Mark Horner has been appointed as business development director with Speedlink International Logistics, the global logistics and courier services company. He brings extensive experience from the aviation industry, as well as specialist knowledge in airfreight ground handling services and logistics. He will drive growth, while supporting the strategic direction of the company, and building and developing internal and external relationships. Established in 1990, Speedlink counts many of the leading aerospace, engineering, pharma and defence companies amongst its growing customer base. “Speedlink International Logistics is fast establishing itself as the freight forwarder of choice for importers and exporters across the island of Ireland,” said Mr Horner.

Leeanne O’Donnell has been appointed as Writer in Residence 2025 with Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service. She will work with communities in the county to improve access to literature and creative writing, using local libraries as centres of creative writing. Leeanne is a writer and podcaster who lives on the foothills of Mount Gabriel in West Cork. She brings a wealth of experience in creative writing facilitation, media and journalism and psychotherapy. She started her storytelling career in radio with RTÉ and BBC and has won awards with RTÉ’s ‘Doc on One’ series. She produces and presents the ‘Into The Mythic’ podcast about Irish mythology.

Eduardo Espinal has been appointed as head of sales and partnerships for North America with ZeroMission, the Tipperary-based provider of commercial EV fleet management software. He will drive growth across the region, as well as working with the global team to develop and implement an effective sales strategy. He brings 12 years of experience within the electric vehicle sector. Most recently, he was director of business development and strategic partnerships, e-mobility, for Flash Parking, leading on new construction opportunities for EV charging as well as fostering strategic fleet and real estate partnerships. He has also held sales and consultancy roles at TurnTide Technologies, ChargePoint and Urban Science.

Cathy Fitzgibbon has been appointed as the 42nd president of Network Ireland Cork for 2025, unveiled at the organisation’s AGM at Cork City Hall. Cathy is the owner of The Culinary Celt; she is the author of ‘Eat With The Seasons’ and is also an experienced sales and media leader within organisations across Ireland and Europe. She was appointed as Network Ireland Cork’s president following her tenure as its vice-president. Diane Higgins, owner of Diane Higgins Design, takes up the role of vice-president. Network Ireland Cork represents the interests of women in business in Cork. Cathy has been involved with Network Ireland for the past 20 years.

James O’Donnell has been appointed as commercial director with business and IT consulting firm emagine, strengthening the firm’s operation in Ireland, based at its headquarters in Cork. He brings more than 20 years of experience in driving business development across the consulting and outsourcing industries. At emagine, he is tasked with supporting the firm’s ongoing growth strategy locally in Ireland. This includes bringing in new customers but also developing account management and services for existing clients. In Ireland, the consultancy has more than 200 employees and contractors in Cork and Dublin. The firm employs more than 900 staff and 4,500 consultants on contract across 25 offices globally.