Ireland has appointed its first AI Sectoral Champions, giving businesses a more practical route into the rapidly developing world of artificial intelligence. The move places experienced leaders from Kerry Group and Carne Group at the centre of efforts to help companies adopt AI responsibly and turn new technology into measurable business value.
A new industry-led approach to artificial intelligence
Minister of State Niamh Smyth announced the appointments on 2 October 2026 as part of the National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future.
Shane McGibney of Kerry Group and Siobhán Noble of Carne Group will work with Enterprise Ireland to encourage responsible AI adoption across the enterprise sector. Their role will include sharing practical experience, identifying sector-specific opportunities and challenges, and supporting stronger links between industry and Government.
The initiative is intended to recognise that artificial intelligence will not affect every industry in the same way. A regulated financial services business, for example, may face different governance and data requirements from a food, manufacturing or biotechnology company.
What the AI Sectoral Champions will do
The champions will act as visible advocates for AI adoption while helping businesses understand how the technology can be applied safely and effectively. Their responsibilities are expected to include:
- Providing sector-specific insight into AI opportunities and risks
- Highlighting emerging technology and business trends
- Supporting engagement between companies, industry bodies and Government
- Contributing to sectoral AI roadmaps and awareness initiatives
- Helping Enterprise Ireland client companies move from experimentation to implementation
The voluntary appointments have an initial one-year term, with the option of renewal.
Experience from Kerry Group and Carne Group
Siobhán Noble, Chief Data and AI Officer at Carne Group, brings experience from a highly regulated environment where governance, trust and human oversight are central to technology deployment. Her approach focuses on combining innovation with strong operating models and responsible decision-making.
Shane McGibney, President and CEO of Biotechnology Solutions and Transformation at Kerry Group, will contribute experience from a global business using digital capabilities to address operational challenges, improve efficiency and create new value.
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Why the appointments matter for Irish companies
Enterprise Ireland said the appointments form part of a wider programme designed to accelerate digital and AI uptake. This includes a targeted sectoral strategy and a new AI Adoption Roadmap for Enterprise Ireland client companies.
For smaller businesses, the most important benefit may be access to clearer guidance. Many companies are interested in AI but remain uncertain about selecting tools, preparing data, training staff, managing risk and measuring returns. Sector-led advice could make adoption more practical, particularly for firms without large technology teams.
The Government’s objective is to use AI to support productivity, innovation and competitiveness across Irish enterprise. That ambition reflects a broader focus within business news Ireland, where technology adoption is increasingly linked to future growth and resilience.
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Responsible adoption remains central
The announcement places emphasis on responsible and impactful innovation rather than technology adoption for its own sake. This means businesses will need to consider data quality, privacy, cybersecurity, transparency, workforce skills and accountability alongside potential productivity gains.
For companies beginning their AI journey, a measured approach is likely to be most effective:
- Identify a clear operational or customer problem.
- Assess data, security and compliance requirements.
- Test solutions on a manageable scale.
- Train employees and establish human oversight.
- Measure results before expanding deployment.
What happens next?
The champions are expected to share lessons from their organisations and help shape future sectoral initiatives. Their work could also inform how Enterprise Ireland supports companies seeking to build digital capability, improve competitiveness and develop new products and services.
FAQ
Who are Ireland’s first AI Sectoral Champions?
They are Shane McGibney of Kerry Group and Siobhán Noble of Carne Group.
How long will the appointments last?
The voluntary roles have an initial term of one year, with the possibility of renewal.
What is the purpose of the initiative?
It aims to support responsible, sector-specific AI adoption and help businesses understand how artificial intelligence can improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
The wider business outlook
Ireland’s first AI Sectoral Champions mark a shift towards practical, industry-informed digital policy. As companies across the country assess automation, data tools and intelligent systems, the focus will increasingly move from whether to use AI to how to use it well. This is an important development for Ireland business news and for firms seeking sustainable growth in an increasingly technology-led economy.
The key takeaway is clear: responsible AI adoption will require leadership, skills and collaboration—not technology alone.
