10 Irish CEOs to Follow on LinkedIn

CEOs to follow
June 17, 2025

Niall Gibbons – CEO at Tourism Ireland (now Head of Tourism at NEOM)

Who Niall Is & What He Does

Niall Gibbons led Tourism Ireland for over 14 years and now oversees tourism development at NEOM in Saudi Arabia. He is a seasoned brand ambassador for Irish tourism and one of the most visible Irish public-sector leaders on LinkedIn.

Quick facts:

  • Promoted Ireland globally, driving record visitor growth.
  • Passionate about the economic and cultural value of tourism.
  • Regularly spotted at major industry trade shows and forums.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Showcasing Ireland & Beyond
    • Posts beautiful travel images and insights from events.
    • Highlights new campaigns and partnerships.
  2. Behind the Scenes of Tourism Leadership
    • Shares wins and challenges of promoting a country brand.
    • Spotlights the teamwork behind big campaigns.
  3. Industry Advocacy
    • Posts data-driven updates on tourism’s economic impact.
    • Comments on trends affecting global travel.

How Niall Leverages LinkedIn

Niall’s posts blend stunning visuals with commentary that makes Ireland’s story tangible for industry partners and the public. He often tags colleagues and partners, sparking broad engagement.

What Sets Niall Apart

Niall radiates pride and warmth. His updates feel like travel postcards mixed with honest insights about keeping a country competitive in global tourism.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence Presence

  • Pair data with eye-catching imagery.
  • Celebrate your team publicly and often.
  • Be a visible champion for your industry.

Growth Opportunities for Niall

  • Post quick video clips from events or destinations.
  • Use LinkedIn polls to engage travel pros.
  • Add reflections on leading during global travel disruptions.

Adaire Fox‑Martin – CEO at Equinix (former Head of Google Ireland)

Who Adaire Is & What She Does

Adaire Fox‑Martin is the CEO at Equinix, a global data center powerhouse, and previously led Google Ireland and SAP’s global customer operations. She is known for pushing tech innovation and championing diversity.

Quick facts:

  • Senior leader with deep experience in global tech.
  • Advocates for responsible digital transformation.
  • Strong voice for inclusion and sustainability in business.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Tech Transformation Insights
    • Posts about how Equinix helps companies scale securely and sustainably.
    • Shares perspectives from major industry events.
  2. Empowering People
    • Highlights programs that advance women in tech.
    • Recognizes employee contributions and milestones.
  3. Corporate Responsibility
    • Talks about climate goals and renewable energy initiatives.

How Adaire Leverages LinkedIn

Adaire’s feed balances high-level tech vision with down-to-earth team moments. Her posts are clear, thoughtful, and often paired with crisp event photos or statements.

What Sets Adaire Apart

Her credibility spans boardrooms and social impact spaces. She’s respected for connecting big-picture digital trends to real human stories.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Blend strategy talk with personal stories.
  • Celebrate diverse voices in your organization.
  • Post consistently about sustainability and ethics.

Growth Opportunities for Adaire

  • Add short video insights from conferences.
  • Run Q&A sessions on trends in cloud and data.
  • Share more personal leadership stories.

Patrick Collison – Co-founder & CEO at Stripe

Who Patrick Is & What He Does

Patrick Collison co-founded Stripe, one of the world’s largest online payment platforms. He is a serial innovator and a well-regarded voice on science, tech, and policy.

Quick facts:

  • Started Stripe with his brother John, growing it to global scale.
  • Invests in research and science philanthropy.
  • Shares big ideas spanning tech, economics, and curiosity.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Tech & Business Reflections
    • Shares articles and thoughts on building resilient digital economies.
    • Offers takes on emerging fintech trends.
  2. Science & Society
    • Promotes projects in open science and funding breakthrough research.
    • Highlights how tech can solve structural challenges.
  3. Thoughtful Commentary
    • Uses short, sharp posts that prompt discussion.

How Patrick Leverages LinkedIn

Patrick’s style is minimalist but impactful. He posts less frequently, but his updates are thought-provoking and widely reshared by peers in tech and policy.

What Sets Patrick Apart

He writes like a public intellectual while staying approachable. He engages followers with ideas that reach beyond payments.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Post content that sparks debate and curiosity.
  • Keep messages concise but thought-provoking.
  • Use your influence to highlight global issues.

Growth Opportunities for Adaire

  • Add behind-the-scenes stories about Stripe’s growth.
  • Host occasional thought pieces or AMAs.
  • Share more personal views on startup life.

Brendan Hannigan – Co-founder & CEO at Sonrai Security

Who Brendan Is & What He Does

Brendan Hannigan is an industry veteran and co-founder of Sonrai Security, a leading cloud security company. He previously scaled IBM Security into a billion-dollar division and now shares practical wisdom on managing cloud risk.

Quick facts:

  • Renowned figure in global cybersecurity.
  • Focuses on securing complex cloud data.
  • Combines startup grit with corporate know-how.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Cloud & Data Security
    • Posts about modern cloud identity risks and solutions.
    • Comments on major breach stories with lessons for leaders.
  2. Scaling Startups
    • Shares Sonrai’s milestones, funding news, and team highlights.
    • Offers insights for founders building in the security space.
  3. Community Education
    • Participates in webinars and panels, then recaps key points.

How Brendan Leverages LinkedIn

Brendan mixes thought leadership with practical advice. His feed is a must-follow for CISOs and security pros navigating the fast-evolving cloud world.

What Sets Brendan Apart

He explains complex security topics in clear language. His posts feel authentic, blending big-picture strategy with actionable takeaways.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Be clear and practical in niche fields.
  • Tie news stories to lessons for your audience.
  • Celebrate team and customer wins frequently.

Growth Opportunities for Brendan

  • Record short explainer videos.
  • Start mini-series on cloud security best practices.
  • Post personal stories from startup life.

Alan Holland – Founder & CEO at Keelvar

Who Alan Is & What He Does

Alan Holland is the founder and CEO of Keelvar, a fast-growing Cork-based company pioneering AI-powered procurement automation. An AI academic turned entrepreneur, he educates the industry on how bots can optimize sourcing.

Quick facts:

  • Holds a PhD in AI and game theory.
  • Built a product trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
  • Regular speaker on supply chain innovation.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. AI for Supply Chains
    • Explains how Keelvar’s bots make sourcing more efficient.
    • Shares tips for procurement leaders navigating digital change.
  2. Company News & Culture
    • Celebrates funding rounds, new hires, and customer success stories.
    • Posts snapshots from team events and conferences.
  3. Industry Education
    • Breaks down technical ideas in approachable ways.

How Alan Leverages LinkedIn

Alan’s feed is educational and practical. He combines deep AI knowledge with real-world examples that supply chain managers can use immediately.

What Sets Alan Apart

He demystifies AI while showing its value for big organizations. His thought leadership bridges tech and real business results.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Make technical topics understandable.
  • Share success stories with clear impact.
  • Highlight your people and culture.

Growth Opportunities for Alan

  • Post demo videos of bots in action.
  • Write short pieces on AI ethics in supply chain.
  • Host Q&As to answer audience questions.

Mike Feerick – Founder & CEO at Alison

Who Mike Is & What He Does

Mike Feerick founded Alison, one of the world’s first and largest free online learning platforms. He is a champion for open education and social entrepreneurship.

Quick facts:

  • Early mover in online learning, predating big MOOC brands.
  • Pioneered a sustainable model for free certification.
  • Shares insights at global education and impact events.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Learning Access & Impact
    • Highlights course launches and global learner milestones.
    • Posts data that shows how free education changes lives.
  2. Social Good Advocacy
    • Writes about the role of free education in economic mobility.
    • Champions digital inclusion for marginalized communities.
  3. Growth & Innovation
    • Shares updates on Alison’s new features and global partnerships.

How Mike Leverages LinkedIn

Mike’s posts mix mission-driven storytelling with hard data. He makes learning feel personal and shows how a simple idea scaled globally.

What Sets Mike Apart

He’s relatable yet ambitious, using LinkedIn to remind people why access to learning should never be a luxury.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Pair human stories with stats that prove impact.
  • Be mission-first but transparent about business growth.
  • Spotlight your learners or customers as heroes.

Growth Opportunities for Mike

  • Post short interviews with top learners.
  • Share reflections on global trends in lifelong learning.
  • Use video snippets to show behind-the-scenes progress.

Gavin Cooney – Founder & CEO at Learnosity

Who Gavin Is & What He Does

Gavin Cooney is co-founder and CEO of Learnosity, a Dublin-born EdTech company powering assessments and learning tools for millions of students worldwide. He champions better digital experiences for educators and learners alike.

Quick facts:

  • Built Learnosity into a global leader in assessment APIs.
  • Works closely with publishers, universities, and EdTech startups.
  • Known for his collaborative, product-led leadership style.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. EdTech Innovation
    • Shares insights on how assessments adapt to new tech.
    • Highlights trends like AI-driven testing and personalized learning.
  2. Company Updates & Wins
    • Posts about partnerships, new features, and client stories.
    • Celebrates team milestones with genuine gratitude.
  3. Industry Commentary
    • Weighs in on the future of digital learning and student engagement.

How Gavin Leverages LinkedIn

Gavin’s posts translate complex EdTech trends into relatable updates. His content helps educators and tech leaders see where assessment is headed.

What Sets Gavin Apart

He mixes practical know-how with clear optimism about learning’s future. He often invites discussion, making his feed a learning hub.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Break down trends for a wider audience.
  • Showcase your product’s real-world impact.
  • Build trust by sharing customer wins and team shout-outs.

Growth Opportunities for Gavin

  • Add quick demo clips of new tools.
  • Post Q&As with education leaders.
  • Share thought pieces on global education policy.

Peter Coppinger – Founder & CEO at Teamwork.com

Who Peter Is & What He Does

Peter Coppinger is CEO and co-founder of Teamwork.com, the Cork-based SaaS firm helping over 370,000 teams manage projects better. He’s a passionate advocate for bootstrapping and honest, sustainable growth.

Quick facts:

  • Built Teamwork from a web agency solution into a global SaaS platform.
  • Regularly speaks about founder resilience and culture.
  • Believes in sharing authentic ups and downs.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Company Growth & Stories
    • Posts about Teamwork’s new features and customer success.
    • Shares lessons from scaling without outside funding.
  2. Leadership & Transparency
    • Talks openly about challenges and mistakes.
    • Celebrates team culture and staff loyalty.
  3. Industry Insights
    • Comments on trends in SaaS, productivity, and remote work.

How Peter Leverages LinkedIn

Peter writes like he’s chatting with other founders. His candid posts about wins and stumbles build trust and spark real conversation.

What Sets Peter Apart

He keeps it real. Followers appreciate his honesty and actionable advice on building a sustainable company.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Be open about failures and learnings.
  • Give followers real numbers and backstories.
  • Celebrate your people publicly.

Growth Opportunities for Peter

  • Post short video reflections on founder life.
  • Run polls on remote work best practices.
  • Share more personal anecdotes about growing Teamwork.

Natasha Adams – CEO at Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland

Who Natasha Is & What She Does

Natasha Adams leads Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland, overseeing one of the country’s largest retail workforces and store networks. She champions sustainability, innovation, and putting people first.

Quick facts:

  • Rose through Tesco UK leadership to become CEO in Ireland.
  • Focuses on local communities and food security.
  • Strong voice for inclusion and team wellbeing.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Sustainable Retailing
    • Posts about cutting food waste and reducing carbon footprint.
    • Highlights Tesco’s green initiatives and progress reports.
  2. Community Engagement
    • Shares stories from charity partners and local stores.
    • Celebrates acts of kindness by Tesco staff.
  3. Team Culture & Values
    • Recognizes employee milestones and successes.
    • Talks about leadership principles and inclusive workplaces.

How Natasha Leverages LinkedIn

Natasha’s updates blend big business priorities with human stories. Her posts show what responsible, community-driven retail looks like day-to-day.

What Sets Natasha Apart

She’s relatable and grounded, keeping Tesco’s people and neighborhoods at the heart of her narrative.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Use real community stories to humanize your brand.
  • Talk openly about sustainability goals.
  • Highlight staff and local partnerships regularly.

Growth Opportunities for Natasha

  • Share short behind-the-scenes videos from stores.
  • Host LinkedIn Lives on local impact topics.
  • Post reflections on balancing scale with local care.

Shane Curran – Founder & CEO at Evervault

Who Shane Is & What He Does

Shane Curran is founder and CEO of Evervault, a Dublin-based encryption startup making privacy tools easy for developers. Still in his twenties, he’s a recognized voice in cybersecurity’s next wave.

Quick facts:

  • Launched Evervault as a teen; raised funding from top global VCs.
  • Named in Forbes 30 Under 30 for security innovation.
  • Focuses on privacy-first infrastructure for apps.

Content Themes & Formats

  1. Data Privacy & Security
    • Shares thought pieces on encryption trends and new threats.
    • Comments on major privacy failures and how to avoid them.
  2. Startup Growth & Lessons
    • Reflects on fundraising, building teams, and shipping tough products.
    • Posts updates on Evervault’s milestones and partnerships.
  3. Community Building
    • Engages with the global developer and security community.
    • Starts conversations on best practices for safe software.

How Shane Leverages LinkedIn

Shane’s posts read like sharp notes to fellow builders. He mixes security expertise with candid startup reflections.

What Sets Shane Apart

He’s technical but clear, and unafraid to call out lazy privacy practices. He stands out as a fresh, credible voice in infosec.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Presence

  • Use simple language for complex topics.
  • Take clear stances on industry challenges.
  • Share authentic moments from founder life.

Growth Opportunities for Shane

  • Post short how-to videos for developers.
  • Start polls about security habits.
  • Share more personal insights on balancing scale and security.

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