Here is a selection of people starting new roles with Addleshaw Goddard, Comyn Kelleher Tobin, WIND Group, FREENOW and Hanover Communications.
Joseph O’Rourke has joined international law firm Addleshaw Goddard Ireland as a corporate and commercial partner in its Dublin office. He brings with him 14 years of experience from his time at McCann FitzGerald LLP. With expertise in the renewables, energy, infrastructure, and telecom sectors, Joseph has been instrumental in many high-profile, market-leading transactions and has advised several of the industry’s top players. He also has an established general corporate advisory practice, with significant expertise in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, and commercial contracts. His prior experience and extensive track record will be a valuable asset to clients and the firm as a whole.
Patrice O’Keeffe has been appointed as managing partner with Irish law firm Comyn Kelleher Tobin, succeeding Deborah Moore who led the practice for 16 years. Deborah will now take on the position of chair at the firm. Patrice will oversee the firm’s strategic direction, financial performance and overall management of the practice. She began her career at CKT in 2004, becoming a partner in 2014. Patrice is ranked as a leading lawyer by Chambers and Partners in Dispute Resolution – Healthcare Litigation. CKT has also appointed litigator Grace Toher as partner, while Kevin Healy has been promoted to senior associate on the healthcare team.
Killian Maher has joined law firm Addleshaw Goddard as a construction partner. Previously a construction lawyer at William Fry law firm, he specialises in the commercial real estate and private rental sectors, having advised on the development of over 900,000 sq. ft. of new office space and over 1300 new residential units in Dublin within the last four years, as well as student accommodation, hotels, events spaces, elderly care, and sports facilities. His expertise extends to acquisitions, lettings, construction disputes, contractor insolvencies, pre-lets, and development financing for both lenders and borrowers. He joins as Addleshaw Goddard is settling into its new 28,000 sq ft office at Fitzwilliam No.28, Dublin.
Renier van den Bichelaer has been appointed as chief operating officer (COO) with WIND Group, also joining its management board. He replaces outgoing COO Robbert van Diepen, who will gradually transfer his responsibilities to Renier. Robbert will remain as director of business operations, overseeing cable recovery operations, SHEQ, contact for cable crew and internal projects. Renier brings extensive leadership experience from Seaway7, Maersk, and Boskalis in the offshore energy and maritime sectors, with a strong background in project-based organisations. He will apply his sector expertise and people-oriented leadership to further optimise WIND’s operations, enhance safety and quality, and strengthen overall organisational performance.
Lennart Zipfel has been appointed as of taxi and multi-mobility app FREENOW, succeeding Johannes Prantl who is to retire. Lennart has over 11 years of experience in financial and strategic consulting, business plan evaluation and management of global projects. He spent the past six years with FREENOW as commercial finance, corporate development and country operations; for the last two years, he was a VP in the finance department. He previously worked with EY for five years in management consulting. He has a Masters in Accounting and Finance from London School of Economics and Political Science and a degree in Business Administration from University of Hamburg, Germany.
Barbara Wynne has been appointed as managing director of the Brussels office of PR firm Hanover Communications; she will report directly to Gavin Megaw, president and managing partner, and joins the global leadership board. Originally from Ireland, she brings over 20 years of experience in government relations and public policy within Brussels, notably in navigating regulatory landscapes and shaping opportunities for businesses amidst geopolitical developments. Her most recent roles were as head of digital and technology at FIPRA Public Affairs, and global policy lead for government relations with Accenture. Hanover employs over 200 people in its offices in London, Brussels, Dublin, Dubai and Riyadh.
