Advisory company Consello, founded by Tipperary businessman Declan Kelly, is setting its sights on Ireland. The company, which counts American football legend Tom Brady and tennis all-time great Serena Williams among its partners, has announced a 30-strong team in Ireland, led by John Herlihy, the former head of both Google and LinkedIn in Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Key Players Join Consello’s Irish Team
Consello has secured some major players for its Irish expansion. Former Manchester United captain turned investor Gary Neville will play a hands-on role, focusing on leadership development. Former Irish champion golfer and Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley also joins the team in a senior role. Katie Doran, co-founder of the leading Belfast strategic communications and public relations company Lanyon Group, will oversee day-to-day operations as chief executive.
Strategic Acquisitions Fuel Expansion
Consello is bolstering its Irish presence with strategic acquisitions. The company has acquired both the Lanyon Group, with offices in Belfast and Dublin, and leadership and communications company Blue Lake, based in Clare.
Officially Launching Next Month
The company is targeting an official launch next month. Declan Kelly, who founded Consello just two and a half years ago, is excited about this next chapter. “This launch reflects our continued investment in strategic markets across the world … Our mission everywhere we operate is to help the best in the world be even better, and we have brought together a team with the ability to do just that,” he said.
Unveiling the Comprehensive Irish Team
Consello’s Irish operations boast a strong roster of well-known business leaders. This includes figures like Irial Finan (chairman of Smurfit WestRock and former executive vice-president of Coca-Cola), Barry O’Sullivan (long-time Johnson & Johnson manufacturing chief), Elaine Coughlan (serial investor and managing partner at Atlantic Bridge), Margaret Sweeney (former chief executive of Ires Reit), Brendan Murphy and Kevin Roland (former Teneo colleagues), Jonathan Ireland (Lanyon Group cofounder), David Geraghty (tech executive who worked in senior roles at Google and Meta), and Nick Mullen (leading international sports adviser and investor).
The team also includes executive search specialist Stafford Bagot, who previously served as chief executive of recruiting firm Heidrick & Struggles.
A Strong Sports Focus
Similar to its New York headquarters, Consello’s Irish operations will also have a strong sports leadership component.