Marie Donnellan

Career Summary

Marie Donnellan was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Platform94 in March 2024, an innovation hub focused on scaling technology businesses in Ireland's west and north-west regions. A chartered accountant by background, Donnellan spent nearly 15 years at EY Ireland, where she progressed from senior auditor to director. During her tenure at EY, she supported both large multinational clients and small-to-medium indigenous businesses, and led the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme for the west, mid-west and north-west of Ireland.

Donnellan also held a brief role at Apple as a financial analyst in 2013-14. Beyond her primary roles, she is the founder of Belayer, where she advises high-growth technology companies on fundraising, U.S. market entry, and enterprise growth, and serves as a Venture Partner at AiiM Partners, a Silicon Valley-based sustainability fund. She is also a direct investor in companies such as Airalo, Dromos and Urban Fox, and brings a cross-border network between Ireland, Europe, and Silicon Valley.

Donnellan was recently shortlisted for Senior Executive of the Year at the IMAGE Media PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards. She joined EY's Limerick office in 2008 after graduating and moved to Galway in 2016.

Education

Donnellan holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in Accounting & Finance from the University of Limerick (2004-2008), qualified as a Chartered Accountant through Chartered Accountants Ireland (2008-2012), and completed an Advanced Diploma in Personal, Leadership & Executive Coaching from Kingstown College (2020).

Career History

• Chief Executive Officer at Platform94 (March 2024–present)
• Director at Ernst & Young (2014–2024)
• Financial Analyst at Apple (May 2013–July 2014)
• Senior Auditor at Ernst & Young (September 2008–2013)

What Marie Donnellan Could Bring to Platform94

Donnellan brings a rare combination of rigorous financial training, deep entrepreneurial ecosystem experience, and direct Silicon Valley investment expertise to Platform94. Her 15-year track record at EY managing complex audits and supporting Ireland's mid-west and west entrepreneurs, combined with her ongoing roles at Belayer and AiiM Partners, positions her uniquely to advance Platform94's mission of helping regional technology businesses scale internationally. Platform94 chair Dave Hickey noted that her extensive strategic leadership and financial and business development experience in a global-centric environment will benefit the organization's expansion of regional and national scale-up offerings.