Eoin McGettigan

Eoin has been a leading business figure in Ireland over the last three decades with experience as a Senior Executive in Retail, Wholesale and Property businesses.

Prior to joining the Port of Cork Company in 2020, Eoin held senior board positions in Musgrave PLC as Chief Executive of Supervalu and Centra. He also fulfilled the role of Group Finance Director of Dunnes Stores and CEO of Lifestyle Sports.

Since joining the Port of Cork Company, Eoin has overseen the development of several large scale projects including the launch of the new €89 million Cork Container Terminal and is leading the next phase of growth for the Port as it develops as a key global port of the future.

He holds an MBA and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

David Browne

David began his career with Dornan Engineering and following this joined the Port of Cork Company over 22 years ago. In the Port, David began his career in the Engineering Department where he worked for 15 years as an Electrician. David then worked as Assistant Health & Safety Manager for 5 years. David has since transferred to the Commercial Department, where he is Business Development Manager and Community Liaison Officer. He has been a member of the Port of Cork Company Board of Directors since 2017. David studied Occupational Health & Safety at UCD, and in recent years has obtained a HDip in Safety Health and Welfare at Work, as well as an M.Sc. in Occupational Health from University College Cork (UCC). He also has a Diploma in Employment Law from Technological University Dublin and will be returning to UCC in the coming months to study for an MBA.

Gillian Keating

Gillian is a partner with one of Ireland’s leading law firms, RDJ and leads their Corporate and Commercial Department. With over 25 years’ experience Gillian is ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers for her transaction and advisory work.

Gillian is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Business and Law at University College Cork (UCC) and in 2017 received an Alumni Achievement Award from UCC.

Gillian is a co-founder of the highly successful and award winning I WISH (Inspiring Women in Stem) social enterprise. I WISH is an initiative to inspire young women to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

From 2013 to 2019, Gillian was a member of the Governing Body of UCC and chaired the Audit Committee. Gillian is a past president of Cork Chamber of Commerce. As well as being a board member of Port of Cork Company, Gillian currently chairs the Board of the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.

Joan McGrath

Joan was appointed as a Director of the Board in 2021 and brings her HR and business expertise along with her board director experience spanning many years. She is currently a Director of the Board of the Irish Aviation Authority and of Tobin Consulting Engineers. She runs a small consulting business and enjoys lecturing part-time.

Philip Smith

Having qualified and worked as a professional engineer for many years, Philip has spent most of his latter years as an investment banker, advising in international Mergers and Acquisitions and a variety of other corporate finance assignments. Currently, he owns and runs his own corporate finance firm, Penrick Advisors, as well as acting as advisor to the global investment banking firm Alantra. Philip was first appointed to the board at the Port of Cork at the beginning of 2018, and reappointed for a second term in 2021.

Barry Synnott

Barry is Group CEO, Member of the Board of Directors of Boyne Valley Group (2018- present) a Branded FMCG company. He was appointed as a Director to the Board of Port of Cork Company in 2019. Barry worked with Kerry Group for 16 years in Managing Director roles across EMEA and 10 years with International Flavours and Fragrances (IFF) in Managing Director roles across Europe and North America.