Events

Keynote speaker: Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift Ltd.

Martin McVicar is the CEO and Co-founder of Combilift Ltd., a manufacturer of materials handling solutions, with its global HQ based in Co. Monaghan, Ireland. Starting with just a handful of employees in 1998 when Martin established Combilift with Technical Director Robert Moffett, he now heads up a workforce of around 900, manufacturing in excess of 120 units per week, and exporting to more than 85 countries.

Combilift’s unparalleled growth and success in the handling sector is down to the drive, energy and innovation that underpins the company’s – and Martin’s philosophy. Continual investment of 6% of turnover in research and development has enabled Combilift to become the fastest growing global forklift manufacturer, and keeps the company one step ahead when it comes to designing and supplying safer, space saving, productive and more cost-effective ways to lift and store long and awkward products, palletised loads, containers and oversized goods. This drive culminated recently in Combilift reaching the significant milestone of 100,000 units produced to date.

Martin’s career in engineering began when he was just a teenager in Moffett Engineering – becoming Engineering Manager of that global company at just 19 years of age. His skill and insight over the years in identifying exactly what customers need from handling equipment has resulted in the customised approach to Combilift’s diverse range of products.

Combilift has won dozens of awards for its products, its exporting prowess and management, and this is in no small part down to Martin’s tireless ambition for his company to be the absolute top of its game on a global scale. This ambition was already evident in 2001 when he was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the age of just 29.

Aoife Beirne, CEO Mergon Group

Aoife leads a global manufacturing organisation of over 1100 employees across facilities in Ireland, the Czech Republic, Mexico and the United States. 

With over 20 years of experience across the manufacturing and services sectors, Aoife has played a pivotal role in shaping Mergon’s long-term strategy, culture, and sustainability agenda. She is passionate about driving transformation, embedding lean principles across the organisation, and fostering a people-first culture that balances operational excellence with innovation.

Aoife, a qualified executive coach, holds a Master of Business Administration from University College Dublin, a Higher Diploma in Quality Assurance from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a BSc in Experimental Physics and Biology from Maynooth University.

John MacNamara, Head of Corporate Sustainability, BnM

John MacNamara is currently leading BnM’s Corporate Sustainability team, as the company having completed its pivot away from fossil fuels, now focuses on low carbon renewable energy assets, the circular economy and land use management/eco-system services. John is developing and co-ordinating the implementation of Bord na Móna’s new Sustainability strategy which also includes embedding ESG considerations across all activities in the organisation. He holds a PhD in Chemistry, an LLB in Irish Law, and a diploma in Corporate Finance. John is company secretary for the Electricity Association of Ireland; was previously chair of Wind Energy Ireland’s (WEI) Markets Committee and is currently a member of the Brussels based Eurelectric‘s Sustainable Finance Working Group. John was formerly employed with the EPA as a senior scientist, as well as holding positions in the private environmental sector and latterly in BnM’s Renewable Energy division. John is also a member of the Institute of Directors.

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