Ireland AI strategy efforts have reached a significant milestone with the appointment of the country’s first AI Sectoral Champions. Minister of State Niamh Smyth TD announced Shane McGibney of Kerry Group and Siobhán Noble of Carne Group as the inaugural champions on 2 October 2026.
The appointments are part of the National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, and are designed to help Irish businesses adopt artificial intelligence responsibly and practically.
Ireland AI Strategy puts sector expertise at the centre
The new champions will work with Enterprise Ireland to promote responsible AI adoption across the enterprise sector. Their role will include sharing practical experience, identifying sector-specific opportunities and challenges, and helping businesses understand how AI can improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
They will also support engagement between industry and Government, contribute to sectoral AI roadmaps, and help shape awareness initiatives and targeted actions for companies at different stages of their AI journey.
Who are Ireland’s first AI Sectoral Champions?
- Shane McGibney, President and CEO of Biotechnology Solutions and Transformation at Kerry Group.
- Siobhán Noble, Chief Data and AI Officer at Carne Group.
Both Kerry Group and Carne Group are Enterprise Ireland clients with experience applying digital technologies and AI within their organisations. The appointments are intended to make AI adoption more accessible by demonstrating how the technology can address real business needs while maintaining strong governance and human oversight.
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Responsible AI adoption for Irish enterprise
Minister Smyth said AI offers major opportunities for Irish enterprise, but stressed that those opportunities will vary across sectors. A targeted approach is therefore central to the Ireland AI strategy, with businesses encouraged to consider their own operational, regulatory and workforce requirements.
Siobhán Noble highlighted the importance of people, organisational change and operating models alongside technology. Her experience in a highly regulated industry reinforces the need for strong governance, trust and human judgement when AI systems are introduced.
Shane McGibney said AI can help companies solve business problems, create value and support employees. He also pointed to the opportunity for Ireland to accelerate practical adoption by sharing lessons from organisations already deploying AI across their operations.
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What happens next?
The initiative forms part of a wider programme that includes a targeted sectoral strategy for AI adoption and a new AI Adoption Roadmap for Enterprise Ireland client companies. The champions will serve voluntarily for an initial one-year term, with the option of renewal.
The programme complements the work of public bodies supporting Ireland’s digital economy, including gov.ie, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Data Protection Commission and the National Cyber Security Centre. Their involvement will be especially relevant as businesses assess data protection, cybersecurity, skills and accountability requirements.
Why the appointments matter
AI adoption can be challenging for companies that lack specialist expertise or are uncertain about where to begin. Sector-led guidance can help businesses identify suitable use cases, measure benefits and introduce systems in a controlled way.
The appointment of Ireland’s first AI Sectoral Champions creates a visible link between Government policy and commercial experience. It also signals that responsible deployment, rather than technology adoption alone, will remain central to Ireland’s AI strategy.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
