Kieran is CEO of VentureWave Capital, which has established the first Impact Investing fund aimed at qualified investors in Ireland and among the Irish diapora. The firm aims to deliver a commercial return for its clients and benefit society, especially in Ireland. It has attracted investments from leading figures in Irish America who have joined VentureWave’s Global Advisory Council, chaired by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Kieran is the former CEO of the Ireland Funds. During his 10 years at the helm, $300 million was raised, which is half of the total amount the Funds raised since they were established in 1976.

In response to the severe downturn in the Irish economy, the Ireland Funds launched the Promising Ireland Campaign in 2009 to raise $100 million for charities. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors, the campaign raised a total of $226 million for over 800 great causes. Kieran also presided over the Funds most successful event ever, the 2008 New York Dinner, which raised  $4.2 million. Under Kieran’s leadership, annual grant making increased by a factor of 6, its endowment increased fivefold in value and the organization advanced from one to four stars (the highest level available) with Charity Navigator awarded for its efficiency, transparency, and governance.

Kieran serves on the North American Advisory Board of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and of Glucksman Ireland House at New York University. He is Strategic Advisor to Endeavor Ireland.

A Dublin native and graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Kieran says, “operating at the interface between Ireland and America is thrilling. The relationship is so diverse and dynamic and brings out the best in both countries.”