Business movers: People starting new jobs in Ireland

New appointees with Viatel Technology Group, Drinks Ireland, ISME, Saros Consulting, Deloitte and Network Ireland

New roles: (top row) Damien McCann, Claire Total, James Mailley; (bottom row) Mary-Ellen Snook, Eoin Gilhooly, Karen Ronan.

Here is a selection of people starting new roles with Viatel Technology Group, Drinks Ireland, ISME, Saros Consulting, Deloitte and Network Ireland.

Damien McCann has been appointed as managing director of Viatel Communications Services, part of Viatel Technology Group. He steps into this new role following a distinguished 20-year career with the company, most recently as Viatel’s chief commercial officer. His appointment comes at an important time for Viatel as it continues to advance its fully integrated technology portfolio across communications, cybersecurity and digital services. Damien is also chairperson of Guaranteed Irish, where he actively advocates for Irish enterprise, innovation and economic resilience. “This is an exciting opportunity to build on the momentum we’ve created. I look forward to bringing my experience into this leadership role,” said Damien.

Claire Tolan, MD of Irish Distillers, has been elected to a two-year term as chair of Drinks Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the Irish drinks sector. She takes over from Pat Rigney, founder and MD of ‘The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney’. Claire brings a wealth of knowledge, with over 25 years’ experience working within the industry. Claire, who is a graduate of DCU, began her career in Irish whiskey in 1998 with the Jameson Graduate Programme as a brand ambassador in San Francisco where she progressed, joining the international team in 2007. As MD for Ireland at Irish Distillers, she manages some of the world’s most successful Irish whiskeys.

James Mailley has been appointed as head of sales and marketing with ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association). Based in Dundalk, Co Louth, James joins ISME with over 20 years’ experience supporting SMEs across Ireland and the UK. He holds a BA in Marketing from Manchester Metropolitan University and brings extensive expertise across sales, strategic growth and marketing. He has held senior commercial and marketing roles across SME support, including online recruitment, psychometric testing and HR solutions. More recently, his work centred on helping Irish businesses navigate compliance requirements across HR, employment law and health and safety. James began his career in London in retail.

Mary-Ellen Snook has been appointed as client director with Saros Consulting, an independent IT consultancy with headquarters in Dublin and offices in the UK, South Africa and the US. She will be responsible for leading and expanding key client relationships, supporting continued growth across international markets. She previously held roles as account manager and programme manager in Saros. She also brings more than two decades of experience in the aviation industry in roles with Aer Lingus, including transition programme manager and end user computing programme manager. She holds leadership certifications including Mental Fitness for Leaders from the IMI, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Project Management Professional (PMP).

Eoin Gilhooly has been appointed as a partner in Deloitte Ireland’s technology and transformation practice. Eoin’s career has been defined by building high-performing delivery teams, working closely with client leadership teams, and translating ambition into outcomes across complex, multi-country deployments. His experience spans the full programme lifecycle, from mobilisation and high-level design through to deployment and business adoption, ensuring design and delivery decisions are grounded in real operational outcomes. Eoin’s delivery-led approach will further help clients navigate change with greater confidence and control. His expertise will enhance Deloitte’s ability to support clients at critical moments, where the consequences of delay or disruption are significant.

Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed as national president for 2026 with Network Ireland, the business networking organisation for women. A graduate of the Kemmy School of Business at UL, she said her priorities as president will include strengthening commercial links between Network Ireland’s 17 branches and expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises. Ms. Ronan said she plans to drive more than 3,000 business leads and introductions between members during 2026, a target she believes could unlock millions of euro in new commercial activity. Joan Walsh of Partnership International, a Cork-based work, study and travel organisation, was confirmed as vice-president for 2026.