Here is a selection of people starting new roles with Grafter, Challenge Group, Complete Laboratory Solutions, Grant Thornton, State Street Global Advisors and Logicalis UK&I.
Kate O’Meara has been appointed as head of operations with flexible workspace provider Grafter, a group with offices in Dublin and London. Kate brings a decade of prior experience in flexible workspace operations and facilities management, including other prior roles with Grafter and in roles with Iconic Offices. Kate joined Grafter in 2021 and has assisted with bringing new buildings to the Irish market; she also launched and expanded Grafter operations in the UK in 2022, when she led the facilities and front-of-house teams. Kate studied at the Communications and Management Institute from 2019-20 and has a Certificate in Business Management and a Diploma in Management.
David Canavan has been appointed as chief operating officer with air cargo conglomerate Challenge Group. David joins with a proven track record of more than 30 years’ international experience in strategic planning, operational efficiency, supply chain management and logistics, having previously led various multinational teams and business units in senior management roles both in Europe and Asia at FedEx. He will lead and oversee all group operations, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to drive operational excellence and contribute to the company’s overall expansion plan and fleet growth. Challenge Group employs over 1,000 people across three airlines and other divisions.
Paula Farrell has been appointed as client services director for food and environmental with Complete Laboratory Solutions. Paula has previously worked with Eurofins, City Analysts and Greenstar. She holds a degree in Science, Environmental Management from Atlantic Technological University (ATU). Paula brings 20+ years of commercial and operational experience to the food and environmental team at CLS. She will drive and enhance service solutions for national and multi-national clients. She will focus on business development as well as nurturing high-performance teams of technical analysts specializing in food and water safety testing operations, ensuring high levels of compliance and health and safety standards.
Stephen Tennant has been appointed as CEO with business services firm Grant Thornton Ireland. He succeeds Michael McAteer. Stephen joined the firm in 2009, before making partner in 2012 and establishing the financial services advisory (FSA) practice in 2017. He brings with him a wealth of experience across industries and sectors. Stephen is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK (FCCA UK) and holds a degree in Business Studies from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. He will begin his term in January. Grant Thornton will reach €300m in turnover this year and has grown its headcount to 3,000 people.
Ann Prendergast has been appointed as head of EMEA for State Street Global Advisors, the asset management business of State Street Corporation. She takes over from Rory Tobin, who is retiring after nine years at the firm. Ann joined State Street in 2000 as a relationship manager, and has held a series of roles since. Most recently, she was head of State Street Global Advisors Europe, leading the firm’s EU-based management, distribution, product development, fund management and operations portfolio. Ann will report to Yie-Hsin Hung, the firm’s President and CEO. She will also continue to lead State Street Global Advisors Europe.
Kevin Sheridan has been appointed as security sales specialist with IT solutions and managed services firm Logicalis UK&I. He brings a decade of IT industry experience. He previously worked as a senior business development manager and an account manager within Ward Solutions, and as an area sales manager for payment solutions company Elavon. Kevin holds a degree in Business Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from Technological University Dublin, as well as a diploma in cybersecurity. In his career, Kevin has worked across markets including payments and cyber security, gaining experience in building customer portfolios, advising clients on solutions and driving revenue growth.
