Minister Smyth announces Ireland's first AI sectoral champions to drive enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence

L-R: Siobhán Noble -Carne Group, Mark Christal - Enterprise Ireland, Niamh Smyth, Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Shane McGibney- Kerry Group
 

Appointments of Shane McGibney of Kerry Group and Siobhán Noble of Carne Group mark a key milestone in the National Digital and AI Strategy

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD,  today announced the appointment of Ireland’s first two AI Sectoral Champions, delivering a key commitment under the National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future.

The inaugural AI Sectoral Champions are Shane McGibney of Kerry Group and Siobhán Noble of Carne Group, two highly respected business leaders with extensive experience in using artificial intelligence and digital technologies to drive innovation, transformation and competitiveness within their organisations.

In their roles, the Champions will work with Enterprise Ireland to act as visible advocates for responsible AI adoption, provide sector-specific insights on opportunities and challenges, highlight emerging trends, and support engagement between industry and Government. They will also contribute to the development of sectoral AI roadmaps, awareness initiatives and targeted actions to support businesses on their AI adoption journey.

The appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to accelerating AI adoption across Irish enterprise through sector-led leadership, practical expertise and collaboration between industry and Government.

Announcing the appointments, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD, said: 

“Artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for Irish enterprise, helping businesses improve productivity, enhance competitiveness and unlock new opportunities for growth. However, those opportunities will look different across sectors, which is why our National Digital and AI Strategy places such importance on a targeted, sectoral approach to AI adoption.

“I am delighted to welcome Shane McGibney and Siobhán Noble as Ireland’s first AI Sectoral Champions. Their knowledge, experience and leadership will help businesses better understand the practical benefits of AI and support greater adoption across the enterprise base. I look forward to working with them as we accelerate AI adoption across the enterprise base and ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of responsible and impactful AI innovation.”

Welcoming the announcement, Mark Christal, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland, said: 

“Enterprise Ireland warmly welcomes the appointment of Shane McGibney and Siobhán Noble as Ireland’s first AI Sectoral Champions.   Both Enterprise Ireland clients, Kerry Group and Carne Group are exemplars of how businesses can incorporate AI strategically and responsibly to strengthen their operations, drive efficiencies and enhance competitiveness. We look forward to working closely with Shane and Siobhán as they champion responsible AI adoption and advocate for its practical benefits, helping businesses across the country embrace the technology with confidence and translate its potential into tangible results.”

The appointments form part of a broader programme of work aimed at accelerating the uptake of AI and digital technologies across the enterprise base. This includes the development of a targeted sectoral strategy for AI adoption and a new AI Adoption Roadmap for Enterprise Ireland client companies.

Siobhán Noble, Chief Data and AI Officer, Carne Group said, “AI has extraordinary potential to transform how businesses work, innovate and compete. But scaling AI is as much about people, change and operating models as it is about technology. At Carne Group, we are putting that principle into practice in one of the world’s most highly regulated industries, combining technology with human judgement, strong governance and trust to deliver practical results. When those foundations are built in from the outset, they give businesses the confidence to innovate and scale.  I am honoured to be appointed by Minister Smyth as one of Ireland’s first AI Sectoral Champions. Ireland has an opportunity to lead by showing that responsible AI can also be ambitious AI. I look forward to sharing what we are learning at Carne and helping more businesses adopt AI confidently and inclusively, improving productivity, strengthening competitiveness and creating new opportunities for growth.”

Shane McGibney, President & CEO, Biotechnology Solutions and Transformation, Kerry Group said,  

“AI has the potential to deliver significant benefits, helping to solve real business problems, innovate, and create new sources of value for companies and employees. At Kerry, we are seeing first-hand the opportunities that AI and digital capabilities can create as our teams deploy them across our business. I’m honoured to have been invited by the Minister to serve as an AI Sectoral Champion. Ireland has a real opportunity to accelerate the practical adoption of AI across its enterprise base, and I look forward to sharing our experience at Kerry and working with others to help businesses realise the potential of this technology.” 

Notes to Editors 

1. The AI Sectoral Champion initiative is a commitment under the National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future.
2. The first AI Sectoral Champions are:  

• Shane McGibney, Kerry Group
• Siobhán Noble, Carne Group

1. Champions will act as advocates for responsible AI adoption, provide sector-specific insights, engage with industry stakeholders and support the implementation of sectoral AI initiatives.
2. The role is voluntary, with an initial term of one year and the option for renewal.
3. The initiative supports the Government’s objective of increasing AI adoption across Irish enterprise to boost productivity, innovation and competitiveness

For further information please contact Press Office, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200