Elkstone Announces Leadership Transition as Alan Merriman Steps Down as CEO
Dublin, Ireland – February 24, 2026 – Private market investment firm Elkstone Partners today announced a significant leadership change, with founder Alan Merriman stepping down as Chief Executive Officer after 15 years. Joe Bergin, currently Managing Director for Private Clients, will assume the role of Group CEO, effective immediately.
A New Chapter for Elkstone
The transition marks a new phase for Elkstone, which was co-founded in 2011 by Merriman, Ciarán McIntyre and Ruairí O’Neill. Merriman will transition to an Executive Director role, focusing on scaling the firm’s venture portfolio companies, supporting the Irish venture ecosystem, and attracting international capital to Ireland.
Joe Bergin’s Background and Vision
Joe Bergin joined Elkstone in 2019, initially establishing the firm’s Galway office before becoming Head of Private Clients. Prior to Elkstone, he held positions at Ulster Bank in commercial real estate, corporate markets, and SME teams. Bergin was appointed Group CEO by the board in January 2026. He expressed his honor at taking on the leadership role, highlighting the firm’s effective operation across both real estate and venture capital.
Elkstone’s Investment Portfolio
Under Merriman’s leadership, Elkstone has turn into a prominent investor in Irish start-ups, including Flipdish, LetsGetChecked, Manna, and Soapbox Labs. The firm’s investment strategy spans venture capital, real estate, and wealth management. Elkstone’s real estate portfolio comprises over 3,200 properties, with more than 1,500 units having received planning permission in the last two years across Ireland.
New Non-Executive Directors Appointed
Alongside the CEO change, Elkstone has appointed two new non-executive directors: Eoghan Quigley, President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and former KPMG executive, and Margot Lyons, formerly of Morgan Stanley and Ulster Bank.
Merriman’s Future Focus
Merriman emphasized that the transition allows him to concentrate on areas he is passionate about: “scaling our venture portfolio companies, supporting Ireland’s venture ecosystem, and leveraging our diaspora network to bring more international capital to Ireland.” He also serves as a Board Observer at Manna Drone Delivery [Source: Property Summit].
Elkstone’s Business Areas
Elkstone manages capital for wealthy clients, operating across venture capital for early-stage start-ups, real estate investment – particularly in student housing and residential construction – and wealth management. The real estate sector represents the largest portion of the firm’s financial activity.
Sources: The Irish Times, Independent.ie, Property Summit