Padraig Fitzpatrick
Chairman
Padraig Fitzpatrick holds a B.Sc. (Computer Science), an MBA and MA from Trinity College, Dublin. He has broad ranging experience in banking and business encompassing all facets of project finance & administration, risk evaluation, credit management, training, business analysis, business development and project management.
Padraig’s business connections with Saudi Arabia extend back to 1999 when he first joined the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. He returned to Ireland in 2008 to pursue business interests. However, he maintained a strong link with Saudi Arabia through contract and advisory roles with the Al-Zamil Group, Mainstream Renewable Power, the Al-Nahla Group and Jaguar Capital.
In 2012 he returned to the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, as Credit Team Leader, where he is currently employed. Padraig is also a board member of the Ireland Saudi Arabia Business Council.
Declan Keane
Treasurer
Hilary McCorma
ck
IBN Secretary
Hilary is a seasoned professional who is a C-Suite Executive Assistant to the Vice President at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). KAPSARC is a global advisory think tank specializing in energy economics and sustainability, providing services to the Saudi energy sector. With over thirty years of experience working in countries such as GCC, Asia, and Australia, Hilary's expertise lies in destination marketing, communications, and event marketing. She has worked for numerous high-profile UAE events and was part of the creative team that developed the branding for the first chapter of IBN in Dubai. In addition, Hilary successfully created the brand RAK Tourism, a promotional entity for Ras Khaimah Investment Authority in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Hilary hails from Mullingar in Co. Westmeath and completed a Master of Business Administration in 2012.
Harriet Sexton-Morel
Deputy Head of Mission, Irish Embassy
At the Irish Embassy in Riyadh, our team with the support of specialised State Agencies, promotes trade, inward investment, education, and tourism.
In our economic and commercial work, we promote trade from, and inward investment into, Ireland through a number of programmes that are aimed at supporting Irish exporters, while also positioning Ireland as an ideal home for Saudi Arabian entrepreneurs and business people.
We work closely with Ireland's State Agencies to support and encourage;
Dermot O’Halloran
Board Member
Dermot is a Leadership Program Manager with the Misk Foundation in Riyadh, the youth development charity founded by HRH Mohammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince. He worked in Elm as a Principle Leadership Development Consultant for three years before that. He is a chartered occupational psychologist, an experienced executive assessment expert, and an ICF-qualified executive coach. He has been in KSA since April 2018 and wishes he'd come here much earlier! He has had an international career in management consulting and HR and, since 2008, as an occupational psychologist. In his spare time, he plays guitar, writes, and plays bass guitar in a rock band.
Kathy Beatty
Board Member
Kathy works as an assisted living supervisor in the private sector and has been based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for 4 years. She has extensive experience in working with people with intellectual disabilities in both the education sector and the private sector.
Outside of work she enjoys running, desert hikes and being a member of Naomh Alee GAA. Kathy loves to explore all that Riyadh has to offer and definitely recommends a move to Saudi Arabia for anybody looking to broaden their career prospects whilst exploring the Middle East and further afield.