Educational Background:
Graduate in various disciplines including Strategic Talent Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Learning & Development, Computer programming & Business studies. Various micro credentials including Effective leadership studies.
General Experience:
26+ years in the regulated medical device industry
Manager Training specializing in transformational development.
Accredited TWI Master Trainer, establishment and implementation.
Project Management certified
Lean Accredited, Green belt certified
Skilled in U.S. FDA, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA), and Medical Devices.
EMCC accredited professional Mentor.
Passionate believer in lifelong learning, personal & professional development.
Adrienne Mc Donnell is a Senior Executive with Irish Medtech, the Ibec sector representing Ireland’s globally recognised medical technology industry. Since joining Ibec in 2000, Adrienne has played a pivotal role in shaping strategy and policy across multiple sectors, including medtech, engineering, software, and food and drink.
In her current role, Adrienne leads the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Strategy for Irish Medtech, advancing Ireland’s position as a global hub for innovation-driven healthcare solutions. She actively represents the sector at both European and national level through her membership on Orgalim’s RDI and Digital Transformation Working Groups and MedTech Europe’s RDI Working Group, contributing to shaping European innovation and digital policy for advanced technologies.
Adrienne has authored multiple policy papers on Advanced Manufacturing, Apprenticeships and R&D Tax Credits and Innovation Supports, and has been a prominent voice in lobbying for improvements to Ireland’s Clinical Trials ecosystem, advocating for a more agile, innovation-friendly regulatory environment.
She was instrumental in lobbying for the establishment of a national advanced discrete manufacturing centre, a vision realised through the creation of Digital Manufacturing Ireland. Her strategic foresight and stakeholder engagement also led to the successful development and expansion of Ireland’s Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeships at Levels 6 and 7—initiatives that are now cornerstones of Ireland’s skills pipeline. Adrienne is particularly proud to support the introduction of the new Level 8 Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship, further reinforcing career progression pathways in high-tech manufacturing.
Previously, Adrienne held responsibility for Operational Excellence, Marketing & Communications, Compliance, and Entrepreneurship within the Irish Medtech Association. She led the Association’s 2019 pre-Budget submission “Safeguard Ireland’s Manufacturing Future,” which called for strategic investment in advanced manufacturing infrastructure and innovation.
Adrienne began her Ibec career in the Finance Department, where she implemented a new procurement policy across the organisation, before moving to sectoral policy and advocacy roles in 2005. Her early work involved representing Ireland’s Software, Cellular, and Food & Drink sectors at national and EU levels.
Adrienne holds a degree in Business Studies from Waterford Institute of Technology, a Master’s in Marketing from the National College of Ireland, and additional qualifications in PR and Digital Marketing. Prior to joining Ibec, she held roles with Boston Scientific, Dublin Airport Authority, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
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A native of Connemara, Breda joined IDA Ireland 21 years ago after spending much of her career in the UK and holds a master’s degree in strategic human resource management from Manchester Metropolitan University. Breda joined IDA Ireland as the Global Head of HR&OD, moved into Regional Business Development and Client Operations. Breda is currently heading up a department for IDA developing Ireland’s proposition on talent and digitalisation to support client transformation. Breda’s team works with IDA Ireland client companies on innovation, talent development, digitalisation, and sustainability. Her team is responsible for the development of supports and services in these areas to drive transformation across Irish sites and works closely with stakeholders across Ireland like Irish MedTech, to provide some of these supports to client companies.
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Darran Roche is Automation Manager at BONNER, bringing over 25 years’ experience in manufacturing and automation across a broad range of industries—from agile SMEs to Fortune 500 organisations. Darran’s career is defined by continuous professional growth, having started with a trade apprenticeship and progressing to senior leadership through a combination of practical experience, advanced study, and professional accreditation.
Since joining the Engineering Skillnet steering group in April 2024, Darran has been a strong advocate for lifelong learning at any age. He has made it a priority to promote accessible, state-supported upskilling for engineers at all career stages, firmly believing that education is the foundation for a resilient, future-ready workforce.
Darran has led and delivered automation, controls, and functional safety solutions for clients in the MedTech, pharmaceutical, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. His technical expertise covers everything from equipment design and safety systems (in line with ISO 13849 & IEC 62061) to Lean Six Sigma process improvement, project management, and the deployment of Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies.
Darran is a Member of Engineers Ireland (MIEI) and holds a range of major and macro qualifications, including:
• Level 9 Professional Diploma in Equipment Systems Engineering, University of Limerick (in progress)
• BEng (Hons) in Process & Engineering Management, TUS
• Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Technology, LIT
• CMSE® – Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV Nord)
• CEFS – Certified Expert in Functional Safety (TÜV Nord)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Quality America
• Design of Safety Control Systems (Pilz Ireland)
• Cybersecurity Essentials (Cisco)
• QQI Level 6 in Industrial Electrical Systems and Industrial Instrumentation.
Jean O'Donnell is an award-winning Technology Capability & Change Leader with over 20 years of strategic expertise spanning Data & Analytics, Technology Talent Development, and Organisational Transformation. As Co-Founder of Wayfinder Careers, Jean pioneers the future of work, partnering with organisations to cultivate the #DistinctlyHuman skills essential to thrive through digital transformation.
Her unique approach combines data-driven decision making with strong coaching expertise (MSc in Management & Leadership Coaching) to transform organisational culture, guide strategic workforce planning, and develop high-performing teams in rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
She excels at identifying hidden potential within organizations and individuals, designing the systems and cultures required to flourish in our digital world. Her work empowers organisations to build teams that are equipped to collaborate rather than compete with AI.
She has received multiple recognitions, including the Technology Ireland Award for Diversity in Tech, and the CIPD Ireland Award for Empowerment & Trust
Jean currently serves as Chair of Women in Technology & Science Ireland, the country's longest-running STEM advocacy group, where she leads national initiatives focused on attracting, retaining, and developing women in STEM fields across Ireland.
Jean holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Data & Analytics from the Analytics Institute, a Masters in Management & Professional Coaching from University College Cork, and a Diploma in Coaching for Performance from Dublin Business School.
My name is Donal Collins and I am the Research and Development manager at McHale. I’m responsible for new product introduction and developing existing product. I’m 26 years with the McHale. I’m a graduate of Manufacturing Technology from GMIT and later completed an MBS in Innovation & Leadership at LYIT. I am an external examiner for the engineering programmes in GMIT and also liaised closely with them in the development and introduction of new engineering courses. I’m a mentor for our apprentices that partake in the Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship programmes.
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Pauline O’ Flanagan, Director, Engineering Industries Ireland, an Ibec Trade Association, representing the interests of engineering business sectors in Ireland. Member of Orgalim National Council, representing European Technology Industries, Lean Business Ireland Leadership Team, Solas, Skills to Advance Micro-Qualifications Oversight Team and Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Steering Committee. Previously, Head of Funded projects for Ibec Medtech & Engineering Skillnet, Springboard & Apprenticeships. Held senior leadership positions in Medtech research and manufacturing for 15 years. Managing Director of own consultancy business for 10 years. Academic qualifications BSc (NUIG), H. Dip. App. Sc. (UG), MBA (UL), Diploma in Managing Networks (TUI), Diploma in Quality Mmt, Lean Blackbelt (UL), Certificate in Training & Development (UG).
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Jodie started as a contractor within Johnson and Johnson during the pandemic, after working as a professional chef the previous 5 years. While there she started her apprenticeship in manufacturing, she completed her level 6 in TUS Limerick, and once qualified she began working as a Process Technician on the production lines. She then continued her apprenticeship in ATU, where she completed her level 7, the same year she won apprentice of the year in the engineering category. Just recently she completed her level 8, and she is now working as a Manufacturing Engineer within J&J. Throughout the years Jodie has been involved in many projects supporting the apprenticeship program, speaking on apprenticeships at the I-Wish event in Dublin, a speaker on the Heroes stage at WorldSkills and supporting Woman in stem camps within JNJ.
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Filip founded Stragilon (Strategic Agile Innovation) in Berlin in 2015. Stragilon supports global businesses in future-back transformation. Today, more than ever, artificial intelligence offers new opportunities, yet the best way to approach those is by transforming from within. Stragilon has developed Job Crafter®, an application enabling professionals to integrate AI naturally by crafting their jobs towards creating higher value and subtracting overwork.
In the rapidly evolving business landscape, Filip helps clients to work in a future-back method. This allows companies to innovate ecosystemically, creating new value through cross functional collaboration.
Filip has a rich corporate background with industry giants like Cisco Systems, BiogenIdec, and Tosoh, before starting Stragilon. He is an experienced conference facilitator with truly global expertise and experience in the field of large multi-language workshop facilitation. Consistently adopting a growth mindset, Filip's commitment to continuous learning has empowered him to master 10 languages and engage with industry leaders globally. Based in Berlin, he works worldwide. Apart from his ventures with Stragilon, Filip contributes as a Lecturer in Innovation at the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, and spearheads the innovation division of the MBA program at Collège des Ingénieurs in Turin & Paris.
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Justin Purcell Biography
Justin is a Development Advisor in Network Development with Skillnet Ireland where he manages a portfolio of Skillnet Business networks across a range of manufacturing industry sectors.
With over 25 years’ experience, Justin has a strong track record in supporting and mentoring networks and companies. Justin has extensive experience and understanding of the development and training needs of companies at various stages of their development. Justin holds a BA in Economics and a Masters in Marketing and Management from University College Dublin.
Dr Ann O’Connell PhD is a visionary leader, a dynamic collaborator. As Head of Funded projects for Medtech and Engineering Skills with Ibec, Ann is responsible for funding, development and delivery of over 100 professional upskilling programmes ranging from 1-day webinars, to 2-year Masters programmes. Ann’s course list is wide ranging and comprehensive, covering Research & Development, Manufacturing & Digitalisation, Quality & Regulatory, Sustainability, and Management & Leadership, and she specialises in piloting and launching new programmes to meet emerging needs.
Ann completed her PhD in 2014 with the Centre for BioNano Interactions (CBNI) at University College Dublin and is a longtime advocate for lifelong learning amongst industry professionals. She joined Ibec in 2019 from Irish Manufacturing Research Centre, where as the European Programme Manager, she refocused strategy and investment and led the successful application of a proposal to coordinate a H2020 funded project under the ECSEL JU Program. Prior to that, Ann served as Senior Integration Engineer with Intel Corporation for almost two decades, supporting multiple business sectors across diverse geographies, Ann’s deep understanding of the power of technology, digitalisation, data science and intelligent automation in advancing all businesses is applied with expertise and purpose in her role today, as she supports the industries that will solve some of the world’s most critical health and environmental challenges.
Ida Foley is the Director of Regulatory Affairs, EMEA at Teleflex. She joined Teleflex in June 2011 as a Quality Systems Specialist and has built her knowledge and career over the past 12 years, holding multiple positions within the QARA function. She was Senior Manager of Quality System prior to moving into her role as Director of Regulatory Affairs.
Prior to joining Teleflex, Ida worked at Boston Scientific Tullamore where she started in the MedTech Industry holding various roles in Quality from 1998 to 2009.
Ida holds a BSc. in Quality Engineering and has also completed the MSc. in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs through the Atlantic Technological University Sligo and University of Galway. She is a member of various Irish Medtech Association (IMA) Task Forces supporting the IMA QARA Forum and is a member of the IMA Regulatory Steering Committee