tourism industry and government partners. Aidan was previously director of marketing, communications and corporate affairs at KBC Bank Ireland; and before that worked at EBS Building Society and Musgraves.

Elizabeth Arnett has been appointed as director of communications and brand with AXA Insurance Ireland. She was director of corporate affairs at Ulster Bank for the past seven years, leading the bank’s communications and marketing to customers, staff and stakeholders, notably as it managed its withdrawal from the Irish market after more than 180 years. Previously Elizabeth was head of communications and regulatory affairs at Irish Water, and was lead spokesperson for the utility during its start-up phase. An environmental scientist by training, Elizabeth is also a chartered engineer and holds professional qualifications from both the Institute of Directors and the Institute of Bankers.

Padraig McCarthy has been appointed as group commercial officer (CCO) at digital services company TEKenable, leading sales across Ireland, UK and EMEA. He will also be responsible for fostering client relationships, shaping and executing TEKenable’s commercial strategy. Padraig has been the firm’s sales director since 2018, overseeing ten-fold sales revenue growth in five years. He previously senior in global companies, including Oracle where he led sales and business development initiatives. Padraig has over 25 years’ IT experience. He holds a Business Studies degree from Waterford IT, a HDip in Computer Science from UCC and a HDip in Quality Engineering from NUI Galway.

Brendan Moley has been appointed as chief operations officer with Suir Engineering in Waterford, with offices in Dublin, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Frankfurt. He joins following 16 years as operations director at specialist construction management company Mac-group, where he was most recently MD. He brings over 25 years of experience to his new role. His wide-ranging industry knowledge positions him as a valuable asset to the firm. Suir Engineering provides mechanical, electrical and instrumental engineering services in Europe, notably for pharma, energy and utilities, food and beverage companies and data centres. This strategic move comes as Suir Engineering marks 40 years in business this year. 

Graham Lawless has been appointed as head of sales with motor group Audi Ireland. Previously the brand’s area sales manager in 2011, he returns to Audi Ireland as an experienced sales leader having previously held the same role with Volkswagen Passenger Cars and SEAT. He will report to Audi Ireland brand director, Damien O’Sullivan. The appointment follows Mark O’Connell departing the role after 15 years with the brand, having led the sales team during its most successful and challenging years. “I am delighted to welcome Graham back to Audi Ireland and I am pleased to secure such strong sales expertise to lead our sales team,” Damien O’Sullivan said.