Enterprise Ireland has announced two senior leadership promotions that signal a strong push behind Irish business growth at home and abroad. The latest Enterprise Ireland appointments place Mary Kinnane and Donnchadh Cullinan on the agency’s Executive Team, reinforcing the State body’s role in helping indigenous companies scale, export and compete internationally.
Announced on 23 July 2026, the changes are especially significant for firms tracking support from Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, gov.ie and wider State-backed business networks. The appointments also reflect the broader national enterprise agenda that connects export development, innovation and skills across departments including Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Finance and Further and Higher Education.
Enterprise Ireland appointments strengthen executive leadership
Mary Kinnane has been appointed Divisional Manager for People and Global Markets, while Donnchadh Cullinan becomes Divisional Manager for Technology, Services and Consumer. Both are long-serving leaders within the organisation and bring deep sectoral and international experience to their new roles.
These Enterprise Ireland appointments are expected to support the agency’s ongoing mission of backing Irish exporters through every stage of growth, from start-up and scale-up support to international market expansion.
Mary Kinnane to lead People and Global Markets
Mary Kinnane will oversee Enterprise Ireland’s People function and its overseas network of 42 international offices. Her remit includes supporting Irish exporters in global markets while also strengthening internal organisational capability.
- More than 18 years with Enterprise Ireland
- Experience supporting start-ups and scaling businesses
- Over 12 years across international offices
- Leadership roles covering Australia, New Zealand, China and Hong Kong
- Most recently Regional Director for Asia Pacific
Kinnane’s background combines public sector enterprise support with private sector management experience across technology, food and publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from UCD and an MBA from DCU.
Read more: latest Irish government agency updates and public sector leadership news | Ireland business expansion stories and export market developments
Donnchadh Cullinan to head Technology, Services and Consumer
Donnchadh Cullinan will lead teams working across digital technologies, fintech, tech start-ups, international education, enterprise solutions and professional services. His appointment places an experienced internal leader at the centre of one of the agency’s most commercially important portfolios.
- More than 20 years with Enterprise Ireland
- Leadership experience across early-stage, scaling and established firms
- Senior roles in software, tech start-ups and commercial evaluation
- Most recently Department Manager for Enterprise Solutions
Cullinan graduated from the University of Limerick and UCD, holding qualifications in aeronautical engineering and technology management. Before joining the agency, he worked in engineering roles with multinational companies in Ireland.
Why these Enterprise Ireland appointments matter
For Irish exporters, these Enterprise Ireland appointments come at a time when global competition, talent development and digital transformation remain central to growth. Enterprise Ireland works alongside bodies such as the Revenue Commissioners, Central Bank, CSO, National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) and Local Government and Heritage-linked supports in shaping the wider business environment.
The new leadership structure also aligns with national priorities around innovation, trade and productivity, themes that regularly intersect with the Department of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and agencies like the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), Fáilte Ireland and Bord Bia depending on sector needs.
Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia said she was delighted to announce the promotions, adding that leadership is essential in helping indigenous exporters start, compete, scale and connect internationally. She said both appointees bring proven experience that will help drive innovation, collaboration and the organisation’s long-term strategic ambition for client companies.
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What businesses should watch next
Companies engaged with Enterprise Ireland should watch for how these leadership changes influence supports in overseas expansion, people development and sector strategy. With Kinnane focused on global markets and organisational capability, and Cullinan leading key technology and services sectors, the appointments could shape how client firms access advice, leadership development and international opportunities.
In short, these Enterprise Ireland appointments are more than internal promotions. They underline the agency’s continued emphasis on export growth, leadership and innovation as core drivers of the Irish economy.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
