Alan Shortt is an Executive Communication Coach, Media Skills Advisor, Professional Emcee/Host and Motivational Speaker in “The Science of Communication”.

Alan has developed the “5 Steps to Communication Success” empowering professionals to enhance their communication skills, storytelling skills and leadership presence, transforming speakers into compelling communicators, enhancing their delivery, stage presence, and overall impact. Alan’s holistic Communication Coaching style, inspires his clients on how to connect with audiences and deliver memorable presentations.

Over the last 30 years Alan has worked as a Banker, Broadcaster, Presenter, Actor, Comedian, Script Writer, and Producer, working with RTE Radio/TV, BBC Radio Ulster, Channel 4 and Lectured in the Gaeity School of Acting – “Master the Media”.

In 2024, Alan delivered lectures in Trinity College and IADT (Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology). He has performed numerous keynote speeches at conferences and staff Training events where he enthralled audiences  with his insights on the science of communication skills and tips for being a great presenter and Master Communicator.

Peter was Executive Chairman of JD Sports Fashion plc (the JD Group) from 2005 to May 2022. Under his leadership, the Group developed significantly, from a breakeven position when he joined, to generating a profit before tax and exceptional items of £991 million and revenues of over £10 billion (for the financial year ended 2023).

The Group underwent a period of extensive global expansion from being UK centric to trading from 3,400 stores across 27 territories worldwide. This was achieved by a combination of organic growth and acquisition, the largest of which was Finish Line, headquartered in the USA, in 2018. Finish Line was a NASDAQ listed company with a $558M valuation.

In 2019, the JD Group was confirmed by Bloomberg news agency to be the “Best Performing Share of the Century” in respect of shareholder returns. An investment of £100,000 upon Peter’s commencement of tenure would have achieved a value of £10,000,000 [£10 million] prior to his departure.

Peter is a Chartered Accountant and prior to his career at JD Sports Fashion plc, he set up his own accountancy practice, Cowgills, in Bolton, Lancashire. Cowgills is now one of the largest accountancy firms in the North of England with offices in Bolton, Manchester and Liverpool.

Peter is currently the Chairman of The Fragrance Shop and Undercover Brothers (Crep Protect Shoe Care). He is also a strategic advisor to the Boards of AK Retail Holdings (Yours Clothing), Pavers Shoes and the Mentor Group.

Edoardo is a member of the leadership team at Google’s EMEA HQ in Dublin, where he heads the Large Customer Sales Team for Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Prior to joining Google in 2018, he collected extensive international experience from roles at BCG (Italy & Middle East), Tesco (UK), and STMicroelectronics (Italy & Japan), spanning sales, business development, and strategy. Beyond his corporate career, Edoardo is also the founder of a footwear and accessories fashion brand (Bote A Mano).

Meet Holly Hayes, a creative personal brand strategist and social media expert who has worked with some of the biggest brands and creators.

From the likes of L’Oréal, where she was responsible for starting their TikTok and managing their social channels and most recently Steven Bartlett / The Diary Of A CEO. Where she spoke to an audience of over 7 million daily, published 200 pieces of content per month and was responsible for creating viral content. She is now working with one of the biggest media companies in the world. Dear Media, an American business championing over 70 female creatives in the entertainment space.

Matthew is the owner and founder of Echochamber; a London based creative retail intelligence agency, which travels the world tracking retail innovation and evolving consumer trends.

A regular keynote speaker at global retail conferences, Matthew can be found pounding the shopping streets of the world with his camera in hand!

Matthew has run Echochamber since 1999, developing it over the past 26 years into a specialist trend consultancy with a global client base of retailers, developers and FMCG brands.

Echochamber provides creative insight and global best practice analysis to clients across all retail sectors, in order to help them benchmark best practice and improve their businesses, by harnessing evolving global consumer and retail trends.

Echochamber also offers Retail Safaris to the world’s best shopping cities, which are designed to energise and inspire client businesses with new possibilities.

Clients include retailers from around the world, both big and small. Echochamber has worked closely with big brands such as Marks & Spencer, IKEA for more than two decades, helping them develop new concepts and keeping them informed of the latest retail innovations.

Other clients include Tesco, WalMart, Nike, Adidas, FMCGs such as Unilever, Lindt and Johnson & Johnson, as well as leading global shopping mall developers such as Westfield, Majid Al Futtaim, Lend Lease and many global airport and Duty Free operators. echochamber.com is an online magazine of global retail innovation which first went live in 1999, back in the early days of the internet. You can also find regular retail inspiration on Instagram @myechochamber and on Linkedin.

Tommy has supported Retail Excellence members since 2007. TSA services include HR Consultancy, Conflict Resolution, Employment Law, Training and an online HR application, TrainStationHR.

Tommy and his team take a pro-active approach to HR Management, working with members to improve their HR processes and providing expert advice regarding compliance with Employment Law while acknowledging the practicalities of being in business. Further information on TSA can be found on www.tsaconsultants.ie

William Diamond is an entrepreneur and design expert with a lifelong passion for interiors, craftsmanship, and retail innovation. He started his first interiors business at the age of 21 and, through vision and determination, expanded it into a successful chain of five stores by the time he was 32. However, like many in the industry, he faced immense challenges during the economic crash of 2008-2011, ultimately losing his business. Instead of walking away, William used the experience to rebuild—creating a stronger, more focused company that thrives today with a single flagship location.

This journey led to the founding of Diamond Furniture, where William has redefined what it means to run a modern retail brand. With a deep understanding of product design, customer experience, and market trends, he has built a business that values quality over quantity, emphasizing craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless aesthetics. He is also the creative force behind Will and Co, Diamond Furniture’s in-house brand, which reflects his dedication to enduring design and expert craftsmanship.

William’s career has given him extensive experience in product development, retail strategy, and brand building, always with an eye on the evolving relationship between design and the way people live. His hands-on approach, from concept to execution, ensures that his work not only meets high aesthetic and functional standards but also resonates with modern consumers.

Beyond his own ventures, William is a passionate advocate for innovation in retail and craftsmanship, frequently sharing insights on the intersection of design, business, and customer experience. His journey—from early success to navigating economic challenges and emerging stronger—serves as a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and strategic reinvention.

In 2002, Barry Whelan founded Excel Recruitment as a one-man operation specialising in retail. Since then, the company has grown significantly, now boasting over 100 employees across seven divisions with offices nationwide. Under Barry’s leadership, Excel has evolved from an independent specialist to an SME and ultimately into a corporate company.

Barry brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and strategic vision, driving growth across all divisions while maintaining the unique workplace culture that sets Excel apart. Our team sees firsthand the impact of our recruitment services in connecting businesses with top talent, and Barry has built our success on a foundation of strong ethical and professional standards that define the Excel brand. Our ultimate goal is to help businesses thrive by matching them with the right people. Barry instils this commitment across the entire team, ensuring that we continuously support both clients and candidates in reaching their full potential. While the industry continues to evolve through technology and digitalisation, Barry remains focused on the people at the heart of our business, always striving for the best possible outcomes for our clients, candidates, and internal teams.

Michele has been part of the Senior Leadership Team at Carrolls Irish Gifts since 2021, where she leads the people function to support the business strategy.

Michele’s focus is on delivering success through empowering people, by creating a values-led culture of engagement, inclusion and education.

Carrolls Irish Gifts received their first Great Place to Work certification in 2024.

Prior to Carrolls, Michele worked across a wide cross section of industry, including other major retailers.

Ruth Roberts  is the co-founder of  Cogs Toys & Games, an award-winning, family-run toy and game shop with a strong online store, a bricks-and-mortar shop in Dublin, and a vibrant social media community of over 41,000 Instagram followers.

She launched the business in 2013 with her brother, drawing on 13 years of experience as a primary school teacher and a master’s in Special Education. A mum of three, she now runs Cogs alongside both of her brothers. Passionate about the power of play, she is dedicated to providing fun, educational experiences for all ages.

She regularly contributes to media discussions on toys, education, and independent retail including on Newstalk, RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Show, and The Ray D’Arcy Show. In 2024, Cogs was named Small Online Retailer of the Year.

Caroline Walsh Browne is a seasoned Strategic HR Leader with over 20 years of experience in delivering innovative HR solutions across diverse sectors, including Agriculture, Retail, Healthcare, and Hospitality. For the past 8 years, she has led the HR team at Dairygold’s Agribusiness, supporting 26 retail superstores, one of Ireland’s largest feed mills, and an Agri Operations commercial and technical team.

A native of Cork, Caroline has called Blarney home for the past two decades. Her expertise spans key human resource management areas, including performance management, change leadership, organizational development, talent management, and employee engagement. Caroline is also the driving force behind Dairygold’s HE&I steering team, where she is passionately committed to fostering a more inclusive working environment while ensuring equality of opportunity for all.

Caroline’s blend of service delivery expertise and business acumen makes her an valuable asset to any discussion on retail and HR management. She is excited to share her insights and experiences at the upcoming Retail Ireland panel discussion.

Sharon Kelly is a distinguished HR leader with a proven track record in driving business growth and operational excellence through strategic human resource management. As the Chief People Officer at Woodie’s DIY and her most recent role with the Grafton Group PLC, her leadership has been instrumental in transforming Woodie’s into a Great Place to Work, achieving an impressive engagement growth from 36% to 83% over the past decade and ranking #5 in the best super large organisations in Ireland!

With a strong focus on talent acquisition, management, and retention, Sharon has fostered a culture of high performance, innovation, and diversity. Her efforts have led to Woodie’s being recognized as one of Europe’s Best Workplaces and Ireland’s most engaged retailer. Sharon’s commitment to learning and development has earned her multiple accolades, including the Best Large Company for L&D in Ireland.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Sharon is an advocate for diversity and inclusion. She has played a pivotal role in Woodie’s receiving Gold Accreditation from the Diversity Council of Ireland and has actively supported initiatives to recruit colleagues with disabilities. Woodie’s has also been recognised as a Great Place to Work for Women for the past 6 years.

Sharon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dublin Business School and has completed leadership programs at Oxford Business School and UCD. As a board member of Ibec’s Labour Market & Skills Council and Down Syndrome Ireland’s Remuneration & Benefits Sub Committee, Sharon continues to influence HR practices and champion diversity across industries.

Based in Ennis, Co Clare, Aoibhín Garrihy, alongside her co-founder Sharon Connellan, have been carefully crafting and building “beo”, their nationally renowned lifestyle brand, which successfully blends a dynamic and varied calendar of live events, retreats and classes with their own bespoke product line, bricks and mortar retail outlets, coffee shop and studio space and an ever growing and engaged online community since they began in 2017.

Beo – The Well in Ennis which opened its doors last May was among 5 nominees in the Independent Store of the Year category at last year’s AIBMS Retail Excellence National Awards.

Aoibhín’s former life as an actress equipped her well for the highs and lows of business with an innate ability to pick oneself up and dust oneself off! Having graduated with a BA in Acting Studies at Trinity College Dublin in 2009, she became well known for her work in TV dramas Fair City where she played Neasa Dillon, BBC’s The Fall, RTE’s Love/Hate and on stage at the Gate Theatre, Dublin in productions such as Pride and Prejudice, A Woman of No Importance and The Importance of Being Earnest.

In more recent years she became a best selling author of two poetry anthologies “Every Day is a Fresh Beginning” and “Every Night is Full of Stars”. She lives in Co Clare with her husband John and three young daughters.

Hillary Collins is the People & Culture Director for PHX Ireland. As the Chief Human Resource Officer, Hillary leverages her extensive experience in strategic human resource management to drive organisational success. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Hillary has a proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, implementing effective HR strategies, and fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.

Hillary is extremely passionate about creating a workplace where employees can thrive and grow, and she is committed to delivering exceptional HR services that align with the organisation’s vision and values with warmth, energy and passion. Hillary knows and lives taking best practices from proven experience working globally change happens via People.

Gareth McGrane serves as the Chadwicks Group HR Director, with 30 years of experience in human resources and a milestone of 26 years at Chadwicks Group. The company, part of Grafton Group Plc, is Ireland’s leading provider of building supplies and home improvement services, boasting over 1,500 staff members across 55 Irish locations.

Initially a printer at Stream International, Gareth stumbled upon a HR Administrator role that allowed him to pursue his interest in driving change. His credentials include qualifications from the National College of Industrial Relations and IMI. Prior to joining Heiton Buckley Ltd, which later merged into Chadwicks, he worked at Novum Overseas.

Gareth has guided the HR department through prosperous times and significant restructurings during economic downturns. He has extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions, integrating several companies into the Chadwicks Group while preserving their entrepreneurial ethos.

He has cultivated a constructive rapport with their union SIPTU, engaging in various successful pay discussions focused on industrial concord and mutual benefits. Gareth credits the familial atmosphere within the sizable PLC for Chadwicks Group’s success, an aspect fortified by building high trust amongst leaders, recognised by their ranking in the Great Place to Work.

Gareth was the leader of two different teams who have won HR Team of the Year and Gareth was HR Leader of the Year 2023. His current endeavours include spearheading analytics and AI projects to monitor turnover, absence, recruitment, and talent management.

Jean joined Applegreen in 2017 and is Head of Human Resources for Retail Operations Ireland.

With over 30 years’ experience in Retail and 25 of those years in the People Space, her passion for the team’s career journey allows her to lead her team to provide a great place to work, ensuring they embed the Applegreen values and cultures in all key decisions. A strong advocate for continuous learning and improvement so loves to embrace change in trends, policies, learning and development.

She truly believes in supporting the team’s wellbeing and DEI is pivotal to ensure everyone feels valued and appreciated, as people are our secret sauce and should be celebrated and embraced throughout their journey.

By Car:

• From Dublin: Lyrath Estate is about 1.5 hours (130 km) south of Dublin. Take the M9 motorway southbound, then follow the signs for Kilkenny and the N10. The hotel is located just a short drive from the city center.
• From Cork: It’s about 2.5 hours (160 km) north of Cork. Take the N8 towards Dublin, then the M8 and follow signs for Kilkenny.

By Train:

• From Dublin: Take a train from Dublin Heuston Station to Kilkenny (about 1.5 hours). Once at Kilkenny station, you can take a short taxi ride to Lyrath Estate (approximately 10 minutes).

By Bus:

• Several bus services run from Dublin and other major cities to Kilkenny. From Kilkenny bus station, a short taxi ride will take you to the hotel.

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Waterford Airport (about 1 hour away), but most travelers fly into Dublin Airport and drive or take a train from there.

Please check with your transportation provider for the most up-to-date schedules and routes!