Google Ireland chief steps down

Google Ireland boss John Herlihy is to leave the company at the end of April.

Herlihy, who is also Google's vice president of sales operations in the EMEA, will be succeeded by Ronan Harris, the company's VP of large customer sales in the region.

Limerick man Herlihy said he was proud of his achievements over the past decade.

“I’m very proud of what the management team at Google has achieved over the past 10 years. We have built a vibrant organisation which has become the heartbeat of EMEA," he said.

"The energy that runs through this campus powers a burgeoning digital industry in over 100 countries and is helping revitalise economies, Ireland’s included.”

“On a personal level it has been a tremendous experience but after 10 years, I believe the time is right for me to explore new opportunities and I’m looking forward to taking some time out while I consider my next challenge. I’m delighted that Ronan Harris will now lead Google’s EMEA operations in its next phase of growth,” he said.

His replacement said he was aiming for continues growth of Google in Ireland.

"I am delighted to be appointed head of Google in Ireland and I look forward to leading the Ireland management team as we position our EMEA Headquarters for continued growth," he said.

I have worked closely with John for many years and all of us at Google in Dublin value greatly the contribution he has made to Google and to Ireland’s reputation as the digital capital of Europe. We wish him continued success in the future.”