Mark Christal
Appointed executive director of Enterprise Ireland
Mark Christal has been appointed executive director of Enterprise Ireland, but he has held a number of leadership roles across the organisation since 2007.
He has a strong track record in leading divisions focused on supporting Irish enterprises to grow and scale, including food and sustainability, regions and entrepreneurship. A graduate of UCD, he also has an MBS from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Mark says, “Enterprise Ireland’s ambition is that Irish exporters will become the primary driver of the Irish economy. In my role as executive director with responsibility for leading the organisation’s sectoral and client solutions work, I will be working with our team in Ireland and across our network of 42 international offices.”
Amie Coonan
Appointed commercial and technical development manager at Agritech
From Birdhill, Co Tipperary, Amie Coonan is a graduate of University College Dublin, holding a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in Animal and Crop Production.
Prior to her time in ABP, Amie worked with Dairygold as an area sales manager, responsible for feed, fertiliser and farm requisites sales across the Munster region.
Her commitment and innovation in the sector was recognised in 2025 when she was awarded the FBD Drystock Young Farmer of the Year
“I am delighted to join Agritech and look forward to working with the sales team and farming customers alike, offering practical support and technical advice to optimise on-farm performance.”
Aime Coonan appointed commercial and technical development manager at Agritech.
David Mulholland
Appointed EU programme specialist at Bord Bia
David Mulholland is joining Bord Bia’s marketing department as EU programme specialist, based in Tokyo. He will be responsible for managing Bord Bia’s €3.4m EU co-funded beef and lamb campaign across China, Japan and Singapore.
A graduate of political studies from the University of Edinburgh and L’Institut d’Études Politiques de Grenoble, David brings extensive international, cultural and commercial experience, having spent the past 13 years working in Tokyo.
Commenting on his appointment, David says, “It’s great to be joining the team at Bord Bia. I’ve been living and working in Japan for the past 16 years, and I’m really looking forward to putting that experience to use on the EU beef and lamb campaign for Ireland.”
David Mulholland appointed EU programme specialist Bord Bia.
Orlaith McLaughlin
Appointed education and events manager at Certified Irish Angus
Orlaith McLaughlin holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Queen’s University Belfast. She decided to pursue her passion for education by completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) specialising in mathematics. She later taught in schools in Belfast and Antrim before moving to Dubai, where she spent several years.
Speaking about her appointment, Orlaith says, “I’m thrilled to join Certified Irish Angus and contribute to a programme that inspires young people while promoting sustainable farming practices. This role allows me to combine my two passions in life – education and agriculture– and I look forward to working with schools and students to create meaningful learning opportunities.”
Orlaith McLaughlin appointed education and events manager at Certified Irish Angus.
Paddy Ryan
Appointed regional head of business banking south at PTSB
With over 18 years of experience in business banking, Paddy Ryan has worked across several financial institutions, spanning lending, restructuring, and underwriting.
His qualifications include a business and information systems degree, QFA, SME finance diploma and a Professional Diploma in Strategic Management in Financial Services. He joined PTSB in 2022 as business banking manager.
Speaking about his appointment, Paddy says, “I’m looking forward to backing enterprising SMEs and farm businesses across the south – helping them invest with fast, well-governed decisions and support from our specialist managers and local branches. His role will contribute across priority sectors but his main focus is in south region. “Ultimately, it’s about helping enterprises.”
Paddy Ryan, regional head of business banking south.
Aideen Burke
Appointed export manager for Ballymaloe Foods
Hailing from a beef farm in Co Clare, Aideen Burke completed a BScAg in UCD and started working for Slaney Foods in 2016 where she progressed to sales executive for the Dutch, German and Belgian markets. Aideen later completed a Master’s in Business Management. Following ABP’s acquisition of Slaney, Aideen moved to ABP Ireland in 2020, where she stayed for six years.
Speaking about her appointment, Aideen says, “I’m really excited to be joining Ballymaloe Foods as it’s an iconic Irish brand and one I’ve long admired. I’m a passionate supporter of Irish food, and I take great pride in acting as a brand ambassador in export markets. I love working internationally and identifying new opportunities.”
Aideen Burke, export manager at Ballymaloe Foods.
Mark Christal
Appointed executive director of Enterprise Ireland
Mark Christal has been appointed executive director of Enterprise Ireland, but he has held a number of leadership roles across the organisation since 2007.
He has a strong track record in leading divisions focused on supporting Irish enterprises to grow and scale, including food and sustainability, regions and entrepreneurship. A graduate of UCD, he also has an MBS from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Mark says, “Enterprise Ireland’s ambition is that Irish exporters will become the primary driver of the Irish economy. In my role as executive director with responsibility for leading the organisation’s sectoral and client solutions work, I will be working with our team in Ireland and across our network of 42 international offices.”
Amie Coonan
Appointed commercial and technical development manager at Agritech
From Birdhill, Co Tipperary, Amie Coonan is a graduate of University College Dublin, holding a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in Animal and Crop Production.
Prior to her time in ABP, Amie worked with Dairygold as an area sales manager, responsible for feed, fertiliser and farm requisites sales across the Munster region.
Her commitment and innovation in the sector was recognised in 2025 when she was awarded the FBD Drystock Young Farmer of the Year
“I am delighted to join Agritech and look forward to working with the sales team and farming customers alike, offering practical support and technical advice to optimise on-farm performance.”
Aime Coonan appointed commercial and technical development manager at Agritech.
David Mulholland
Appointed EU programme specialist at Bord Bia
David Mulholland is joining Bord Bia’s marketing department as EU programme specialist, based in Tokyo. He will be responsible for managing Bord Bia’s €3.4m EU co-funded beef and lamb campaign across China, Japan and Singapore.
A graduate of political studies from the University of Edinburgh and L’Institut d’Études Politiques de Grenoble, David brings extensive international, cultural and commercial experience, having spent the past 13 years working in Tokyo.
Commenting on his appointment, David says, “It’s great to be joining the team at Bord Bia. I’ve been living and working in Japan for the past 16 years, and I’m really looking forward to putting that experience to use on the EU beef and lamb campaign for Ireland.”
David Mulholland appointed EU programme specialist Bord Bia.
Orlaith McLaughlin
Appointed education and events manager at Certified Irish Angus
Orlaith McLaughlin holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Queen’s University Belfast. She decided to pursue her passion for education by completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) specialising in mathematics. She later taught in schools in Belfast and Antrim before moving to Dubai, where she spent several years.
Speaking about her appointment, Orlaith says, “I’m thrilled to join Certified Irish Angus and contribute to a programme that inspires young people while promoting sustainable farming practices. This role allows me to combine my two passions in life – education and agriculture– and I look forward to working with schools and students to create meaningful learning opportunities.”
Orlaith McLaughlin appointed education and events manager at Certified Irish Angus.
Paddy Ryan
Appointed regional head of business banking south at PTSB
With over 18 years of experience in business banking, Paddy Ryan has worked across several financial institutions, spanning lending, restructuring, and underwriting.
His qualifications include a business and information systems degree, QFA, SME finance diploma and a Professional Diploma in Strategic Management in Financial Services. He joined PTSB in 2022 as business banking manager.
Speaking about his appointment, Paddy says, “I’m looking forward to backing enterprising SMEs and farm businesses across the south – helping them invest with fast, well-governed decisions and support from our specialist managers and local branches. His role will contribute across priority sectors but his main focus is in south region. “Ultimately, it’s about helping enterprises.”
Paddy Ryan, regional head of business banking south.
Aideen Burke
Appointed export manager for Ballymaloe Foods
Hailing from a beef farm in Co Clare, Aideen Burke completed a BScAg in UCD and started working for Slaney Foods in 2016 where she progressed to sales executive for the Dutch, German and Belgian markets. Aideen later completed a Master’s in Business Management. Following ABP’s acquisition of Slaney, Aideen moved to ABP Ireland in 2020, where she stayed for six years.
Speaking about her appointment, Aideen says, “I’m really excited to be joining Ballymaloe Foods as it’s an iconic Irish brand and one I’ve long admired. I’m a passionate supporter of Irish food, and I take great pride in acting as a brand ambassador in export markets. I love working internationally and identifying new opportunities.”
Aideen Burke, export manager at Ballymaloe Foods.
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