As a senior leader in Musgrave, one of Europe’s most successful family businesses, I’m privileged to work with thousands of businesses and SMEs across the Foodservice, Hospitality and Retail sectors.  From our headquarters in Cork, Musgrave supports over 41,000 jobs in more 1,000 stores, offices and Distribution Centres.

We have a 149-year history of being a business that supports other businesses; I’m passionate about building a resilient and forward-looking business community by supporting entrepreneurial innovation, driving sustainable economic growth, and enriching the communities we serve.

If elected, I would use my experience to realise Cork’s potential and create value for the local business community. I will ensure the voices of our members are heard, by influencing and advocating at the highest level; I will also share my knowledge and expertise from working with Ireland’s leading food retail, wholesale and foodservice company, across key areas such as entrepreneurship, business sustainability, and community empowerment.

Based in Cork, I am currently Head of Musgrave Marketplace Ireland, the wholesale & foodservice operation of our business. In this role I am responsible for over 500 colleagues and seven Marketplace Cash & Carry locations across Ireland, serving approx. 15,000 foodservice, retail and SME customers weekly.

I have worked with Musgrave for 21 years in various leadership positions, which has provided me with a significant appreciation of the challenges facing local businesses. I have a solutions-focused outlook and a growth mindset, on how to address these challenges to support entrepreneurship and business sustainability.

My key areas of expertise include Leadership and People Management; Sustainability; Strategic Leadership; Operational Excellence; and Customer Focus.

I am a graduate of DIT with a BComm (Hons) degree. I have also completed several Executive Leadership Programmes.

Anne-Marie Linehan is a law graduate of UCC and a partner in J.W.O’ Donovan Solicitors based on the South Mall in Cork city. 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 was initially co-opted onto the Board of Cork Chamber to fill a sectoral gap in legal expertise. Since then, she has fully immersed herself in the role, bringing valuable insights and dedication to the Board’s work. Over the past two years, Anne-Marie has been an active and engaged member of the Cork Chamber Board.

Anne-Marie is the current chair of the Governance and Nomination Committee, ensuring fairness and transparency in how the Chamber is run.  She also sits on the Audit and Risk Committee, helping to ensure the Chamber business model is sustainable and able to support the next generation of Cork businesses.  For the past two years, Anne-Marie has also been a judge for the Cork Company of the Year Awards and represented Cork Chamber at meetings with Government Ministers and at the recent tri party meeting with the Dublin & Northern Ireland Chambers

A respected figure in the Cork business community for more than 30 years, Anne Marie has supported countless clients and businesses to grow and thrive both in Cork and beyond. If elected, Anne-Marie will continue to bring her business acumen and her real joy in doing business in Cork to enhance her contribution to the Board, the Chamber and, most importantly, to you, Chamber members.

Declan is the Managing Director for Amarenco, a leading in renewable energy developer in Ireland with it’s HQ in Cork. In addition to this role, he is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Irish Solar Energy Association which strives to lobby policy change, act as the voice for the solar industry and drive government investment in the grid infrastructure for Ireland.

A key figure in Ireland’s renewable energy sector, Declan is heavily involved in advancing energy projects nationwide with a view to meeting government targets. His experience with industry lobbying, business case assessment, risk management and strategic planning have enabled growth for the business he was involved with.

If elected to the Cork Chamber Board, these skills and experience would complement the well-established board at present and continue the strategic focus of the Chamber for investment in Cork.

As a native of Cork, with the membership investment in mind, he would prioritise;

• Supporting local business and focus on entrepreneurship
• Commitment to listening to members concerns
• Promotion of investment of industry in Cork
• Foster collaboration and innovation for the membership
• Business development and networking to reinvest in Cork

Leading a company such as Amarenco with entrepreneurial spirit at it’s core, that vision and passion for growth is a key attribute which Declan will bring to the Chamber’s Board and would be honoured if you would consider supporting him for election.

A native of Cork City and now a resident of Cobh, Johanna has spent over 25 years at the forefront of Cork’s property sector and small business community. As owner and director of Johanna Murphy & Son Estate Agents, she is one of the few female principals of a real estate company in Ireland. She has successfully steered her business through challenging times, while actively championing the growth and success of SMEs across the region.

Johanna has a strong track record of leadership, having served as the first female President of Cobh Chamber of Commerce, where she led a successful organisational restructure, increased membership, and championed local enterprise. Her voluntary contributions span across multiple sectors, including education, sailing, and regional development, reflecting her deep commitment to community engagement and good governance.

Johanna’s late father was Chief Marine Engineer in Irish Shipping and subsequently in Gulf Oil. As a child, Johanna travelled the world with her parents. The sea and Cork Harbour is in Johanna’s DNA. With her deep passion for Cork’s growth, Johanna is a strong advocate for strengthening the city and harbour’s connectivity. She sees immense opportunity in supporting the maritime sector, particularly as Cork prepares to embrace offshore renewable energy and its potential for sustainable development, job creation, and regional revitalisation.

Johanna believes her experience as a small business owner and love of the sea, combined with her understanding of local market challenges and opportunities, uniquely positions her to represent and champion Cork’s vibrant SME community on the Board of Cork Chamber.

I am seeking your vote for election to the Board of Cork Chamber.  I have been a member of the Board for the past two years and a member of Cork Chamber for the past 14 years.  I am passionate about the work Cork Chamber and its Board undertake to lead a transforming and ambitious Cork City & County.

If elected, I will continue to promote Cork Chamber and support their ambitions on key social infrastructure, such as housing and transport, in conjunction with improving the sense of community in Cork by supporting vibrant business connections and thriving neighbourhoods, as well as advocating for policies to ensure it can continue to be a great place to live, work and socialise.

I am the Regional Retail Director for AIB in Cork with responsibility for leading and developing the Branch Banking team across our 26 locations in Cork City & County.  Having worked in AIB for 25 years, I know first hand the challenges and issues facing businesses.  My role is to ensure our team consistently put our customers first, so we can help them thrive in a very competitive marketplace.

With your support, I will continue to use my experience and network to support our Cork Chamber members growth and ambitions, ensuring that effective structures are in place to encourage a culture which strongly supports entrepreneurs and business.