Here is a selection of people starting new roles with Strata, Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, the Land Development Agency, Údarás na Gaeltachta, SYS Financial and Viatel Technology Group.
Carl Kelly has been appointed as digital construction lead with Strata, a provider of project planning and digital construction services. He joined Strata as senior planning engineer in 2022. He previously worked with contractors and construction material suppliers, managing residential, pharma, data centre and industrial projects. He brings 15 years of experience in digital technologies to his new role. Carl will lead Strata’s digital innovation and transformation services, optimising AI and emerging technologies. He holds a professional diploma in Digital Leadership from the Irish Management Institute, a postgraduate certificate in Data Science from TU Dublin and an MSc in Construction Project Management from Waterford IT.
Susan Russell, CEO of Bank of Ireland’s Retail Ireland division, has been appointed as president of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, representative group for the banking, payments and fintech sector. Susan has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services in Ireland and the UK. Susan is responsible for over 2.2 million active customers for Bank of Ireland across all segments including mass market, premier, youth and vulnerable customers. She holds a Commerce degree and Masters in Business Studies from University College Dublin. She is a Group NED of New Ireland Assurance Company and a director of the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland.
David Duffy has been appointed as senior research economist with the Land Development Agency, the State’s affordable housing delivery body; he will establish and lead its economics function. He was previously a director with Property Industry Ireland. With ESRI, he led the ptsb/ESRI House Price Index and the KBC Bank/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index. With Ibec, he engaged with government and regulators. He was a member of the Labour Economic and Employers Forum (LEEF) sub-group on housing, a member of the Housing Agency Board and chair of their Research and Insights advisory panel. He holds a degree and Masters, UCC, and a PhD, Maynooth University, all in Economics.
Michelle Ní Chróinín has been appointed as head of communications and marketing with Údarás na Gaeltachta. She brings over 25 years of experience in media, marketing, and corporate governance, notably as director of strategy and planning at University of Galway, and as head of its press office for 13 years. She served on the board of TG4, 2012-22, including as interim chair. She is currently as chair of Muintearas, a director of Macnas, as sits on the board of Music Generation Galway. She holds a Masters in Business from IMI, a Masters in Media Studies from UL and a degree in Music from UCC.
Keith Dundon has been promoted to head of financial services with SYS Financial, the financial planning services firm. With a robust track record in providing tailored financial solutions, he has worked across the company’s three main service lines: corporate financial services, private client wealth management, and personal financial planning. Dedicated to continuous professional development and technical expertise, his qualifications include QFA, RPA, and PTP. In his new role, Keith will lead SYS Financial’s advisory services, oversee sales strategy, manage revenue growth, and foster client relationships. Established in 2015, SYS Financial employs 60 staff in seven offices nationwide, serving over 8,000 clients, managing €500m in assets.
Ed Heneghan has been appointed as chief information security officer with Viatel Technology Group, where he will help clients address the evolving cybersecurity landscape. He brings extensive expertise, most notably gained from his years as founder of Henocon, a specialist cybersecurity consultancy. Sergiusz Paprzycki, head of networks at Viatel, said Ed’s deep understanding of cybersecurity threats and best practices will be invaluable to Viatel and its customers. “I am honoured to join a company with such a strong reputation for proactive cybersecurity. I look forward to contributing to safeguarding customer information and systems, and helping organisations navigate the cybersecurity challenges of 2025 and beyond,” said Ed.
