Business movers: Cathy Reynolds named as chair of Alzheimer Society of Ireland

New appointees with International Federation of Compliance Associations, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Lanas, The Reputations Agency, Aircraft Leasing Ireland and Thérapie Clinic

New roles: (top row) Michael Kavanagh, Cathy Reynolds, Rob Hutcheson; (bottom row) Denise Underwood, Risteard Sheridan, Dr Thomas Cryan.

Here is a selection of people starting new roles with International Federation of Compliance Associations, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Lanas, The Reputations Agency, Aircraft Leasing Ireland and Thérapie Clinic. 

Michael Kavanagh, chief executive officer of the Compliance Institute, has been appointed deputy chair of the International Federation of Compliance Associations (IFCA) and elected vice president of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI). The two appointments mark a significant recognition of Michael's leadership across the compliance and accountancy professions in Ireland and internationally. Michael will work with CAI president Joan Curry and deputy president Niall Walsh to represent the 40,000 members of Chartered Accountants Ireland. As deputy chair of IFCA, Michael will work with compliance leaders from around the world to support the federation's mission of promoting high professional standards, ethical practice and collaboration across the global compliance profession.

Cathy Reynolds has been appointed as chair of Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI). She joined The ASI’s advocacy and public affairs committee in 2018, and the board in 2021. Cathy brings extensive experience in communications and PR, and a commitment to dementia care, having cared for both her late father, former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for almost a decade, and later her mother, who developed dementia following a stroke. Cathy has held senior roles and served as director at Kennedy PR. She holds a BA in Economics and Politics and a MBS from UCD. She is a member of the Commission on Care for Older People.

Rob Hutcheson has been appointed as chief corporate development officer with Lanas, an Irish-headquartered global healthcare technology company. This role will strengthen the company’s acquisition strategy as it continues to expand its healthcare technology offering across international markets. Based in Brisbane, Hutcheson brings more than 20 years’ experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate development and growth strategy, including over 15 years focused on healthcare technology. In his new role, he will lead Lanas’ global corporate development strategy and growing M&A function, working closely with founders, management teams and investors to identify and acquire complementary technologies that strengthen the company’s capabilities and expand its reach across healthcare.

Denise Underwood has been appointed as senior account director with PR firm The Reputations Agency. She brings 15 years of Irish and international experience advising organisations on reputation, stakeholder engagement and integrated communications. As well as senior roles with Irish-based PR firms, Denise ran her own PR firm in the APAC region, advising blue-chip clients in multiple sectors. She has advised technology, construction, financial services, FMCG, automotive, professional services, international intergovernmental organisations and public sector organisations. She also brings experience in strategy development and execution. Denise specialises in supporting organisations operating in complex, highly scrutinised and regulated environments, helping them navigate their business and reputation challenges.

Risteard Sheridan has been appointed as company secretary and chief compliance officer at AerCap, and as chair of Aircraft Leasing Ireland. Risteard was appointed AerCap’s company secretary in May 2020 and chief compliance officer in 2019. He joined AerCap in April 2017 as head of internal audit. Risteard takes over from Karl Griffin, CEO at Genesis after his two-year term as chair. Claire Walsh, SVP and head of operations at Skyworks has been appointed vice-chair of ALI and will assume the chair in 2028. Formed in July 2018, ALI is the group representing the aircraft leasing industry in Ireland. It is part of Financial Services Ireland (Ibec).

Dr Thomas Cryan has been appointed as medical director at Thérapie Clinic, the medical aesthetic clinic group. Having worked closely with Thérapie Clinic for the past seven years, he brings significant experience in aesthetic medicine, a patient-first approach and an understanding of the standards required to deliver safe, effective and accessible treatments at scale. He has built a reputation for clinical excellence and patient care. He has also worked closely with Dr Maurício de Maio, a global authority in aesthetic medicine and a pioneer in advanced injectable techniques. This experience has given him valuable insight into emerging trends, advanced treatment protocols and the future of aesthetic medicine.