Lean Business Ireland Conference Speakers 2025
Adrian Furey - VP, Global Supply Chain - Dexcom
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Áine Gleeson - Irish Entrepreneur - WowWee
WowWee, one of Ireland’s leading gift companies, was founded 20 years ago by Áine Gleeson, a proud Ennis, Co. Clare native and multi-award-winning entrepreneur. Under Áine’s leadership and a focus on lean principles, curiosity drives everything we do, sparking fresh ideas and inspiring us to craft innovative, meaningful gifts. With a passionate, dedicated team, WowWee blends creativity, efficiency, and a dash of Irish spirit to turn every moment into something truly unforgettable.
Alison Roddy - Operations Manager - Seating Matters
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Brendan Hogan - Senior Vice President of Engineering & Operations - Aerogen Ltd.
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Christine O'Rorke - VP Business Transformation & ESG - SES Ltd.
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Clare Cooke - Associate Director - Competitive Continuous Improvement - Eli Lilly and Company
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Clifford Naughton - Head of Finance,SCM,Procurement & Digitisation - Ireland. Compliance Officer - B. Braun Ireland
Significant experience of implementing and leading the finance modules of significant projects - Financial Strategy , Standard SAP, Outsourcing arrangements, Tax Management, Vendor Invoice Management, Balanced Scorecard which involved establishing and aligning strategic priorities, leading direct teams, collaborating with multiple stakeholders and delivering on financial priorities as part of business process improvement or organisational transformation programs.A highly experienced Finance Professional with a track record of financial and people leadership over a 25 year period in the Medical Devices, Consumer Foods and Life Sciences industry. Significant experience of implementing and leading the finance modules of significant projects - Financial Strategy , Standard SAP, Outsourcing arrangements, Tax Management, Vendor Invoice Management, Balanced Scorecard which involved establishing and aligning strategic priorities, leading direct teams, collaborating with multiple stakeholders and delivering on financial priorities as part of business process improvement or organisational transformation programs.
Fergus Fitzpatrick - Head of Operations - Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS)
Fergus Fitzpatrick is Head of Operations for Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS) based in Shannon, Co Clare. LTTS is a member of the EPAR (Engine Parts & Accessories Repair) network of Lufthansa Technik specializing in the repair of Jet engine components for CFMI, Rolls Royce and GE aircraft engines.
LTTS started its lean journey over 20 years ago focusing on the elimination of waste and creating added value for customers and employees. Our highly engaged workforce have embraced the Continuous Improvement philosophy, significantly contributing to the identification and removal of waste from our value streams. This approach has been fundamental in LTTS's transformation from a repair station to a Centre of Excellence and continues to guide us as we prepare for the next generation of Engine Products, Customers, Technologies, and People.
Fergus holds a BSc in Technology and an MSc in Strategic Quality Management, Lean Sigma Systems from the University of Limerick.
Frank Murphy - Operations Manager - Penn Engineering
Frank Murphy is a collaborative leader in manufacturing, Lean transformation, and digital innovation, dedicated to driving team-based operational excellence. As Operations Manager at Penn Engineering, he works closely with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement, ensuring that strategic initiatives are both innovative and sustainable.
With over a decade of experience, Frank has been part of company-wide efforts to integrate Lean principles with digital transformation, leveraging Industry 4.0 tools like MES, OEE tracking, and real-time analytics. Working alongside engineering, production, maintenance and quality teams, he has helped shape structured problem-solving frameworks, upskilling programs, and cultural change initiatives that enable long-term success.
At Penn Engineering, team collaboration has been at the heart of transformation efforts, from implementing smart manufacturing solutions to optimizing workflows and empowering employees. Frank’s role has been to bring people, technology, and strategy together, ensuring that improvements are practical, scalable, and focused on long-term impact.
In his session at Lean Business Ireland 2025, Frank will share insights on how organizations can align Lean principles with Industry 4.0 while keeping people at the center of change. Drawing from Penn Engineering’s journey, he will highlight team-driven strategies for improving efficiency, decision-making, and innovation in manufacturing.
Gene Leonard - CEO - LBSPartners
Gene is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of LBS Partners where he drives the development of new services and leads fresh and innovative strategic thinking organisation wide. He is also a Co-Founder of Lean Business Ireland.
Gene is an expert in multi sectoral Business Transformation and Leadership Development where his skills in strategy and operations have transformed client companies from great to exceptional.
Gene established LBS after holding positions in leading multinational IT and manufacturing companies. He spent 11 years with Dell. Inc where he championed a number of large-scale turnaround and performance-improvement projects.
Throughout his career, Gene has led dozens of large-scale transformation programmes. He has helped clients all over the world define their strategic positioning and build the capabilities needed to deliver real change and growth.
Glen Winn - Director of Service Operations - Virgin Media Ireland
As a strategic and creative leader, Glen has built and led high-performance teams in Fraud & Revenue Assurance and, more recently, Service Operations. With a strong focus on driving results, he has made significant contributions to revenue assurance, fraud management, business transformation, and process improvement.
Throughout his career, Glen has prided himself on being a lifelong learner, continuously developing his skills in areas like Information Systems Auditing, IoT, Lean Six Sigma, process mining, data analytics, and robotic process automation. He is currently further enhancing his leadership expertise through a postgraduate course in Strategic Leadership with the University of Limerick.
Glen is passionate about innovation and has pioneered the adoption of key software tools within his organisation to deliver proactive, impactful solutions. By leveraging technologies such as ACL, Qlik, ServiceNow, UiPath, and Celonis, he has helped streamline processes and drive efficiencies across multiple business functions.
Thriving in dynamic environments, Glen enjoys solving complex challenges through collaboration and forward-thinking strategies.
Hari Pesala - Specialist, Vice President - Northern Trust Corporation
Hari Pesala is working as a Change Specialist, Vice President at Northern Trust. Hari has overall 19+ years of process improvement expertise to deliver operational excellence in the banking and financial services sector. Its been 6 years Hari moved to Limerick Office, prior to moving here Hari was managing Process Excellence team at Bangalore Office within Northern Trust. Hari had worked with ‘Bank Of America’ prior to joining Northern Trust.
Hari is Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt from QAI, Black Belt from Indian Statistical Institute & he holds ‘Bachelor of Commerce’ Degree from S.V. University, India & Diploma in ‘Digital Product Management’ from Institute of Banking, Dublin.
Helen Downes – CEO – Shannon Chamber
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James Martin – CI Facilitator – Atlantic Aviation Group
James has over 35 years’ experience in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector and is currently a continuous improvement facilitator at Atlantic Aviation Group. Transitioning from licenced aircraft engineer into the continuous improvement field 15 years ago, James has extensive knowledge and experience of Lean tools and implementation. James developed the Lufthansa Technik global standard Visual Management System and has led the evolution of Visual Management in aviation MRO in Europe, America, and China.
In addition to his full-time employment at Atlantic Aviation Group, James is expected to graduate with a Masters in Lean Sigma from University of Limerick in 2025.
Jennifer Stratton - Continuous Improvement Engineer - Cook Medical
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Marie Clifford - Managing Director - Advanced Technical Concepts
Marie Clifford is a lean culture advocate with a passion for driving continuous improvement and transformation. As the Managing Director of The ATC Group, she combines strategic vision, lean methodologies, and digital acumen to foster a culture of innovation and excellence. With 15 years of experience in multilingual, multicultural environments, Marie brings a global perspective to her leadership approach. Her journey included studying and working in Germany and France before returning to Ireland in 2008, equipping her with strong communication skills and a diverse outlook.
Marie's commitment to professional growth is evident in her impressive educational background. She holds an MBA from the University of Limerick, as well as diplomas in Digital Marketing, Corporate Governance, and Digital Transformation and a certification for Business and Executive Coaching. Her recent accomplishments include certificates in Data Analytics/Visualisation in Machine Learning and Leadership in Digitisation of Manufacturing.
Her expertise has been recognized with a Leadership Development award from AIB Women in Enterprise and a Thought Leader Award for Strategic Thinking & Leadership from the All-Ireland Business Foundation, both in 2019. More recently she guided The ATC Group to win the Lean Business Ireland Best Small Business 2024 award.
Marie's approach to lean leadership emphasizes the importance of empowering team members and creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas for improvement. She believes in the power of daily routines, such as morning meetings and 3S (Sort, Sweep & Standardize), to develop a problem-solving culture where team members strive to "fix what bugs them" and "leave it better than they found it".
As a leader, Marie understands that the journey to creating a lean culture is unrelenting. She is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring the long-term sustainability of continuous improvement practices and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Mark Lyons - CEO - Hooke Bio
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Martin Cahill - Senior Buyer Planner - Chemifloc Ltd.
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Dr. Paul Gadie - Managing Director - Gift Innovations
I am Paul, the Managing Director of Gift Innovations, a Lean, dynamic B2B corporate gifting company. We provide creative corporate gifting solutions that help organisations to recognise, reward, and retain employees while also building strong customer loyalty.
Before this, I worked in academia in the UK and Ireland, focusing on the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. During that time, I taught, conducted research, and published academic work. I also managed partner programs and developed BA and MA courses across Europe and Africa.
On weekends, you'll likely find me hiking up a mountain, cycling along quiet country lanes, or enjoying a round of golf.
Richard Park - Engineering Manager - Element Six
Originating from South Africa his family emigrated to Ireland in 1977 where he finished off his schooling at Villiers School in Limerick, completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at NIHE (UL) and later completing a master’s in advanced manufacturing technology also at UL. Living in Shannon Richard is married and has three sons and one daughter and has now worked for Element Six for the last 40 years. In that time, he has held multiple positions in several departments within the company, these have included international assignments to Sweden, South Africa, Isle of man and the UK. His interest in Lean manufacturing started around 2005 with the re organising of factory floor layouts from a traditional functional layout to Cellular layouts, linear layouts and understanding “Flow”. This was very soon followed by the introduction of Standard work, practical problem solving and the use of Data to analyse performance and problems. Outside of work, manufacturing, and all things Mechanical his interests include 4x4 off-roading, scouting, photography and running.
Robert Hernan - Senior Lean Advisor - Enterprise Ireland
Senior Lean advisor in Enterprise Ireland's Lean / Operational Excellence team. Currently supporting Enterprise Ireland's food companies in implementing Lean transforms having previously managed Lean Start and Plus business offers. Managed the successful Lean for Micro (LEOs) pilot in 2015, supported the roll out of the IDA Lean initiative, 2016 and Lean Business Ireland’s roll out of regional lean networks, 2018.
Member of Lean Business Ireland and West-Northwest Lean network committees.
Previously was the technical manager in Eolas accredited ecotoxicity laboratory.
Stacy Franklin - Founder & CEO - Kanso
Stacy Franklin has built her career answering that question—demonstrating how Lean can simplify and improve the way people and teams work across healthcare, tech, retail, and other service-based sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Kanso —named for the Japanese concept of “simplicity”—she redefines what Lean can do by focusing on the people behind every process.
Raised in a family business, Stacy learned early how clear, intentional processes empower organisations and fuel real growth, especially when focused on their most valuable asset - people. After earning her Lean Black Belt at the University of Limerick, she applied those principles to leadership and frontline roles across the service industry. Throughout her career, Stacy has helped organisations save millions in the cost of resources —and she’s just getting started.
A recognised expert voice in Ireland’s Lean community, Stacy speaks at industry events, guides companies in adopting a Lean mindset, and lectures on the University of Limerick’s Master Black Belt programme. Clients value her fresh approach, meticulous eye for detail, and her habit of challenging assumptions or outdated processes by asking “Why?”—to reveal untapped opportunities.
Through tailored Lean training and consultancy, Stacy shows individuals and organisations how Lean can truly transform the way they work—creating clarity, uniting teams, and driving people-focused, measurable progress. Whether fostering a culture of continuous improvement, streamlining workflows or boosting customer satisfaction, she brings Lean to life in ways that truly resonate with today’s workplace.
Tom O'Carroll - Director Manufacturing, Ireland -
An experienced & inclusive Leader, with a demonstrated track record of implementing change and delivering results through people & process, I am committed to the guiding principles of integrity, accountability and developing talent to strengthen the organisation.
I continually seek out value propositions to both organisation and customer and through engagement, collaboration & innovation, I deliver results that facilitate growth and foster a winning culture.
Vicky Howard - Country Manager - Ireland - Reagecon
Vicky Howard is the Country Manager for Ireland at Reagecon and Carl Stuart Limited – Calibre Scientific companies. Reagecon is the world's largest producer of physical and chemical standards and Carl Stuart is a leading laboratory supplies distribution and technical service business. With over two decades of experience, starting at Reagecon in January 2004, Vicky has held various roles, including HR Manager, Operations Director and General Manager.
A graduate of the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), Vicky began her career as an HR Advisor at INVESCO in London. Upon returning to Ireland in 2004, she joined Reagecon where her contributions have supported year on year growth, driven continuous improvement, operational excellence, and adherence to the highest standards across manufacturing, quality, HR, health and safety, and compliance.
Committed to continuing professional development, Vicky has completed a Masters, a number of leadership development initiatives, a Certificate in Company Secretarial Law and Practice and she is a qualified Life and Executive Coach. She has also been actively involved in industry and community initiatives, serving on the Shannon Chamber Skillnet Steering Committee and the board of Clare Youth Service as Board Member and Chairperson of the Board.
Willie John Burke - Director of Quality - Edwards Lifesciences
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