Ger Goold, Chair of the Judging Panel – Partner & Finance Director, Kernel Capital
Ger joined Kernel Capital in 2009, is Partner and Finance Director of Kernel Capital and a Director of Kernel Strategic. He is a member of the firm’s Investment Committees and has specific responsibility for corporate finance due diligence across both portfolio companies and Kernel Strategic clients. Ger is currently on the board of directors of portfolio companies Code Institute Limited and Datactics Limited and prior directorships include DisplayNote Technologies Limited, BioAtlantis Limited and MPSTOR Limited. Ger previously worked with KPMG where he managed services to a range of clients, from quoted multinationals to Irish tech start-ups. Ger is a graduate of University College Cork from which he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 17) with the Society of Kauffman Fellows in Palo Alto, California.
Ger Goold, Chair of the Judging Panel – Partner & Finance Director, Kernel Capital
Ger joined Kernel Capital in 2009, is Partner and Finance Director of Kernel Capital and a Director of Kernel Strategic. He is a member of the firm’s Investment Committees and has specific responsibility for corporate finance due diligence across both portfolio companies and Kernel Strategic clients. Ger is currently on the board of directors of portfolio companies Code Institute Limited and Datactics Limited and prior directorships include DisplayNote Technologies Limited, BioAtlantis Limited and MPSTOR Limited. Ger previously worked with KPMG where he managed services to a range of clients, from quoted multinationals to Irish tech start-ups. Ger is a graduate of University College Cork from which he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 17) with the Society of Kauffman Fellows in Palo Alto, California.
Rob Horgan President Cork Chamber, Owner Velo Coffee Roasters
Rob Horgan is the current President of Cork Chamber and the owner of the multi-award-winning Velo Coffee Roasters, which was listed in the Sunday Business Post’s ‘EI Top 100 to Follow’.
Velo Coffee Roasters supplies award winning, locally roasted coffee to international retail and food service clients. Having graduated from the Royal Agricultural College in 1996, Rob has worked in many facets of the food industry both in the UK and Ireland.
Rob Horgan President Cork Chamber, Owner Velo Coffee Roasters
Rob Horgan is the current President of Cork Chamber and the owner of the multi-award-winning Velo Coffee Roasters, which was listed in the Sunday Business Post’s ‘EI Top 100 to Follow’.
Velo Coffee Roasters supplies award winning, locally roasted coffee to international retail and food service clients. Having graduated from the Royal Agricultural College in 1996, Rob has worked in many facets of the food industry both in the UK and Ireland.
Susie Horgan, Vice President Cork Chamber and Managing Director of Springboard Communications
Susie Horgan is Managing Director of Springboard Communications, an award-winning strategic communications agency and proud B Corp, named Irish PRCA Agency of the Year in 2023 and 2025. As Vice President of Cork Chamber, she champions responsible leadership, innovation and sustainable business growth. A graduate of University College Cork and UCD Business School, Susie brings over two decades of experience in communications and strategy. She is an experienced Non-Executive Director and has served on several boards that support diversity, leadership and social impact across sectors.
Deeply engaged in Cork’s business and community ecosystem, Susie is committed to inclusive growth and fostering opportunity. She is honoured to help recognise and champion the achievements of Cork’s most dynamic businesses.
Susie Horgan, Vice President Cork Chamber and Managing Director of Springboard Communications
Susie Horgan is Managing Director of Springboard Communications, an award-winning strategic communications agency and proud B Corp, named Irish PRCA Agency of the Year in 2023 and 2025. As Vice President of Cork Chamber, she champions responsible leadership, innovation and sustainable business growth. A graduate of University College Cork and UCD Business School, Susie brings over two decades of experience in communications and strategy. She is an experienced Non-Executive Director and has served on several boards that support diversity, leadership and social impact across sectors.
Deeply engaged in Cork’s business and community ecosystem, Susie is committed to inclusive growth and fostering opportunity. She is honoured to help recognise and champion the achievements of Cork’s most dynamic businesses.
Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber of Commerce
Conor Healy took up the position as Chief Executive of Cork Chamber of Commerce in 2006. Prior to joining Cork Chamber Conor worked with Ireland’s inward investment agency IDA Ireland playing a lead role in the strategic development of the South West region and the winning of new foreign direct investment. Previously he worked with Enterprise Ireland holding responsibility for the development of the indigenous software and international services sector and has also worked in business development with the micro enterprise sector.
He holds a BSc, MSc and MBA from University College Cork and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. He is currently a Board Member of Visit Cork and he also sits on the UCC Alumni Board as well as a range of boards and committees supporting economic development and tourism across the Cork region.
Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber of Commerce
Conor Healy took up the position as Chief Executive of Cork Chamber of Commerce in 2006. Prior to joining Cork Chamber Conor worked with Ireland’s inward investment agency IDA Ireland playing a lead role in the strategic development of the South West region and the winning of new foreign direct investment. Previously he worked with Enterprise Ireland holding responsibility for the development of the indigenous software and international services sector and has also worked in business development with the micro enterprise sector.
He holds a BSc, MSc and MBA from University College Cork and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. He is currently a Board Member of Visit Cork and he also sits on the UCC Alumni Board as well as a range of boards and committees supporting economic development and tourism across the Cork region.
Cian Kelliher, Partner, KMPG’s Management Consulting Practice
Cian is a Partner in KPMG’s Management Consulting Practice and leads both our Munster and Corporates market sectors.
With over 17 years of advisory experience across both Irish and internal business, Cian specialises in business transformation and strategic account management.
His subject matter expertise spans sectors including Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Retail, Financial Services and Food & Agri business.
Cian holds a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBS in Finance & Accounting.
Cian Kelliher, Partner, KMPG’s Management Consulting Practice
Cian is a Partner in KPMG’s Management Consulting Practice and leads both our Munster and Corporates market sectors.
With over 17 years of advisory experience across both Irish and internal business, Cian specialises in business transformation and strategic account management.
His subject matter expertise spans sectors including Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Retail, Financial Services and Food & Agri business.
Cian holds a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBS in Finance & Accounting.
Anne-Marie Linehan, Partner, J.W.O’ Donovan Solicitors
Anne-Marie Linehan is a law graduate of UCC, qualified as a solicitor in 1991, and is a partner in J.W.O’ Donovan Solicitors on the South Mall in Cork since 2003. Anne-Marie’s practice involves advising corporate and private clients in the key practice areas of commercial and residential property, construction, banking and finance. Anne-Marie represents a number of developers, primarily in respect of residential housing schemes, a number of lending institutions and charities, to include Approved Housing Bodies. Anne-Marie is a member of the Board of Cork Chamber and judging panel for the past couple of years and has lectured and hosted seminars on property law related topics over the years.
Anne-Marie Linehan, Partner, J.W.O’ Donovan Solicitors
Anne-Marie Linehan is a law graduate of UCC, qualified as a solicitor in 1991, and is a partner in J.W.O’ Donovan Solicitors on the South Mall in Cork since 2003. Anne-Marie’s practice involves advising corporate and private clients in the key practice areas of commercial and residential property, construction, banking and finance. Anne-Marie represents a number of developers, primarily in respect of residential housing schemes, a number of lending institutions and charities, to include Approved Housing Bodies. Anne-Marie is a member of the Board of Cork Chamber and judging panel for the past couple of years and has lectured and hosted seminars on property law related topics over the years.
Laura Morrison, Head of Responsible Business, Business In The Community Ireland (BITCI)
Laura leads the Responsible Business Team for non-profit organisation Business In The Community Ireland. She oversees all BITCI’s sustainability advisory services and collective business campaigns, and has oversight of the Business Working Responsibly Mark – Ireland’s leading standard for embedding organisational sustainability. Her own expertise is in governance and leadership for sustainability, and business and human rights. She regularly leads workshops for business and gives guest lectures to postgraduate and professional courses. Laura worked for many years managing the complex governance and social risks associated with international energy and mining projects. She has been Group Political Adviser for BP in London, and External Affairs Manager for several international BP projects. She has also worked for two specialist international consultancies, ERM and Control Risks Group, advising a range of high-profile clients across multiple sectors.
Laura Morrison, Head of Responsible Business, Business In The Community Ireland (BITCI)
Laura leads the Responsible Business Team for non-profit organisation Business In The Community Ireland. She oversees all BITCI’s sustainability advisory services and collective business campaigns, and has oversight of the Business Working Responsibly Mark – Ireland’s leading standard for embedding organisational sustainability. Her own expertise is in governance and leadership for sustainability, and business and human rights. She regularly leads workshops for business and gives guest lectures to postgraduate and professional courses. Laura worked for many years managing the complex governance and social risks associated with international energy and mining projects. She has been Group Political Adviser for BP in London, and External Affairs Manager for several international BP projects. She has also worked for two specialist international consultancies, ERM and Control Risks Group, advising a range of high-profile clients across multiple sectors.
David Swinburne, Partner, Financial advisory, Forvis Mazars
David joined Forvis Mazars in 2024 as a financial advisory partner, bringing over 20 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant. He specialises in business advisory, turnaround and restructuring, corporate finance, and forensic accounting. David advises Irish family businesses and SMEs throughout their life cycle, offering strategic solutions for challenges such as restructuring, M&A, and fundraising. His experience covers sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and renewable energy. He holds an Insolvency Practising Certificate from Chartered Accountants Ireland and serves on the Cork Chamber Board.
David Swinburne, Partner, Financial advisory, Forvis Mazars
David joined Forvis Mazars in 2024 as a financial advisory partner, bringing over 20 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant. He specialises in business advisory, turnaround and restructuring, corporate finance, and forensic accounting. David advises Irish family businesses and SMEs throughout their life cycle, offering strategic solutions for challenges such as restructuring, M&A, and fundraising. His experience covers sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and renewable energy. He holds an Insolvency Practising Certificate from Chartered Accountants Ireland and serves on the Cork Chamber Board.
Maria Desmond, Regional Fundraising Manager, Enable Ireland
Maria Desmond is Regional Fundraising Manager at Enable Ireland, a national charity which won Cork Chamber Non-Profit of the Year in 2017 and has provided disability services for children and adults in Cork for over 70 years. Maria holds honours Commerce and Masters Degrees and has a background in marketing and market research. She won a Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2018 and sits on the Network Ireland National Executive. Having grown up in a local family business, she is passionate about all things Cork. Maria was elected to the Board of Cork Chamber in 2023 and sits on its Sustainability Committee.
Maria Desmond, Regional Fundraising Manager, Enable Ireland
Maria Desmond is Regional Fundraising Manager at Enable Ireland, a national charity which won Cork Chamber Non-Profit of the Year in 2017 and has provided disability services for children and adults in Cork for over 70 years. Maria holds honours Commerce and Masters Degrees and has a background in marketing and market research. She won a Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2018 and sits on the Network Ireland National Executive. Having grown up in a local family business, she is passionate about all things Cork. Maria was elected to the Board of Cork Chamber in 2023 and sits on its Sustainability Committee.
Pankaj Agarwal, Vice President of Supply Chain, PepsiCo
Pankaj is Vice President of Supply Chain at PepsiCo, where he leads the global end-to-end supply chain for the concentrate division, supporting PepsiCo’s beverage network across more than 120 international markets. With a career spanning operation, supply chain management, and large-scale greenfield projects in Petro-Chemicals, Chemicals, and Food & Beverage, Pankaj brings deep expertise across culturally diverse and geographically complex environments. He has spearheaded transformative initiatives in digitalisation of supply chain, innovation and commercialization, organizational development, and sustainability. Beyond his corporate role, Pankaj served as a Cork Chamber Board Member (2021–2023) and is a strong advocate for inclusive leadership, fostering environments where people feel empowered to make decisions and thrive amid ambiguity
Pankaj Agarwal, Vice President of Supply Chain, PepsiCo
Pankaj is Vice President of Supply Chain at PepsiCo, where he leads the global end-to-end supply chain for the concentrate division, supporting PepsiCo’s beverage network across more than 120 international markets. With a career spanning operation, supply chain management, and large-scale greenfield projects in Petro-Chemicals, Chemicals, and Food & Beverage, Pankaj brings deep expertise across culturally diverse and geographically complex environments. He has spearheaded transformative initiatives in digitalisation of supply chain, innovation and commercialization, organizational development, and sustainability. Beyond his corporate role, Pankaj served as a Cork Chamber Board Member (2021–2023) and is a strong advocate for inclusive leadership, fostering environments where people feel empowered to make decisions and thrive amid ambiguity
Richard Morrissey, Head of Corporate Sales, Moneycorp
Richard Morrissey is Head of Corporate Sales at Moneycorp Technologies Limited, a world leading payments fintech. Richard has worked for over 25 years with various banks, domestic and international in the treasury arena and has held senior business development roles in the US, UK and Ireland. He holds a business studies degree from DCU. Over his career he has worked with many startup companies, SMEs and corporates within the Irish market, in advising banking, treasury and financing solutions.
Richard Morrissey, Head of Corporate Sales, Moneycorp
Richard Morrissey is Head of Corporate Sales at Moneycorp Technologies Limited, a world leading payments fintech. Richard has worked for over 25 years with various banks, domestic and international in the treasury arena and has held senior business development roles in the US, UK and Ireland. He holds a business studies degree from DCU. Over his career he has worked with many startup companies, SMEs and corporates within the Irish market, in advising banking, treasury and financing solutions.
Ronan Murray, Past President Cork Chamber, EY M&A Partner (Strategy and Transactions), EY Cork Office Managing Partner
Ronan is past president of Cork Chamber, is an EY Ireland M&A Partner (Strategy and Transactions) and is EY Cork Office Managing Partner. He holds both an Honours Bachelor of Commerce and Executive MBA from University College Cork and is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. He previously was chair of Cork Chamber’s Economic & Enterprise Policy committee for two years. He provides a broad range of corporate finance services to clients including M&A Lead Advisory Sell Side and Buy-side, Private Equity, Transaction Services and capital raising for clients depending on their strategic objectives.
Ronan Murray, Past President Cork Chamber, EY M&A Partner (Strategy and Transactions), EY Cork Office Managing Partner
Ronan is past president of Cork Chamber, is an EY Ireland M&A Partner (Strategy and Transactions) and is EY Cork Office Managing Partner. He holds both an Honours Bachelor of Commerce and Executive MBA from University College Cork and is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. He previously was chair of Cork Chamber’s Economic & Enterprise Policy committee for two years. He provides a broad range of corporate finance services to clients including M&A Lead Advisory Sell Side and Buy-side, Private Equity, Transaction Services and capital raising for clients depending on their strategic objectives.
Michael Harte, Chief Executive, Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited
Michael is Chief Executive of Dairygold one of Ireland’s largest Dairy Co-Operatives, consisting of Dairy, Nutritionals and Agri Businesses, with its headquarters located in Mitchelstown, County Cork, generating c. €1.5 Billion in turnover per annum.
A Fellow Chartered Management Accountant, Michael has worked in Dairygold for over 35 years and was Chief Financial Officer of Dairygold since 2006, until his appointment as Chief Executive. Michael is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the business, including delivering strong financial results and maximising Shareholder Members’ incomes.
Michael Harte, Chief Executive, Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited
Michael is Chief Executive of Dairygold one of Ireland’s largest Dairy Co-Operatives, consisting of Dairy, Nutritionals and Agri Businesses, with its headquarters located in Mitchelstown, County Cork, generating c. €1.5 Billion in turnover per annum.
A Fellow Chartered Management Accountant, Michael has worked in Dairygold for over 35 years and was Chief Financial Officer of Dairygold since 2006, until his appointment as Chief Executive. Michael is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the business, including delivering strong financial results and maximising Shareholder Members’ incomes.