Global Shares named Technology Ireland Company of the Year

This was the 29th annual Technology Ireland awards, which was supported this year by platinum sponsors EY, and gold sponsors Fidelity Investments, Workhuman and Enterprise Ireland.

Global Shares manages employee stock plans for some of the world’s biggest companies. With headquarters in Clonakilty and 17 offices worldwide, its team of 550 employees and award-winning fintech solutions help companies harness the power of employee ownership to attract, retain and reward key staff. Exporting to over 100 countries, it is on track to exceed a $1Bn ‘unicorn’ valuation by 2024.

Marking the announcement, Technology Ireland Director Una Fitzpatrick said: “Global Shares were ambitious from day one to be a disrupter in a large global marketplace. Their forensic knowledge of the market led to significant investment and persistent innovation to bring a next gen platform to the market. Global Shares’ relentless focus on a sustainable culture of innovation, diversity, inclusion, professional development and wellness truly encompasses what it means to be the Technology Ireland Company of the Year.”

Other award winners of the event at the Westin Hotel, which was broadcast via live stream were CameraMatics, MCO (MyComplianceOffice), Brightflag, TEKenable, AIB, Kinia, AWS and IBM Research in Ireland.

EY Ireland sponsors the prestigious Digital Technology Company of the Year Award. Marie Treacy, Technology Sector Leader and Partner with EY Ireland, commented: “In spite of weathering a year with more than its fair share of challenges, it’s quite remarkable to see the level of ingenuity and innovation demonstrated by the technology sector, not alone through the winning entries, but across the full spectrum of nominees.

“The sector is a true linchpin of the Irish business landscape, and played a significant role in keeping businesses, communities and vital services connected in the midst of the pandemic. All of this year’s winners have a huge amount to be proud of, having achieved what they did in such a challenging environment. On behalf of EY, I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved.”

Bill Kearney was named Person of the Year at the Awards Ceremony. Bill is a stalwart of the Irish Technology Sector, with extensive involvement across all facets of the sector. Before retiring last year, Bill was Vice President of IBM Ireland’s Software Development Lab and its Dublin Technology Campus. Una Fitzpatrick said: “Bill has been hugely committed to the development of the Irish technology sector. He has previously served on the Executive Council of the Irish Software Association, the forerunner to Technology Ireland, as well as serving as Board member on the SFI Advisory Board, the Irish Research Council and the Irish University Quality Board. He has always been willing and eager to share his expertise and experience and has been a wonderful supporter for many in the sector.”

Lorna Martyn, Head of Technology at Fidelity Investments and Chair of Technology Ireland, said: “The positive impact of Digital on all facets of society must be celebrated. Throughout the 2021 Awards season we have seen tremendous examples of enabling technologies to improve the world in our everyday lives. The exceptional calibre of finalists and winners showcases the Irish technology sector as a leading light accelerating digital transformation throughout our economy and society.”

Full list of winners:

• Technology Ireland Company of the Year: Global Shares
• Technology Ireland Person of the Year: Bill Kearney,
• Emerging Company of the Year: CameraMatics
• Outstanding Achievement in International Growth: MCO (MyComplianceOffice)
• Technology Innovation of the Year: Brightflag
• Digital Technology Services Project of the Year: TEKenable
• #WomenInTech Company Initiative of the Year: AIB
• Tech4Good – Product/ Service Award: Kinia
• Technology Ireland CSR Award: AWS
• Excellence in Talent Development: Unum Ireland Limited
• Outstanding Academic Achievement of the Year: IBM Research in Ireland