Ireland is taking a major step towards wider business use of artificial intelligence. AI adoption Ireland has received a fresh push with the appointment of Shane McGibney of Kerry Group and Siobhán Noble of Carne Group as the country’s first AI Sectoral Champions.
Announced by Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, on 2 October 2026, the appointments are part of the National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future.
AI adoption Ireland gains sector-led leadership
The new champions will work with Enterprise Ireland to help companies understand how artificial intelligence can be applied responsibly and practically across different industries. Their work is intended to reflect the fact that the opportunities and challenges associated with AI vary significantly between sectors.
Their responsibilities will include:
- Advocating for responsible AI adoption across Irish enterprise
- Sharing sector-specific expertise, opportunities and challenges
- Identifying emerging artificial intelligence trends
- Supporting engagement between industry and Government
- Contributing to sectoral AI roadmaps and awareness initiatives
The initiative is designed to help businesses move beyond discussion and identify practical ways to use AI to improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
Enterprise Ireland’s role
Enterprise Ireland said both Kerry Group and Carne Group demonstrate how AI and digital technologies can be incorporated strategically and responsibly. The agency will work with the two champions as it develops a targeted sectoral strategy and a new AI Adoption Roadmap for Enterprise Ireland client companies.
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Responsible AI is central to the initiative
Siobhán Noble, Chief Data and AI Officer at Carne Group, highlighted the importance of combining technology with people, effective change management, operating models, governance and trust. Her experience comes from a highly regulated industry, where responsible implementation is essential to scaling new systems.
Shane McGibney, President and CEO of Biotechnology Solutions and Transformation at Kerry Group, said AI can help businesses solve real problems, create value and support employees. Kerry’s experience deploying digital capabilities across its operations will inform his contribution to the voluntary initiative.
The appointments also align with wider public-sector efforts involving gov.ie, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Enterprise Ireland to strengthen Ireland’s digital economy. Other bodies, including the Central Bank and the Data Protection Commission, may remain relevant to responsible AI discussions where regulation, data governance and consumer protection apply.
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What the AI Sectoral Champions mean for Irish businesses
The appointments have an initial one-year term, with the option of renewal, and are voluntary. Their focus will be on practical guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
For companies considering AI, the programme may help clarify:
- Which business challenges artificial intelligence can address
- How organisations can prepare their workforce for adoption
- What governance and oversight should be established
- How AI projects can be scaled responsibly
By connecting business experience with Government policy, the initiative aims to give Irish companies greater confidence as they assess AI tools and digital transformation opportunities.
Conclusion
AI adoption Ireland is entering a more practical phase, led by experienced business figures from Kerry Group and Carne Group. The success of the initiative will depend on translating sector knowledge into clear guidance, responsible implementation and measurable benefits for companies across the country.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
