All award submissions are reviewed by our highly experienced independent judging panel.
The judging panel is comprised of industry experts in the field of Analytics and AI who will evaluate each entry based on agreed criteria for each category.
These criteria take into account factors such as originality, impact, and technical excellence thus ensuring that the awards reflect the best and most innovative work in the industry.
Martin Quigley
Martin is the Director of Data & Analytics with Pobal, a programme management and grant making agency that works on behalf of Government to promote social inclusion and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
In 2023 Pobal allocated funding of over €1.2b across 42 Government programmes and schemes. Since Joining Pobal, Martin has led the development of its data science and analytic functions and championed the use of administrative datasets for programme and policy improvement. Martin oversees the commissioning of the Pobal HP Deprivation index and supports numerous state agencies and Government Departments in using data to objectively target resources towards the communities most in need.
Martin is a member of the Open Data Governance Board with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Implementation and Reform and a member of the Board of Management of the Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
Valerie Lynch
Valerie has over 15 years’ experience in data and AI. She is responsible for leading ESB’s team of data scientists, defining central policies around AI, data science and visualisation as well as leading ESB in the adoption of AI, GenAI and ML technologies. Valerie was instrumental in the introduction of several initiatives to leverage and drive forward advanced data analytics in ESB to improve business insights and performance.
She is also passionate about Ethical AI and has created and applied an Ethical AI strategy in ESB, making sure that the Data Science team follows ethical data principles and are able to address the varied, complex, and recurrent challenges / risks associated with AI projects.
Kevin O’Callaghan
Kevin O’Callaghan is Head of Data and Analytics at Teamwork.com whose mission is to make teams that deliver client work efficient, organized, profitable and happy.
He was the kid who revelled in bar charts, questions and data visualization! Today, Kevin enjoys driving a culture of data informed decision-making in numerous industries, both global and local. He has spoken at numerous industry events and is passionate about hearing new perspectives on data strategy, governance, analytics and storytelling and sharing the wisdom with the community!
Jean De Villiers
A bona fide SAS and AI expert, Jean has more than a decade of experience leading data science teams, most recently at Idiro Analytics and before that at MultiChoice. A specialist in the full analytics lifecycle, he has a particular interest in bridging the gap between technology and people, with a key focus on how it complements human endeavour, rather than forcing people to fit into technology frameworks.
Conor Farrell
With over two decades of experience in industrial electronic, retail, audio-visual, and software sectors, I excel in navigating ambiguity to deliver impactful business outcomes through insightful analytics. Complemented by a Higher Diploma in Data Analytics for Business, I'm dedicated to driving data-driven strategies.
I am passionate about promoting data literacy and delighted to actively support initiatives like the Analytics Institute's Data Smart program.
Brendan Scally
Brendan is a seasoned Data & Analytics leader with over 20 years’ experience in the Financial services industry. He is responsible for leading PTSB’s Data Analytics & Data Science teams in the Central Data Office, working closely with business stakeholders and senior executives to harness the power of Analytics to solve problems and realise opportunities. He has also led PTSB’s Data & Analytics strategy development and brings a wealth of real world experience and innovative thinking. Brendan is keenly focussed on the tangible impacts that Data & Analytics can deliver, leading to measurable business outcomes.
Adrian Cronin
Adrian Cronin is a highly experienced Data professional with a comprehensive background in Finance, IT Leadership, and Innovation within the energy sector. Adrian is a fellow of CIMA Ireland and has a plethora of specialised diplomas and certifications (e.g., Diploma in Data Analytics and AI, IMI Diploma in Digital Business, PMP). Adrian's expertise spans across a wide array of technical and managerial disciplines.
His career highlights demonstrate a strong capability in leading large-scale transformation programs, establishing new capabilities to improve operational effectiveness, and a deep commitment to innovation and strategic management. Specifically, his work at Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) in establishing a Data Competency Centre and exploring the application of Generative AI showcases his forward-thinking approach and ability to leverage new technologies for substantial business impact. Adrian's role in previous positions, such as Innovation & Research Manager at Ervia, further underscores his ability to drive organizational transformation, cultivate innovation, and implement cutting-edge solutions for industry challenges.
Adrian is also engaged in academia, delivering the final year CPA module in Strategy and Leadership at Munster Technological University and providing CIMA tuition to IRFU players, demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and education.
Andrea Burke
Leveraging over 17 years’ experience in leading multi-disciplinary Technology and Data teams, Andrea leads the design, development, and delivery of DXC’s Data & AI solutions in UKI. Her pragmatic, continuous evolution approach delivers real value quickly with tangible business outcomes. Her focus on collaboration and diverse knowledge bridges the gap between the business and technology communities, creating a common vision while deploying the most relevant methodologies and technologies that results in organisations becoming truly data driven.
Aoife Burke
As the Head of Analytics in AIB Bank, Aoife leads a large team of data professionals in providing the Group with a range of analytical support ranging from business insights to inform the bank’s strategic ambition, model development, performance measurement and as well as delivering proactive customer engagement across our personal and business customers.
With over 20 years of experience working across a variety of roles in Technology and Data, Aoife has a strong track record in leveraging data-driven insights to generate tangible business value and outcomes whilst also maintaining a keen focus on continuously improving the customer experience and the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the team.