Business movers: People starting new jobs in Ireland

New appointees with A&L Goodbody, Lisney, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Pinsent Masons, Musgrave and Savills Ireland

New roles: (top row) Stephen D’Ardis, Aoife Brennan, Dr Eamonn Kelly; (bottom row) Lisa Carty, Patricia Blackshields, Ray Hanley.

Here is a selection of people starting new roles with A&L Goodbody, Lisney, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Pinsent Masons, Musgrave and Savills Ireland.

Stephen D’Ardis has been appointed as a partner in law firm A&L Goodbody’s insurance and reinsurance practice. He joins ALG’s team which includes partners James Grennan, Laura Mulleady and of counsel Emma Martin, working closely with insurance M&A partner Stephen Quinlivan. With nearly 20 years’ experience, Stephen D’Ardis has practiced in international and Irish law firms, as well as practising as a senior in-house counsel in a multinational insurance company. He brings expertise in insurance, reinsurance and financial regulation, with a strong track record advising on mergers and acquisitions for insurance undertakings. Headquartered in Dublin, ALG has offices in Dublin, Belfast, London, New York and San Francisco.

Aoife Brennan has been appointed as CEO of property advisory firm Lisney. She succeeds David Byrne following his six-year tenure in the role; he continues as MD of Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty. With 25 years of property experience, Aoife joined Lisney in 2006, working in the research, investment, land and valuation divisions. For the past 18 years, she has led Lisney’s research and consultancy division. She has been a director of Lisney since 2016. Aoife holds an MSc in Planning & Development and a BSc in Property Economics, both from TUD. She is a fellow of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Dr Eamonn Kelly has been appointed as CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland. He was previously planning commissioner with An Coimisiún Pleanála. He holds a BSc and a PhD in Zoology, both from the University of Galway, and a diploma in Corporate Governance. He worked for 12 years at the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and led delivery of research and advice in relation to the conservation and restoration of protected species and aquatic habitats. He has also worked in inshore fisheries development. He has was a principal officer in the Civil Service, and was posted to Brussels for four years as an Irish diplomat to the EU.

Lisa Carty has been appointed as head of the Dublin office of law firm Pinsent Masons. She joined the firm in 2023 as a partner, having previously practised at William Fry. A highly respected commercial litigator, she brings extensive experience advising clients on complex contractual disputes, financial services disputes, and judicial review proceedings involving public bodies. Her industry accolades include the Client Choice Award for Litigation, Ireland in both 2020 and 2021. She was also honoured with the Women in Law Award for Dispute Resolution in 2020 and 2021. In her new role, Lisa will lead the continued growth and strategic direction of the firm’s Dublin office.

Patricia Blackshields has been appointed as chief commercial officer with Musgrave, the food retail, wholesale and food service company. She brings 28 years of commercial experience within Musgrave, notably as director of commercial transformation and director of commercial strategy and planning. She has also worked with Ornua Foods UK, gaining valuable international experience in food operations and retail. She holds a BSc in Food Business from UCC, and an MBA in Retailing & Wholesaling from the University of Stirling, and a diploma in Coaching. She has led initiatives that strengthened supplier collaboration, enhanced cost competitiveness and delivered improved value propositions for Musgrave’s customers.

Ray Hanley has been appointed as leadership chair with Savills Ireland. The real estate firm’s director and head of professional services, he succeeds Isobel O’Regan following her four-year tenure in the role. Ray brings over 30 years’ experience in the Irish commercial property market. Since joining Savills in 2007, he has led the professional services department, advising a broad range of institutional and banking clients including Bank of Ireland, AIB, IRES, Kennedy Wilson, Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank. He has been the principal point of contact on significant valuation and consultancy instructions, covering all mainstream property sectors including development land, offices, retail, retail warehousing and industrial assets.