The Irish Times and Irish Examiner Group have announced a number of senior appointments, which will underpin their strategy to connect sales teams into an aligned sales network. This will allow them to offer customers opportunities at scale, while critically optimising the strengths of the individual brands within the group. According to the Group, this alignment will respond to customers’ desire for simplicity of service and best in class insights to inform trustworthy and effective decision-making.

Paul Kelly, Investment & Strategy Manager

Paul Kelly has been with the Irish Examiner since 2007, most recently as Media Solutions Manager – Agency and Brands. In his new appointment as Investment & Strategy Manager across The Irish Times and Irish Examiner Group, Paul will manage all Trading agreements across Agencies and play a strategic role in driving revenue behind new products and verticals.

Claire O’ Flynn, Head of Agency Solutions

Claire O’Flynn started her career at Dennis Publishing and was part of the team to re-launch The Big Issue before launching their agency division. Joining the Guardian in 2015, she was later appointed Display Director before relocating to Cork from London in 2020 to take up the role of Digital Strategist with the Irish Examiner.

In her new appointment as Head of Agency Solutions across The Irish Times and Irish Examiner Group, Claire is leading the alignment of our group media solutions offering, leveraging the individuality of the titles within the portfolio alongside the scale.

Dr. Claire English, Head of Research for The Irish Times/Irish Examiner Group

Claire supports the Media Solutions, Editorial and Technology Departments in gaining an in-depth understanding of the audiences across all platforms, using a variety of primary and secondary research approaches. Claire has extensive experience working on both qualitative and quantitative research projects across a variety of industries including media, FMCG, Telecoms, Tourism and Finance.

Throughout her research career Claire has specialised in consumer research with a focus on media audiences. Following completion of her Ph.D. from Dublin City University, which examined online news consumption and civic engagement, she worked with REDC Research & Marketing, Dublin and BBC News Audiences, London before joining the Group in 2019.

Barbara Neeson, Events and Trade Communications Executive

Barbara brings a wealth of multi-sector experience to the newly created position of Events and Trade Communications Executive at The Irish Times & Irish Examiner Group. A Robert T Jones Junior scholar, Barbara completed her MA Hons from University of St Andrews and holds a master’s in Political Lobbying & Public Affairs from University of Ulster.

A Belfast native, she returned home to plot a diverse and dynamic career with blue chip names in Broadcasting, Creative Arts and Recruitment before recently relocating to Dublin. In her new role, Barbara develops strategies with the Group’s individual verticals and publications while growing the overall Group approach to B2B communication.