Our Blogs

Joanna has over 25 years’ experience in the Irish mortgage and financial services sector, having held roles ranging from Financial Advisor and Bank Manager to Private Banker and Senior Executive within some of the country’s largest financial institutions.

She is a fully Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), a European Financial Advisor (EFA), and holds a Professional Diploma in Corporate Law & Governance from the Law Society of Ireland. Additionally, she has completed both the Professional Diploma and Professional Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors Ireland, and is currently awaiting her Chartered Director (CDir) accreditation.

Tara Lennon has eight years of experience in financial services, with the last five specialising in mortgages. She began her career at AIB before joining PTSB, where she worked as a Personal Lending and Business Advisor before progressing to Mortgage Advisor. In 2022, she joined EBS as a Mortgage Advisor before making the move to her current role. Tara obtained her QFA qualification in 2018.

With more than 12 years’ experience in the financial services sector, Rob joined LHK in November 2024.

Previous experience working in both smaller intermediaries, as well as larger corporations such as WTW & AON, has given Rob a valuable insight as to how the industry operates on multiple levels.

This insight, accompanied with his technical expertise and a previous career in the hospitality industry, enables Rob to offer the best possible service to Clients in his role as Corporate Pensions Lead.

Rob is a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) and received a BA from DIT

David Redmond is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and experienced Financial Advisor specialising in life assurance, pensions, and investments. With over 10 years in the financial services industry, David has worked across brokerages, life companies, and leading financial institutions, including New Ireland and AIB, providing him with a broad and in-depth understanding of the market.

David is committed to delivering clear financial advice, helping clients make informed decisions and achieve their long-term financial goals.

Ciaran has over 15 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry, with QFA and RPA qualifications and a strong background in Life, Pensions, and Investments across both Retail and Group business. He has worked in the Irish and UK markets, holding roles in Aviva, Friends First, Willis Towers Watson, and Bank of America, gaining expertise in technical support, claims, pensions, and compliance.

He holds a PRINCE2 qualification and a Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning.

Patricia began her career in 2008 with Cotter Insurances Ltd. Following the transfer of business, she joined Robert Blythman and Associates Ltd in 2014. Patricia joined LHK with Robert Blythman and Associates Ltd in 2025 and works in the personal lines team as an account executive.

She holds a Bachelor of Business (Hons) degree and a CIP qualification.

Jessica joined the Personal Lines team in May 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Business degree and is currently working towards her APA qualification. Enthusiastic about building a career in insurance, Jessica is keen to grow and develop her expertise within the industry

Dave joined LHK in 2026, bringing with him over 35 years’ experience, most recently with Dolmen Insurance Brokers and First Ireland. As an Account Director, Dave also leads the team of Account Executives within the LHK Corporate Department.
Known for his approachable style and sharp eye for detail, Dave focuses on building genuine, long-term relationships and making complex market decisions straightforward for his clients.

Dawn is a Personal Lines Account Executive at LHK, currently in the first year of her insurance apprenticeship. Dedicated and driven, Dawn has already made a strong impression; earning a nomination for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award.

Rebecca joined the Personal Lines team in our Drogheda office in 2023. She joined LHK from AIB Drumcondra where she was a Level 2 CES. She currently has an APA qualification in which she attained in February 2024.

Deirdre is a qualified accountant and has spent her career within the financial services sector, gaining extensive experience in both finance and accounting.  This experience enables her to be a key support to the finance team.

Marie Lyons is a personal Lines Account Executive for LHK Group. She is a dedicated professional with a background in Business and IT from Blanchardstown Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin). Starting a career in insurance at Sedgwick Ireland in 2018, they gained valuable industry experience over six years before joining the LHK team in Drogheda.

Holds an APA qualification in Commercial and Personal General Insurance for the past four years.

Helen joined LHK Group in March 2025 as Head of Compliance bringing over 30 years of experience in Financial Services.  Helen leads the firm’s regulatory compliance, risk and data protection functions.

Helen spent 15 years at Cigna Ltd working in health insurance, where she held roles in Client Services Management and Human Resources, afterwards spending 15 years in the credit union sector, working in various roles including Compliance Officer and Data Protection Lead. From 2022 to 2025, Helen served as Head of Compliance at MMPI Dublin.

She is a member of the Compliance Institute of Ireland and holds the LCI qualification through the Institute of Banking. Helen is also a Certified Data Protection Practitioner through the Irish Computer Society and holds a Diploma in Strategic HR Management from the Irish Management Institute, a Diploma in Risk Management, Internal Audit and Compliance from Chartered Accountants Ireland, and a Certificate in Operations, Quality and Lean Management through Technological University of the Shannon.

Damien has been working as a sales executive in personal lines insurance for over 10 years and joined LHK Group in 2024. Damien works within the Personal Lines team in a business development capacity. Damien has an undergraduate degree in Business Management and is CIP qualified.

Adam is currently in his first year on the Insurance Institute’s Apprenticeship Programme, working as a Personal Lines Account Executive in our Drogheda office. In this role, he supports clients with their personal insurance needs, focusing on home and motor policies.

Turlough Gray is a Qualified Financial Advisor with over eight years’ experience in financial services. He advises clients on investment , pensions and financial planning , combining practical advisory experience with a strong technical background with Fund Accounting. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional, holds a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and is currently completing a Masters in Financial Services. He also holds QFA and Accredited Funds professional designations .

Alan has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, specialising primarily in the field of investments. A former accountant he is a Qualified Financial Advisor and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UCD.

Alan assists clients design, implement and review lump sum portfolios both in the pension and non-pension environments be it for capital growth or to provide a lifetime income.

Alan has worked in senior roles across various brokerages before joining LHK Group.

Alex Fitzpatrick is a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) with extensive experience in the Irish financial services sector, specialising in life insurance, corporate pensions, investments, and wealth management. As a Senior Life & Pensions professional at LHK Group, Alex manages a diverse portfolio of clients, supporting the delivery of pension, protection, and investment solutions while ensuring a high standard of client service and compliance.

Prior to joining LHK Group, Alex spent over seven years with Mercer Ireland across private wealth financial planning and investment operations roles, gaining extensive experience in retirement planning, investment administration, and large-scale asset transitions. Alex is known for a client focused approach, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions with professionalism and care.

Gerry has over 40 years’ experience as an insurance broker having worked most recently with Aon and AJ Gallagher. Gerry joined us in 2025 and brings a wealth of experience with particular emphasis on property, liability and professional indemnity having advised many Irish businesses including large professional membership organisations and sporting bodies.

Carmel is lead financial advisor to Directors and Senior Managers of our pension Group schemes. Carmel has joined LHK Financial with over 20 years’ experience within the industry. She has worked at various stockbroking firms including Davy and Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland where she developed extensive technical expertise in investment, pension and wealth management advice. Carmel is a Chartered Global Management Accountant CGMA®,  Qualified Certified Financial Planner Professional CFP® , Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), holds an MSc in Financial Services. 

Colm joined LHK in 2024 with a range of experience including his work as a tax specialist in the asset management team within the financial services division of PWC. More latterly, Colm then transitioned to the life and pensions industry, administering multiple employee benefit schemes for a major retailer in Ireland before joining a brokerage. He has an undergraduate degree in Occupational Health and Safety Systems from NUIG and a postgraduate diploma in Accounting and Finance from GMIT, and is QFA qualified.

Starting their career in 2018 as an administrative assistant at an insurance brokerage, Shaun transitioned to a personal lines insurance broker role by 2020. In 2022, he advanced to a commercial insurance underwriter position, further broadening their expertise before moving to commercial insurance sales in 2023. As of June 2024,Shaun serves as a Business Development Executive with LHK Insurance Group, leveraging a comprehensive background in both underwriting and sales to drive strategic growth and client engagement.

Ciara joined the LHK commercial lines team alongside the Proactive Solutions business transfer in 2024 and has 20 years experience in the industry. Ciara started her insurance career with Quinn Insurance in 2004. Ciara is CIP qualified and continues to service the Proactive Solutions clients from our Drogheda office.

Monica joined the LHK commercial lines team alongside the Proactive Solutions business transfer in 2024 and has over 20 years experience in the industry having commenced her career in the industry in 1997 with O’Callaghan Insurance. Monica is CIP qualified and continues to service the Proactive Solutions clients from our Drogheda office.

Rebecca is a marketing lead with over six years of experience at The Irish Times and Pigsback.com, specialising in digital, social, brand, events, and content marketing. Her earlier career at AXA Insurance gave her a strong understanding of the customer and regulatory landscape, which continues to inform her strategic approach to marketing.

Rebecca joined the commercial lines team in our Drogheda office in 2023 after 8 years with Keystone Insurance where she was responsible for renewals and business development within the SME sector. 

Rebecca attained the CIP qualification in 2019 and plans to progress further with her insurance studies over the coming years.

Lisa is a qualified Accountant with experience predominantly in the Financial Services and Pharmaceutical Industry prior to joining LHK as Finance Manager in 2024. Lisa’s accountancy career started when she joined Grant Thornton as a Trainee Accountant in 1991 after completing her business and accounting studies at Griffith College Dublin. 

Fionnuala is an ACII with Chartered Insurer status. Her career began in Norwich Union in 1995. In 1997, she joined Hibernian (now Aviva) where she worked in both the personal lines team and the commercial team. On qualifying as an ACII in 2002, Fionnuala moved into the technical underwriting side of the business, working alongside the actuarial team. After a career break, Fionnuala returned to the insurance industry in 2020, initially joining Stuart Insurance Brokers, then moving to Alliance Insurance Brokers. Fionnuala joined LHK in March 2025. Her skill set and in-depth knowledge of the industry  allows her to lead and motivate her team to deliver the best possible outcomes for LHK’s customers.

Liz joined the Personal Lines team in our Drogheda office in 2023. A law graduate, Liz has 20 years industry experience having started her employment with Allianz Insurance in 2003.

Richard joined LHK in August 2023 from Marsh Mc Lennan where he was employed as a Senior Claims Consultant since 2017. Prior to Richard’s time with Marsh, Richard worked as a Senior Liability Claims Negotiator with RSA for 9 years. With over 17 years’ experience working in the insurance industry, Richard has established himself as a trusted client advisor. His background in both broking and insurance equips him with a deep understanding of claims management, allowing him to navigate its complexities effectively. Richard is a trusted client advisor, with a proven track record of reducing claim costs across various industry sectors. 

Ruth is an experienced commercial account executive having worked with The Insurance Shop for the majority of her career to date. Further to the sale of The Insurance Shop to LHK Group in April 2022, Ruth now works alongside the Drogheda commercial lines team where she continues to service longstanding clients of The Insurance Shop. 

Aoife joined the LHK personal lines team in 2022 and commenced the 3-year Insurance Institute apprenticeship programme in September 2022. Aoife was awarded the APA accreditation in November 2023.

Jack joined LHK in 2022 after working in the retail industry for 3 years. Jack qualified with a Higher Certificate in Business from the National College of Ireland in 2021 and supports our commercial team in an administrative capacity. Jack was awarded the APA accreditation in November 2023.

Michael started his career in the industry in 2015 with Marsh Insurance Brokers in Dublin and joined the LHK Personal Lines team in September 2022. Michael is APA qualified. 

Paul started his career in the industry with Cornmarket Insurance in 2014 and joined LHK Group in 2023 as Personal Lines Team Lead in our Dublin office.

Gerry is a Chartered Insurance Broker and serves as the Commercial Director at LHK Group. He began his insurance career with Hibernian Insurance Company (now Aviva) in 1982, where he gained broad experience across the company. In 2012, Gerry moved to Alan B Kidd and Company Insurance Brokers, where he became a shareholder director. The company was acquired by Arachas (now part of The Ardonagh Group) in 2018, and Gerry continued to hold senior roles there, as well as in Stuart Insurance Brokers in Dublin. He joined LHK Group in February 2022, bringing a wealth of industry experience and a strong record of leadership in commercial roles. 

Marie Therese joined the Retail and Personal Insurance team in Richardson Insurance Solutions in 2017 and brings over 20 years’ experience to the wider LHK Group Personal Lines team.

Cathriona joined LHK in 2022 following the acquisition of Richardson Insurance Solutions. With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, she has worked with brokerages in Dublin, Kildare, and the South East. While Cathriona has a strong background in the construction sector, her expertise extends to engineering, hospitality, manufacturing, and several other industries. She holds the Management Diploma in Insurance (MDI) and is a Diploma member of the Chartered Insurance Institute in London (Dip CII). As Account Director, Cathriona’s extensive industry knowledge and client-focused approach make her an invaluable asset to our team. 

Tom joined LHK in May 2021 and is responsible for the development of the commercial and corporate account in his capacity as Business Development Lead. With a career spanning both underwriting and corporate broking, most recently with Marsh, Tom is an experienced practitioner and advisor. His technical expertise and well-established insurer relationships enable him to deliver the best possible outcomes for his clients.A CIP-qualified professional with a BA from UCD, Tom is a Wexford native with deep agricultural roots and notable experience in the Food and Agri sectors. He also has significant expertise in advising clients across the Construction, Charity/Non-Profit, Leisure, and Professional Services industries. ​

Ceri began her career with LHK Group in July 2021, joining the Dublin office as part of the Personal Lines team. She progressed into the Accounts Department in 2022 before moving into the Operations Department, where she now works as an Operations Executive.

Ceri holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from NUI Galway and a Bachelor of Business Studies Diploma in International Hotel Management from Shannon College of Hotel Management. She achieved her APA accreditation in October 2022.

Luke joined LHK in January 2025, bringing five years of administrative experience within the healthcare sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Information & Communication Studies from University College Dublin, graduating in 2024.

Margot joined LHK Group in June 2025, bringing over a decade of experience in financial planning and relationship management. Prior to joining LHK, she worked as a Financial Planner in Galway for nine years, where she supported a wide range of clients, including business leaders, credit unions, charities, and private individuals, with tailored financial strategies. Margot began her career with AIB Bank, serving as a Relationship Manager across multiple locations in Dublin and London. She holds a B.A. in Economics and English from University College Dublin, a Diploma in Legal Studies from the College of Commerce, Rathmines, and is both QFA and CFP qualified.

Natasha joined LHK Financial in 2024, bringing a strong background in life and pensions, along with extensive expertise in investments and mortgages. Her broad experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of client needs, and she plays a key role in supporting both clients and advisors. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from University College Dublin and is a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA).

Shane joined LHK in 2025 bringing previous experience working in administration in the logistics sector. He holds a Bachelors Honours in Business Studies from the National College of Ireland graduating in 2023 and Master of Science in International Business graduating in 2024.

Eva joined LHK in 2025, bringing a strong foundation in finance and international business. She began her career in finance in 2023, following experience at a multinational start-up. Eva holds a Master’s in International Business from the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and is a Qualified Financial Advisor. She also serves on the Board of her local Credit Union, reflecting her commitment to financial empowerment and community engagement. Eva is passionate about building meaningful relationships and enjoys working with a diverse range of clients from various backgrounds.

Roisin joined LHK in September 2019, bringing with her 18 years of experience in administration and accounts within the travel and leisure industry. She holds a QQI Level 5 qualification in bookkeeping and plays a key role in supporting the team with her strong organisational and financial skills.

Aisling brings over 21 years of experience in Finance and Accounts, with 18 of those years spent in the insurance industry. She began her career at RSA in 1999, working in the Finance Department, before moving to Affinity Insurance Brokers in 2007, where she served as Financial Controller. Aisling joined LHK in 2013, continuing to apply her strong industry knowledge and expertise.

Fiona joined Kelleher Insurance in 2017 and brings over 11 years of experience in the insurance industry. She began her career at FBD, working across both personal and commercial lines. Fiona holds a BA (Hons) in Business, is CIP qualified, and plays a key role on the Renewal team at LHK, where her broad expertise supports strong client outcomes.

Sharon joined the Personal Lines team in LHK Kelleher Insurance in July 2017. Sharon commenced her insurance career in 1989 and has almost twenty years’ experience in both general insurance and life assurance broking and underwriting. Sharon has an ACII accreditation with the Chartered Insurance institute. Sharon was presented with the Paddy Cowman Award for achieving the highest result nationally in the Principles and Practices of Management in Insurance (ACII) Exams.

Graham joined the Dublin Personal Lines team in January 2023 and has 14 years’ experience in the industry, having started his career with the AA Ireland. Graham is CIP qualified and also attained MDI qualification in 2025.

Rachel commenced her insurance career with the Personal Lines team in January 2019. She successfully completed the 3 year Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship programme in 2022 graduating with a BA degree in Insurance Practice from ATU Sligo. In conjunction with the completion of her studies, Rachel moved to the Commercial Lines team in an administrative capacity in mid 2022 and progressed to a Commercial Account Executive position in 2023. Rachel achieved her MDI qualification in 2025. 

Ian Leakey began his insurance career in 2008 and is a Senior Commercial Account Handler specialising in commercial and corporate insurance placements. Known for his attention to detail and client-focused approach, he delivers tailored insurance solutions and exceptional service to clients. Having previously served as a Commercial Team Lead, Ian brings valuable leadership and mentoring experience to the role. He also coordinates the servicing of LHK’s international insurance clients for their local insurance requirements.

Michael joined the Drogheda Personal Lines Team in October 2017. Michael started his career in insurance in 2014 with Chill Insurance and later completed his APA qualification in Personal and Commercial General Insurance in June 2016. He joined the Commercial team in February 2020 and attained his CIP qualification in 2024.

Gillian joined Kelleher Insurance in 2001, having started her career at Zurich Insurance. With extensive experience in both Personal and Commercial Lines Insurance, she has developed in-depth knowledge across sectors such as Food & Beverage, the Bridgestone scheme, and more recently, Solicitors Professional Indemnity Insurance. Gillian’s expertise in relationship management, negotiation, and delivering efficient solutions has made her a key asset to our clients. She now leads the Corporate Team in our Drogheda office, continuing to provide exceptional service and strategic guidance. 

Keith joined LHK in 2016, bringing extensive experience from his time in the Irish sporting sector, including roles with Rugby Players Ireland and Line Up Sports. Since then, he has built a strong and varied client base across industries such as Food & Agri, Leisure, Equine, Retail, Manufacturing, and Construction. 

Known for his client-focused approach, Keith works closely with businesses to deliver tailored, cost-effective insurance solutions. His commitment to service and relationship-building has helped drive continued growth within LHK. In 2023, he was appointed Corporate Lead of the Dublin office. 

Padraig joined LHK Insurance in January 2018, bringing with him extensive experience in commercial insurance. Prior to joining LHK, he held roles with Aon Risk Solutions and Keaney Insurance Brokers, where he developed broad expertise across sectors including Technology and Marine/Haulage. Padraig is currently working towards his CIP qualification and continues to deliver tailored insurance solutions to clients with a focus on service and sector-specific insight. 

Ros brings over 20 years of experience to her role as Group Operations Director. Her career began in Northern Ireland, where she started on the Kerry Group’s sales graduate programme. She then moved on to senior management roles at Arcadia Group and Brown Thomas Ltd, working across both Ireland and the UK.

Since joining LHK Group in 2015, Ros has taken on responsibility for a wide range of operational areas, including information technology, financial management, digitisation, human resource planning, marketing, and regulatory governance. She has played a key role in driving the success and fostering the high-performance work culture at LHK Group.

Ros holds a BESS undergraduate degree from Trinity College Dublin, a Master’s in Business Management Consultancy from UCD Smurfit School, and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. She was appointed to the Board in April 2022.

Conail joined LHK Group in April 2019 to lead LHK Financial, the company’s financial planning division. With over 25 years of experience, Conail spent 17 years at Grant Thornton and previously worked with various pension and actuarial consultancy firms in Ireland and Scotland. He has built a strong reputation as a trusted advisor to a wide range of corporate and professional clients. 

Conail’s expertise spans pension and insurance arrangements, financial advice for pre and post-retirement strategies, business insurance, life assurance, disability, critical illness, lump sum investment, and inheritance tax. He holds a Joint Financial Services Diploma and a Diploma in Retirement Planning Advice, in addition to being a Qualified Financial Advisor. Conail is a Fellow of the Life Insurance Association of Ireland, a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants in Ireland, and an Associate of the Irish Institute of Pension Managers. He has also completed the IIPM Law and Governance Programme for Trustees and is a Revenue-approved Pensioneer Trustee with a specialised focus on pension law. 

Stephen began his insurance career in 1979 with Hibernian Insurance (now Aviva) before joining the family business, Robert Blythman & Associates Ltd, in 1983. Over the years, he has led the brokerage with a focus on delivering trusted advice across general insurance, life, pensions, savings, and investments. A Chartered Insurance Practitioner, Stephen holds ACII and APA qualifications in Life & Pensions and Savings & Investments. With more than four decades of industry experience, he remains committed to providing clients with clear, expert guidance. 

Colm is a Chartered Insurance Broker and Managing Director of LHK Group. After graduating with a degree in Insurance Studies and a master’s in Risk Management, he began his career with Aon London in their Global Risks division, advising multinational clients on complex insurance placements. He progressed to Strategic Account Broker and Director within the division before returning to Ireland at the end of 2007.

Since then, Colm has led the consistent, compound growth of LHK Group, broadening the firm’s service offering and building a strong client base across Ireland. His leadership remains grounded in collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Conor Sheeran has over 40 years of experience in financial services. He is one of the founding members of Finance One, which was established in 2006 and acquired by LHK in 2024. Prior to this, Conor held a position as Director of Aon Consulting and has also worked for Permanent TSB. His extensive career has seen him build a deep understanding of the financial services industry, providing expert guidance and leadership in various roles. 

Stephen joined LHK Group in 2016 and is responsible for driving the company’s organic growth while overseeing the day-to-day management of the Drogheda office. He continues to manage many of LHK’s longstanding clients, ensuring strong relationships and exceptional service. Before joining LHK, Stephen was CEO of McGivern Flynn Insurance Brokers, where he grew and developed the business while personally managing a large portfolio of mid to large corporate clients. With over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, Stephen has held senior roles in broking, underwriting, and business development at Zurich, AIG, and Fingal Insurance Brokers.