About Us_

Conor is an accomplished business executive with vast experience in telecoms and retail, having held senior
management roles across various commercial disciplines. He’s known for his professional demeanor and results-driven approach, blending strategic thinking with operational expertise. Conor has played pivotal roles in the Irish Telecom
Sector, leading marketing functions in major companies like Vodafone, Meteor, and Eircom. His strengths lie in business
strategy, commercial strategy, startups, marketing, communications and people management.

Oonagh works on strategy and communications for The Innovation Exchange. She is focused on policy and research
and is committed to ensuring that The Innovation Exchange continues to increase its impact and influence to enable it
to deliver results for members. She is a corporate communications advisor and has worked closely with Furthr over the past ten years. She previously held a client director role at Drury Porter Novelli, Ireland’s leading public relations consultancy.

Sinead is an experienced business leader who has gained broad experience working with start-up’s, SME’s and multinationals. She is highly skilled in strategy development, operational management, and innovation program design. Leveraging strategic partnerships, she excels in developing and executing company-wide transformation programs with a strong emphasis on innovation. Sinead has graduated with a BA (Economics & Mathematics), DCS and an MBA highlighting her commitment to professional growth in order to drive organisational success.

With more than a decade of experience in Media, Marketing, and Operations, Anne thrives on leveraging her versatile skill set to drive success for Skillnet Innovation Exchange. Through her prolonged collaboration with startup executives, Anne possesses an acute understanding of the nuanced needs, aspirations, and hurdles faced by our SME members. With her tenure as a pivotal member of the Operations team, Anne has profound insights into the contemporary challenges confronting corporate entities.

Rachel joined The Innovation Exchange in September 2022. She has three years’ experience working with Start-up’s and SME’s having worked with Meath Local Enterprise Office in delivering a wide range of business supports.​
Rachel holds a 1st class honours degree in Accounting and Finance from DCU and a Level 8 Certificate in Business Analysis from NCI. Rachel’s current role is working with The Innovation Exchange as a Programme Co-ordinator.

Andrea, an adept Business Leader and SME Mentor, brings extensive experience in scaling and supporting SMEs and Start-ups across diverse industries. Specializing in strategic planning and operational transformation, she has a proven
track record of driving commercial success in competitive markets. In her role at Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Andrea is responsible for identifying and sourcing innovators and emerging technologies, fostering collaborations with Ireland’s most dynamic and exciting innovators.

Approved: Kevin is an experienced Business and Technology leader specialising in Digital Transformation and Technology Strategy. As a former CEO and Business Owner of a Technology SME who engaged successfully with Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Kevin understands and appreciates the opportunities it brings. 

As the Deal Manager, Kevin assists SMEs throughout the lifecycle of the Challenge and Deal process, offering valuable insights and guidance derived from his extensive background in the industry. 

Eugene leads our engagements with large Corporates in Ireland that are on the Innovation and Digital Transformation journey. Eugene has a strong background in Technology Investment and Enterprise Development. Following a career in FDI with IDA and Telecoms with Amdocs, he has been a management consultant in the Venture Capital industry for over 20 years and is a consultant on a variety of European Commission initiatives, including acting as a Jury Member for the European Innovation Council.

Sean, a seasoned executive in Retail, Telecoms, and IT, having held senior management roles across Ireland, the UK,
and Central/Eastern Europe. Proficient in driving sales, revenue growth, and business strategy development, he excels in leading transformations and nurturing coaching initiatives. With extensive experience across diverse sectors, Sean’s adeptness in navigating varied markets and delivering tangible outcomes marks him as a versatile and accomplished leader in the field.