Recruitment and talent advisory firm Barden has announced the appointment of Sinéad Donovan as Strategic Advisor.

With over 20 years’ experience as a Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland, the firm says Donovan brings a wealth of leadership, governance and strategic expertise to Barden.  

She served as Grant Thornton Ireland Chairperson for the past four years, and, during her tenure, the business grew from a team of 90 people, to almost 3,000, with Donovan playing a pivotal role in expanding and diversifying the firm's service offering.

A Fellow and most recent Past President of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), Donovan led a landmark vote to amalgamate CPA Ireland and CAI, an historic step that established CAI as the largest professional body in Ireland.   

She is also a Trustee of Girls Not Brides, a global NGO working to end child marriage.

“Barden is an ambitious, innovative firm, driven by values that deeply resonate with me”, Donovan said of her move into Ireland’s professional recruitment sector.

“The Barden approach focuses on challenge, empowerment and enabling people to realise their potential; all of which aligns with how I believe great organisations operate.  

“It is good to find a team so committed to doing things differently, and placing the wellbeing of their people and clients at the heart of everything.  

“Barden has this attitude in spades.

In her new role, Donovan will work collaboratively with Barden’s leadership team, to build on the Irish company’s success by expanding strategic networks and deepening partnerships, while upholding the firm’s core values and first-class professional services.

Elaine Brady, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Barden Leinster, added:
“Sinéad is a groundbreaking chartered accountant whose influence has shaped the industry and profession in Ireland.  

“Her values-driven approach, professionalism and passion for client experience perfectly align with our mission to redefine recruitment and talent advisory.  

“As recruiters, we have the power to change people’s lives and to influence clients’ success, so we are delighted that Sinéad has chosen to join us in this next chapter of her outstanding career.”

Welcoming Sinéad Donovan to the Barden team, Ed Heffernan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Barden Ireland, said that Donovan’s career and expertise will be instrumental in advancing the recruiter’s strategic ambitions.

“Sinéad’s appointment not only validates our vision, but also accelerates our journey to transform recruitment into a true professional services discipline.  

"We are delighted and honoured to now call her a colleague, and to have her support in the evolution of our business.”