I have been a design professional for over 20 years, since the days of 800x600 comps, table layouts, and limited font choices. But my passion for design began even earlier, with an upgrade from Windows 3.1 to 95. I spent countless hours flipping between the two, marvelling at the start menu and tweaking every setting I could find. That upgrade showed me how software could transform usability and sparked a lifelong love for design. Today, whether I am leading teams or designing products, that same curiosity fuels everything that I do.
I worked with four digital agencies over twelve years, achieving multiple successes and awards, before moving to in-house product at the high-growth startup SkillPages in 2012 where I led and delivered an overhaul of the platform in less than six months. This overhaul drove platform growth from 1 million to over 7 million users annually, eventually reaching a user base of 26 million.
In 2014, I joined Paddy Power as one of two Product Design Managers, overseeing some key projects and managing UX, UI, and research professionals spanning multiple cross-functional teams. Shortly after, I assumed leadership of the entire design function, expanding my reports to over 20. I left in 2016, having successfully led my team through a multi-billion euro merger with Betfair.
In 2017, I relocated from Dublin to Wicklow to renovate a pre-famine farmhouse, achieving a mortgage-free dream after 17 years of renting. I went freelance to support this move, working primarily with Easytrip, one of Ireland's foremost tolling and parking providers. I crafted a long-term design strategy with stakeholders and delivered multiple large-scale projects. Online customer interactions shifted from 20% to 80%, customer calls reduced by 90% and mobile apps achieved over 100,000 downloads. The strategy increased revenue and customer satisfaction, drove operational savings, and contributed significantly to the company's sale to DKV Mobility in late 2023.
Beyond design, leadership, and technology, I have a passion for creative writing. Recently, I completed a young adult novel, adding to my writing pursuits beyond just design topics. Photography is another creative outlet, where I capture mediocre photos from time to time with a Fuji.
I also have an interest in vehicles, mechanics, and engineering which stems from my late father. A long-time Formula 1 enthusiast, I have built and owned several high-performance cars over the years. However, more recently my attention turned to restoring a practical piece of history in the form of a 1960s vintage diesel tractor.
In 2017, after 17 years of renting, I moved from Dublin to Wicklow to renovate a pre-famine farmhouse and pursue the dream of living mortgage-free. Today, I call this 1800s home my own, sharing it with my partner Carly and our two dogs. Chloe, a tiny and spirited Maltese, and Delta, her devoted fan. Together, Carly and I also run Pack the Pooch, in our spare time, a free resource dedicated to helping dog owners find dog friendly places to go in Ireland.
I am a Product Designer, Design Manager and Design Leader with over 20 years' experience who is inherently driven to quickly bring ideas to life by understanding business needs and translating those needs into effective designs and products that deliver impactful results. I have a strong work ethic, a kind nature, and a positive, can-do attitude that inspires others to succeed and enables me to be a force multiplier. I excel in breaking down complex problems, finding innovative solutions, and leveraging research when necessary to confirm the right approach.
