Here is a selection of people starting new roles with Virgin Media Television, Three, McCann FitzGerald, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Overcast HQ and Guaranteed Irish.
Brian Gleeson has been appointed as head of sport with Virgin Media Television. Brian has been with VMTV for the last six years, notably producing Ireland Six Nations rugby matches and overseeing the sports news team as senior producer. He will now report directly to Mick McCaffrey, director of news and sport. Brian will be responsible for all of VMTV ‘s sport portfolio and will explore new content and digital opportunities. He has nearly 20 years’ experience, notably with Sky Sports in London and beIN Sports in Qatar. He holds a BA in Media, Communications and History from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
Deirdre Ardagh has been appointed as data protection officer and senior regulatory counsel with telecoms firm Three. She provides in-house counsel on data protection, regulation and compliance, and engages with regulatory bodies. Previously the firm’s senior privacy and public policy counsel, Deirdre was formerly a partner with law firm Sherwin O’Riordan and has worked in EU regulatory affairs with IDA Ireland. She holds a Masters in Economics from UCD, a Masters in Public Administration from The Institute of Public Administration and a Law degree from The Honourable Society of King’s Inn. As a practicing solicitor, Deirdre is a member of the Law Society of Ireland.
Stuart McCarron has been appointed as head of the debt finance group at law firm McCann FitzGerald. The group’s previous head, Niall Powderly, has retired. In his new role, Stuart will focus on the continued expansion of the debt finance group in line with the pace of change an within the debt finance world. Stuart, a partner with the firm, is a legal professional with over 20 years of experience in financing transactions, advising financial institutions and direct lenders, private equity funds, PLCs, regulated funds and large corporates. Stuart regularly leads leveraged and acquisition financings, real estate and developments and syndicated lending transactions.
Siobhán Ní Ghadhra has been appointed as the new chair of Údarás na Gaeltachta. She will bring her extensive expertise as an entrepreneur, in business affairs and in media as well as in Irish language and Gaeltacht affairs to the role at a time when a strategic plan for 2025-2030 is being initiated. Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “I warmly welcome the appointment of Siobhán Ní Ghadhra as the new chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta. I look forward to working closely with her to promote sustainable development of the Gaeltacht and to preserve and strengthen our language and culture.”
James Whitebread has been appointed as director of AI with cloud video hub Overcast HQ, based in Dublin. His role will be to capitalise on increasing demand for cutting edge video asset management solutions from the world’s largest brands and broadcasters. With almost a decade of experience in C-suite roles — and a 25-year career in the technology industry — James will manage the development and build of new AI capabilities within the Overcast HQ platform. The company, which was founded by CEO Philippe Brodeur, works with leading brands including Diageo, Vodafone and Meditel to take control of their video content with a suite of cloud solutions.
Damien McCann, chief commercial officer of Viatel Technology Group, has been appointed as chair of the board of Guaranteed Irish, the nonprofit business membership organisation. He takes over the non-executive role from his predecessor, Michael Jackson, managing partner at law firm Matheson. Damien has served on GI’s board of directors for a number of years. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and is a passionate about community involvement and sustainable job creation. He has been part of the Viatel story for 17 years and throughout his career, he has progressed through the ranks at the leading technology company.