Deloitte Ireland strengthens leadership team with nine partner promotions
At a time of unprecedented global disruption, rapid technological change and increasing business complexity, Deloitte Ireland has announced the appointment of nine new partners across its core business, a move that strengthens the firm's ability to help clients turn volatility into opportunity.
These appointments span key strategic areas of the business with the new partners named as Aoife Bayne (strategy, risk and transactions advisory); Paul Kerrigan (enabling areas); Sean Gascoine (audit and assurance); Grace Cunningham (technology and transformation). Back row: Dominic McNeill (tax and legal); Ailbhe Flynn (audit and assurance); Jake O'Sullivan (strategy, risk and transactions advisory); Aisling Cronin (technology and transformation); Ciarán Treacy (audit and assurance).
These new leaders bring wide-ranging expertise across audit, technology, tax, risk, regulation and forensic investigation. Their appointments reflect Deloitte's position as the number one professional services firm globally, with a network of more than 450,000 people in more than 150 countries and a force of 5,000 professionals across the island of Ireland.
The announcement reflects Deloitte's bold ambition to remain at the forefront of professional services and to stay at the sharp edge for international and domestic clients who are seeking to transform and grow their business.
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'It's an incredibly exciting moment to welcome this group of exceptional leaders into our partnership,' says Harry Goddard, chief executive of Deloitte Ireland. 'These appointments build on the depth and strength of an already outstanding team, one that is committed to helping clients lead with clarity, resilience and ambition. Each of these new partners brings sharp insight, deep expertise, action-oriented leadership and an unwavering focus on delivering impact.'
Deloitte continues to be the first call for clients seeking future-ready leadership
This announcement follows a period of big investment in Deloitte's all-Ireland innovation capabilities, including the expansion of its Belfast Tech Centre of Excellence, where the firm is creating 500 new jobs, and Deloitte Ireland's high-profile collaboration with Google on Ireland's largest AI Summit. These initiatives reflect Deloitte's aim not just to respond to change, but to remain far ahead of the curve, particularly in the fields of AI, investment innovations and digital strategy.
These strategic appointments reflect Deloitte Ireland's ambition and reinforce its leadership bench to ensure insight and advice is backed by action-orientated delivery.
Across all sectors, from financial services and public sector to life sciences, consumer, technology and energy, Deloitte continues to be the first call for clients seeking future-ready leadership and the appointment of nine new partners, including four women, reflect the firm's dedication to help clients lead with courage, clarity and forward momentum.
These new additions to the partners group bring unique perspectives, strong representation across sectors and a balance of international and domestic experience.
Meet the new partners joining an already exceptional leadership team at Deloitte Ireland:
Aoife Bayne, strategy, risk and transactions advisory
Aoife leads Deloitte Ireland's Financial Risk Management offering, bringing 20 years of experience in both domestic and international banking. She specialises in prudential risk management, quantitative modelling and regulatory engagement. Her background in mathematics and financial services enables her to identify emerging issues and help clients make data-informed decisions. Aoife is known for blending strategic insight with a strong grasp of technical detail to guide clients through regulatory complexity.
Aisling Cronin, technology and transformation
Aisling is a technology transformation leader with deep sector experience in healthcare and life sciences. She supports senior executives in defining and delivering business value through digital and organisational change. Aisling works closely with technology leaders to build roadmaps, shape vision and align strategic investments. She is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin (Management Science and Information Systems Studies) and is certified in leadership, IT strategy and data analysis. She is also an active advocate for diversity and gender equity.
Grace Cunningham, technology and transformation
Grace has deep experience leading large-scale public sector transformation programmes. She specialises in complex business change, particularly within Health and Social Care, and has also worked across justice and central government sectors. Grace brings an international perspective from her time in New Zealand's public sector. She holds a Law degree from University College Cork and a Master's in Management from University College Dublin.
Ailbhe Flynn, audit and assurance
Ailbhe provides audit and assurance services to clients with a focus on investment management industry. Ailbhe also has extensive experience across risk, accounting, advisory and audit services and is a trusted adviser to many of our investment management clients and their service providers. Ailbhe is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and is recognised for her commercial approach, technical strength and commitment to team development.
Sean Gascoine, audit and assurance
Sean is a leader in the Investment Management team, within Deloitte Ireland's Audit & Assurance practice. He provides audit and advisory services to some of the world's largest asset managers and service providers, bringing particular expertise in exchange traded funds, fund structures and global investment regulations. Also well-versed in IFRS, FRS 102 and US GAAP reporting, Sean is a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland and is known for delivering sharp client insight in an evolving sector.
Paul Kerrigan, enabling areas
Paul is a solicitor with more than 20 years of experience in legal and risk advisory within professional services. Since joining Deloitte in 2017, he has led Deloitte Ireland's legal and risk functions and holds additional leadership roles at the European level. His expertise supports the firm's ability to manage complexity, uphold governance standards and enable quality across all services. Paul is a board member of LauraLynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice, and sits on the Audit & Risk Committee of the Corporate Enforcement Authority.
Dominic McNeill, tax and legal
Dominic is a senior adviser in Deloitte Ireland's Transfer Pricing team, with more than nine years of experience in international tax and financial services. He holds a BSc in Finance from Queen's University Belfast and has earned the ADIT Transfer Pricing Certificate. Dominic has previously held senior roles in other Big Four firms and advised clients in banking, asset management, aviation leasing, real estate and consumer products. He contributes regularly to Irish Tax Institute training and publications and is known for his technical depth and commercial acumen.
Jake O'Sullivan, strategy, risk and transactions advisory
Jake is a senior forensic accountant with 12 years of experience helping clients across industries respond to fraud, regulatory investigations and litigation. He has led multi-jurisdictional, high-profile assignments for clients in tech, Government, financial services, telecoms and beyond. Jake combines subject matter expertise with a pragmatic, tech-enabled approach. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), and holds a first-class honours degree in Commerce (International) with French from University College Cork.
Ciarán Treacy, audit and assurance
Ciarán is a leader in Deloitte Ireland's Controls Assurance team and is an ACCA-qualified accountant with 20 years of experience. Since joining the firm in 2007 he has specialised in helping clients establish and mature their governance, risk and compliance capabilities. He leads Deloitte's national Future of Controls offering and supports clients in SOX readiness, internal audit and risk control design, often working with cross-functional and international teams. His client base includes some of the firm's most significant corporate and plc clients.
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