Consello, the global advisory and investing platform, has acquired Belfast-based Lanyon Group, founded by Katie Doran and Jonathan Ireland, with Katie Doran becoming CEO of the new Irish business.
Former Google and LinkedIn Head of EMEA John Herlihy has been appointed as Executive Chair of Consello Ireland, bringing decades of experience in business and technology leadership. Katie Doran, CEO of The Lanyon Group, will become CEO of the Irish business.
The company also announced the appointment of multiple senior leaders as part of a more than 30-strong day one team:
- Irial Finan – Chairman, Smurfit Westrock; Senior Advisor, Consello Ireland
- Elaine Coughlan – Co-Founder of Atlantic Bridge; Senior Advisor, Consello Ireland
- Margaret Sweeney – Experienced Board Chair/Director of public and private companies; Senior Advisor, Consello Ireland
- Nick Mullen – Advisor, Consello Sports
- Barry O’Sullivan – Internationally recognized manufacturing leader; Senior Advisor, Consello Ireland
- Katie Doran – CEO, Consello Ireland
- Kevin Roland – Deputy CEO, Consello Ireland
- David Geraghty – Head of Management Consulting, Consello Ireland
- Stafford Bagot – Head of Talent, Consello Ireland
- Liam Sheedy – Head of Leadership Development, Consello Ireland
- Jane Mitchell – Leadership Development, Consello Ireland
- Brendan Murphy – Communications and Public Affairs, Consello Ireland
- Eugene Hogan – Communications and Public Affairs, Consello Ireland
- Jonathan Ireland– Communications and Public Affairs, Consello Ireland
Declan Kelly, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Consello, commented on the expansion:
“This launch reflects our continued investment in strategic markets across the world. With the acquisitions of The Lanyon Group and Blue Lake, and the leadership of John Herlihy, we are uniquely positioned to provide unparalleled advisory services across Ireland, the UK and into Europe. 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.”
John Herlihy, Executive Chair of Consello Ireland, added:
“I’m thrilled to join Consello at such an exciting time. Ireland is rapidly evolving as a hub for innovation and growth in the region, and Consello’s combination of global expertise and local insights will provide businesses here with the strategic counsel they need to succeed. I look forward to working with Declan and the incredible team we’ve assembled to drive meaningful impact for our clients.”
Former Manchester United and England captain Gary Neville and former Irish champion golfer and Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley have joined as Principals in Consello Ireland’s business.
Gary Neville said, “I am excited to expand my role at Consello by joining the business in Ireland. Throughout my career, both on and off the field, I’ve been driven by a relentless work ethic and the pursuit of excellence. Consello embodies these same values, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s growth in Ireland and around the world.”
Paul McGinley added, “Throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership – values that resonate deeply with Consello’s approach to advising clients. Ireland is a vibrant market with incredible potential, and I’m excited to work with Consello here and around the world to help businesses thrive.”
Consello’s business in Ireland will offer a full suite of advisory services that complement its advisory business around the world, including:
- C-Suite Advisory
- Management Consulting and Business Development
- Communications and Public Affairs
- Leadership Development, Talent and Business Transformation
- Consello Strive – Sports and Entertainment Advisory
- Consello Experience – Creative Services
The company, founded by Declan Kelly just two and a half years ago, already has offices in New York, Miami, Atlanta, London and Barcelona and has one of the most senior leadership teams of any advisory firm in the world.
US Partners of the firm include seven-time super Bowl champion Tom Brady, 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and six-time NBA All-Star Pau Gasol, and business leaders such as Wendy Clark, former Global CEO of Dentsu, Mindy Grossman, former CEO of WW International, and Janey Whiteside, former Chief Customer Officer of Walmart.
The firm’s Advisory Board is chaired by Lord Mervyn Davies and features accomplished global business leaders such as Sir Sajid Javid, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer; Carmine Di Sibio, the former Global Chairman and CEO of EY; Steve Mollenkopf, Chairman of the Board at the Boeing Company; and Anita Sands, an enterprise transformation expert and a member of the Board of ServiceNow and several other companies.