The 2023 Lineup
Opening WMB’s 15th annual Conference this year is the highly respected political figure – Frances Fitzgerald MEP. Frances is MEP for Dublin City and County and is a Vice-President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament. We look forward to hearing about the wonderful work Frances continues to do in serving her country and representing us in the wider European community.
Also taking to the stage this year is Anne Sheehan, General Manager of Microsoft Ireland. Anne will be in conversation with media expert and WMB Facilitator, Helen Shaw.
Our theme this year is ‘What is your why?’ and our ViewPoint Panel participants will embrace this theme from their own perspectives. We can’t wait to hear from Sharon Walsh, SVP Technology at Fidelity Investments Ireland; Deirdre O’Neill, Managing Director at Compass Group Ireland, and entrepreneur and jewellery designer, Chupi Sweetman for what promises to be an inspiring conversation with audience participation.
WELCOME ADDRESS: Frances Fitzgerald, MEP for Dublin City and County and a Vice-President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.
Prior to her election to the European Parliament in 2019, Frances served as a Fine Gael Parliamentarian for over 20 years. She served as a Senator and T.D. in Dublin Mid-West and has previously served as a Fine Gael T.D. in Dublin South East. She most recently served as Tánaiste, one of only four women to have ever held this position.
IN CONVERSATION WITH: Anne Sheehan, General Manager of Microsoft Ireland
Anne Sheehan is General Manager of Microsoft Ireland since October 2021. She is responsible for the sales, marketing, and services business across the island of Ireland – with particular focus on delivering sustainable digital transformation in the Irish market, in both public and private sectors, together with Microsoft’s extensive network of Irish partners.
VIEWPOINT PANEL: Sharon Walsh, SVP Technology, Fidelity Investments Ireland
Sharon joined Fidelity Investments in 1997 in Boston and has held a range of technology leadership positions across several of Fidelity’s businesses before returning to work for Fidelity in Ireland in 2013. Sharon currently leads Fidelity’s Asset Management Technology’s Strategy & Planning function.
VIEWPOINT PANEL: Deirdre O’Neill, Managing Director, Compass Group Ireland
Deirdre O’Neill – better known as Dee by her team – first joined the Compass Ireland family in 2016, leaning on 15 years of experience in the Food & Retail sector to head up the Marketing Department. Her fresh take on transforming the image of food service earnt the plaudits of colleagues and industry professionals alike, securing her ascent into the role of Managing Director.
VIEWPOINT PANEL: Chupi Sweetman, Founder and CEO, Chupi
The passion that has underpinned Chupi’s first successful decade in business stems from Founder and CEO Chupi Sweetman, who believes fervently that we can each tell our own story through the jewellery we wear. This pioneering and philanthropic leader has disrupted the industry: Chupi is a digital-first luxury brand operating a borderless business model whilst making each and every piece of its jewellery in Ireland.
THE FACILITATOR: Helen Shaw
Helen Shaw is a multi award winning media professional and documentary maker. She runs her own company, Athena Media, and was one of the first podcasters in Ireland when she launched Podcasting Ireland.
