Deloitte Ireland has promoted eight new partners, adding senior expertise across tax, audit, advisory, technology and real estate as client demand shifts with a changing economy. For readers tracking business news, the move is a useful signal of where large firms see growth: AI, workforce strategy, data, infrastructure and cross-border tax remain high on the agenda for Irish companies, founders and SME Ireland leaders planning their next stage of business growth.
The appointments come on top of earlier promotions in Deloitte’s 2026 financial year and reflect how quickly professional services is evolving. As regulation tightens and technology adoption speeds up, firms are investing in people who can help clients make practical decisions, from expansion plans to risk management and talent strategy.
What the new appointments say about the market
The eight promotions span some of the busiest parts of the market:
- Gavin Cullen joins the advisory partnership with a focus on infrastructure, property deals and capital structuring
- Andrea Fouche steps up in human capital, advising on leadership, resilience and workplace culture
- Ross Grehan focuses on IT, data and analytics in audit
- Shane Kerins advises entrepreneurs and growth-stage firms on tax, M&A and international expansion
- Frances Lenihan brings deep expertise in international tax and Pillar Two
- Conor McRitchie works on customer strategy, cloud and AI-led transformation
- Chris Nugent supports growth strategy and market expansion
- Lorna Ryan strengthens the firm’s financial services audit offering
One standout detail is Kerins’ work with emerging tech firms, from early-stage ventures to unicorns, a reminder that Irish startups and scaling businesses still need specialist advice on structure, startup funding and long-term planning.
Why it matters for founders, professionals and SMEs
For business owners, this is more than an internal promotion story. It points to the skills Irish companies are buying right now: tax planning, AI adoption, leadership development and funding expertise. It also reflects wider interest in innovation Ireland, career development and better workplace culture as employers compete for talent.
Deloitte said women make up 35% of the new partner group, an important sign for firms trying to build stronger leadership pipelines and improve representation at senior level.
Quick questions
What sectors are getting the most attention?
Technology, financial services, real estate, tax and transformation advisory.
What can SMEs learn from this?
Small business advice is simple here: invest early in tax, people and digital strategy if you want sustainable business growth.
The takeaway from this Ireland business news update is clear: advisory demand is moving toward AI, regulation, talent and expansion planning. For founders, jobseekers and SME Ireland readers, that offers a practical clue about where opportunities, skills needs and future business growth are heading next.
