Global CEO advisory company Consello, which was founded by Tipperary businessman Declan Kelly and counts American football legend Tom Brady and tennis great Serena Williams among its partners, has announced the launch of operations in Ireland.
The New York headquartered company has unveiled a 30-strong “day-one” Irish team that will be led by Executive Chairman John Herlihy, the former Head of EMEA at both Google and LinkedIn.
Former Manchester United captain turned investor Gary Neville and former Irish champion golfer and Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley will join as principals in the company’s Ireland business also.
Neville already has a hands-on role in the company following his appointment earlier this year as UK Chairman of Consello.
His remit will now include Ireland, working alongside the newly announced team, with a specific focus on leadership development.
In a significant all-Ireland approach by Kelly – a former US Envoy to Northern Ireland – the company has also announced today the acquisition of leading Belfast strategic communications and public affairs company Lanyon Group, as well as specialist Mid-West based leadership development company Blue Lake.
The founder of Lanyon Group, which also has offices in Dublin, Katie Doran will oversee day-to-day operations of the business in Ireland as its CEO.
Mr Kelly said that the move to set up in Ireland was a logical one given Consello represents many of the world’s leading companies with bases or European headquarters here.
“This launch reflects our continued investment in strategic markets across the world. With the acquisitions of The Lanyon Group and Blue Lake, the leadership of John Herlihy, and the senior team we have assembled, Consello is 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,” he said.
The company is targeting an official launch next month that will attract some of the company’s leading global executives and advisors, and many top figures from across Ireland in the worlds of business, sports, politics and civil society.
Among those expected to attend is Neville, who said today that he was looking forward to his Irish role.
“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,” he said.
The Lanyon Group and Blue Lake – co-founded by former Irish Independent journalist Eugene Hogan – will combine with a senior-led Dublin headquartered team that will replicate the full suite of advisory services in Ireland delivered to the company’s global client base.
This includes C-Suite Advisory, Management Consulting, Recruiting & Leadership Development, Communications & Public Affairs, Sports and Entertainment Advisory, Creative Services and Technology Advisory.
Kelly has attracted some of the country’s best known business leaders in addition to Herlihy onto the Irish advisory team.
These include Chairman of Smurfit Westrock and former Executive Vice President of the Coca Cola Company globally Irial Finan; Vice President of Manufacturing at J&J, Barry O’Sullivan; serial investor and managing partner at Atlantic Bridge, Elaine Coughlan; experienced board Chair/Director of public and private companies Margaret Sweeney and leading international sports advisor and investor Nick Mullen.
Similar to its New York headquartered team, the Irish operations will also have a strong sports leadership component.
Kelly will reunite with long-time friend, business associate and two-time All-Ireland winning Tipperary manager, Liam Sheedy, one of the co-founders of BlueLake. Sheedy will head up the company’s leadership development business.
Also joining the team is executive search professional Stafford Bagot, formerly the Managing Partner for Heidrick & Struggles in Ireland.
Reporting by Gordon Deegan