The Apple of Chamber’s eye
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Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform Michael McGrath TD, Ronan Murray, President Cork Chamber, Margaret Considine South Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Minister for Defence Simon Coveney, H.E Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber and Ian Talbot, CEO Chambers Ireland at the Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner.Image 2 of 4
TJ Hunter, Sarah Thatt Foley and Thomas McHugh, all from Orsted.Image 3 of 4
Michael Loftus, MTU, Sharon Corcoran, Cork County Council, and Paul O’Brien, Castille.Image 4 of 4
Ashley Amato and Bo Browne, both from Cork Chamber.Apple’s VP of Operations for Europe, Middle East, India & Africa has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to business.
The award, now in its 12th year, was presented to Cathy Kearney at the Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner on Tuesday night.
Ms Kearney has been recognised for her exemplary career at Apple. Cork has been home to Apple for over 40 years and it serves as Apple’s European Headquarters. Ms Kearney has been instrumental in the company’s growth and impact with the local community. The largest private employer in Cork, with over 6,000 people, this year saw Apple announce a new Engineering & Test facility and plans to further expand its campus.
Under Ms Kearney’s leadership, Apple has built deep relationships with community organisations across Cork, and continues to grow on its work with local schools, universities and charitable organisations. Since 2015, Apple and its employees have supported more than 400 registered charities across Ireland, as part of its giving programme.
She said: “I am delighted to receive this tremendous honour from the Cork Chamber of Commerce, which I am accepting on behalf of the whole Apple team in Cork. Everyday I am inspired to work with such talented and passionate individuals, who live Apple’s values in everything they do.
“Cork has been Apple’s home for over 40 years and helped Apple become the company it is today. We are proud to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community, and look forward to continuing to contribute to Cork. Thank you to Cork Chamber and everyone involved.”
Ms Kearney joins a distinguished group of previous award recipients including Jim Woulfe, Bob Savage, Anne O’Leary and Frank Boland for their contributions to business.
Attended by 600 leading political and business people in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, the dinner was sponsored by EY.
“A wonderful and worthy recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award for 2022, Cathy has made an impressive impact during her time in Apple. Known for championing Cork as a great place to live and work, Cathy’s passion for education has also led to the creation of important links with local schools and universities. Cathy’s strategic focus, determination, and leadership make her a remarkable contributor to our regional economy and business environment,” said Ronan Murray, President of Cork Chamber of the announcement.
Joining Apple in 1989, Ms Kearney undertook various finance roles before taking over leadership of the Cork site and EMEIA Operations in 2004.