Judging process
Learn about our rigorous judging process and meet the panel. #CIPDHRAwards
Learn about our rigorous judging process and meet the panel. #CIPDHRAwards
The CIPD in Ireland HR Awards are recognised for their rigorous, independent and transparent judging process. Being shortlisted as a finalist is a significant achievement in itself and reflects the quality and impact of the work submitted.
Our judges include senior HR and people leaders, subject matter experts and previous award winners at a Chartered member or Chartered fellow level from a broad range of sectors and organisations.
Our thanks to Professor Bill Roche, Full Professor of Industrial Relations and Human Resources at UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School, who has overseen the judging process for several years. His oversight helps ensure that judges are supported by clear criteria, robust guidelines and a consistent approach to assessing and scoring entries.
Closing date for the CIPD in Ireland HR Awards 2027 is 21 October 2026.
Stage one: Initial review
Stage two: Finalist interviews
Austin O'Sullivan is a Chartered FCIPD senior HR leader with over 30 years’ experience across HR, finance and project management in the public, private and non-profit sectors. He has a strong track record of influencing Boards and senior leaders and is a multiple CIPD and Irish HR award winner for culture, wellbeing and people alignment
Bill Roche is Full Professor of Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the School of Business, University College Dublin, where he teaches at the Smurfit Business School. He has written and edited 10 books and published in excess of 100 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. He is currently a member of the High Level Group on Collective Bargaining, established by the Government under the aegis of the Labour-Employer Economic Forum.
Brian Harney is Professor of Strategic HRM and Head of Work Psychology and Strategy at Dublin City University Business School. He has written and edited eight books and published in the leading HR journals.
An award winning educator, he currently serves on the executive committee of the HR Division of the Academy of Management and as an Associate Editor for Human Resource Management and Human Resource Management Review.
Cat Kiely is Regional Director, HR for HR at Salesforce, with over 20 years’ HR leadership experience across pharma, technology and services. She has held senior roles at organisations including Novartis, Oracle and Nielsen and is known for delivering impactful people strategies in complex, global environments.
Darragh is an Apprenticeship Engagement Specialist at National College of Ireland. He is an accomplished customer experience and workforce development professional with a 2 decade career spanning international hospitality, recruitment, education, and industry engagement.
Among the first graduates of Ireland's pioneering Level 8 degree in Recruitment Practice, they also hold a Level 9 Microcredential in Harnessing Neurodiversity in the Workplace, have completed a Professional Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring, and are pursuing a Level 9 Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Daragh O’Mahony leads Human Resources, Sustainability and Facilities at NBI, supporting delivery of the National Broadband Plan. With 25 years’ senior HR experience across multiple industries and regions, he brings strong expertise in transformation, M&A and board-level people strategy.
Dimpal Bhanu leads the Global Client Experience team at the CIPD, shaping how organisations engage with and benefit from the institute’s services worldwide. She drives strategic initiatives, partnerships and service improvements to strengthen organisational capability and support the global people profession.
Donal Molloy, FCIPD, is a senior HR leader with extensive experience across banking, pharma, insurance, technology and cybersecurity. He is passionate about positioning HR as a strategic partner and creating workplaces where people and performance thrive.
Donie is the HR Alignment and Integration Manager for the Irish Wheelchair Association, one of Ireland's largest charities, employing more than 2,000 people. His role is varied and involves delivering increased HR operational excellence as well as strategic projects and initiatives.
He is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and has worked in human resources for most of his career, particularly in employee relations. He is a dedicated lifelong learner and sees education as the key to unlocking potential and opportunity. He has combined his 'day role' with associate lecturing roles both at the National College of Ireland and TUD.
Donie holds an MSc in Business Strategy from Trinity College Dublin, as well as postgraduate qualifications in teaching and learning, and governance. He is a qualified coach and psychometric tester.
Geraldine King is Chief Executive of the Employment & Recruitment Federation and a board member of the World Employment Confederation. A recognised industry voice, she regularly contributes to media and conferences and is listed among the top EU and global leaders in the staffing industry.
Gwen Turner is the Head of HR in the Institute of Public Administration in Dublin, Ireland. With over 25 years experience in HR and Change Management, Gwen is a dynamic HR professional blending a background in Human Resources, data analytics, strategic workforce planning and organisational behaviour.
Working across diverse sectors, including universities, private and public institutions, Gwen excels in collaboratively driving organisational change initiatives.
Hayfa Mohdzaini is CIPD's Senior Policy & Practice Adviser for technology. She has a background in computer science and HR and has worked across IT, HR and research roles. She writes extensively on people and technology, contributes to HR publications, judges awards and speaks regularly at conferences.
Joe McGrath is an HR Director and Fellow of the CIPD with over 30 years’ experience across diverse industries. He brings strong expertise in employment law, workforce management and practical people solutions that support business success.
Joyce is currently the Chair of the Board of CIPD Ireland, and was previously the Chair of the National Committee of CIPD Ireland. She is a former joint Managing Director of Voltedge Management Ltd, HR and Management Consultants, and is a Companion of CIPD.
Karen Hackett is Head of People at Permanent TSB, with a long-standing career in HR within financial services. A Fellow of the CIPD, she is passionate about culture, inclusion, workforce engagement and strategic transformation.
Kathryn is a senior organisational leader in the Civil and Public Service, with a proven track record in organisational transformation and cultural change. Prior to the OPW, Kathryn was Chief People Officer in Enterprise Ireland for 3 years. A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Kathryn holds an MBS in HR Strategies from DCU. She is a qualified Leadership Coach, as well as a certified Mediator, serving on the Civil and Public Service panel of Mediators.
Loretta Dignam, honoured in the Forbes Top 50 Over 50 Global List 2025 and named UK & Ireland Menopause Advocate of the Year 2026, is an entrepreneur, women’s health advocate and Founder & CEO of The Menopause Hub and The Menopause Hub Academy.
Lutfur Ali is Senior Policy and Practice Advisor at the CIPD and a Non-Executive Director at the Business Continuity Institute. With over 35 years’ experience, he is a leading voice on equality, inclusion, ethical leadership and workplace transformation.
Maria is an accomplished Chief People Officer with over 20 years of experience leading people, culture, and organisational transformation across diverse sectors, including retail, healthcare charities, and the motor industry. She has deep expertise in strategic workforce planning, leadership development, employee experience, Inclusion, Disability, Equality, Accessibility, and employment law, consistently aligning people strategy with business performance.
Mila Haviv Lancova is Global Talent Acquisition Lead at the CIPD with over 12 years’ experience across in-house, agency and consultancy roles. She specialises in talent attraction, assessment, EDI and workforce planning across multiple regions and sectors.
Mojisola Obazuaye is Head of Human Resources at SRI Executive. A dynamic and results-driven HR leader, she partners closely with executive leaders to deliver organisational, leadership, people and culture goals while maximising employee potential and retention.
Dr. Monsurat Omotayo is Director of Administration and HR at the Nigerian Railway Corporation, leading major change initiatives. A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, she holds a Doctorate from the University of Manchester and brings extensive international experience across HR, leadership and strategic people management.
Oli Howard is Head of Membership & Product Portfolio at the CIPD, overseeing membership, products and regional teams. With a background in employee and change communications, he also teaches employee communication at master’s level.
Rachel Doherty leads CIPD-accredited HR and L&D programmes at the National College of Ireland. She has extensive experience in industry and consulting and is a Chartered Member of the CIPD with doctoral-level academic credentials.
Richard Hanlon is a board advisor and business leader with over 25 years’ experience across professional services, telecoms and fintech. A Chartered Director and Fellow of the CIPD, he specialises in governance, strategy, risk and cyber resilience.
Sinead Heneghan is CEO of the Learning & Development Institute, leading its strategic development and member engagement. She brings extensive experience across education, industry advocacy and skills development and serves on several national and international boards.
Shane is a Senior Organisation, Change and Management Consultant specialising in assisting Organisations gain maximum value from their Organisation Design. With 30 years experience in Organisation Design, Organisation Performance and Organisation Change, Shane established a bespoke consultancy, Organisation Dynamics. He works with indigenous companies, both private & public sector, and Multi-National Organisations.
Steve is Head of Learning at CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) having spent much of his career prior to this as a consultant designing high-impact, award-winning learning for some of the world's leading brands.
Steve is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Steve co-authored the book 'Adjacent Learning', published in February 2023.
With more than 30 years of experience in learning, talent, and organisational capability, Will Fitzgerald has built a reputation for helping organisations translate strategy into workforce performance.
Currently Associate Director, Scientific & Capability Learning within Novartis’ IMACE organisation, he leads initiatives designed to strengthen scientific and professional capabilities globally. As a Fellow of both CIPD and the Learning & Development Institute, Will is a strong advocate for professional standards, evidence-based practice, and lifelong development.
