'We started with one employee': NBM Group MD Michael Galvin steps down after 40 years

Mr Galvin founded the workplace technology and solutions group in Cork in 1985

Mark McPhillips, Niamh Galvin and Michael Galvin at the announcement of NBM's leadership transition which will see Mr McPhillips become managing director and Ms Galvin appointed commercial director. Picture: Peter P Photos

The founder of Cork firm National Business Machines (NBM), Michael Galvin, is stepping down as managing director after 40 years with the group, with Mark McPhillips taking the reins of the technology and IT solutions company. 

NBM Group was founded by Mr Galvin in Cork in 1985, and is a leading provider of workplace technology, including a long partnership with Xerox in Ireland. Mr Galvin built the business from a small enterprise into the largest Xerox Premier Partner in the country.

Now, he will be succeeded by Mark McPhillips, who will lead the company as it plans to double its size over the next four years. Additionally, Niamh Galvin, Michael’s daughter, will take on the role of commercial director.

“Leading NBM Group for the past four decades has been a tremendous journey. We started with one employee and a vision to provide businesses in Ireland with top-class workplace solutions, and I am proud of what we have built with over 40 employees and a nationwide infrastructure," said Mr Galvin.

“Now is the right time to step back and entrust the future of the company to Mark McPhillips. I am also delighted that my daughter Niamh will be playing a pivotal role in shaping NBM’s commercial strategy for the years to come,” he concluded.

NBM has expanded its national footprint, including recently acquiring Total Office Solutions, North East Ltd and establishing Innovative Workplace Solutions Ltd (IWS) in Northern Ireland. NBM's expansion included a €1m investment into its infrastructure with a strategic focus on digital transformation, and the doubling of its workforce. The company has plans to double in size over the next four years. The company has also invested significantly in new technologies such as AV solutions and a workplace supplies eCommerce platform.

“I am honoured to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation that Michael and the team has laid. It’s an exciting time for our business in Ireland as we look to grow and expand through providing our clients with new services and new capabilities including audio-visual and managed IT solutions," said Mr McPhillips.