Elkstone’s Chief Investment Officer Departs Amid Leadership Transition The chief investment officer of Elkstone has departed the firm, according to recent reports. This development comes as the private market investment firm undergoes a broader leadership transition, with founder Alan Merriman stepping aside as chief executive in February 2026 after 15 years in the role. Joe Bergin, formerly Elkstone’s managing director for private clients and head of private clients, was appointed chief executive in January 2026, succeeding Merriman. Bergin, a former intercounty GAA player with Galway who won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 2001, joined Elkstone in 2019 after a tenure at Ulster Bank across commercial real estate, corporate markets, and SME teams. Prior to becoming CEO, he played a key role in establishing the firm’s Galway office and later served as director of business development. Under Merriman’s leadership, Elkstone gained recognition for its venture investments in notable Irish start-ups, including Flipdish, LetsGetChecked, Manna, and Soapbox Labs. Merriman has transitioned to the role of executive director, stating that the change allows him to focus on scaling the firm’s venture portfolio companies, supporting Ireland’s venture ecosystem, and leveraging the diaspora network to attract international capital. Bergin has emphasized that Elkstone operates effectively across both its real estate and venture businesses, describing both sectors as offering significant long-term opportunities. He characterized his appointment as an honor and noted that the firm is entering its “next phase” of growth. The departure of the chief investment officer adds to the evolving leadership landscape at Elkstone as it continues to review its business operations. Earlier in 2026, the Business Post reported that Elkstone had launched a comprehensive review of its entire business and deprioritized its wealth division. No further details regarding the chief investment officer’s departure, including the individual’s name or future plans, have been disclosed in publicly available sources as of the current date. Elkstone has not issued an official statement on the matter through its website or press channels.
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