Belfast International Homecoming 2024

After a decade in the construction industry (Architectural Technician and Management) graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a degree in Theology before spending a further ten years in Pastoral Ministry (Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit sector. Skilled in creating and sustaining collaborative partnerships, Social Enterprise, Corporate Social Responsibility, International Relations, Peace and Reconciliation, Community Organizing, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Strong professional with Diplomas focused on Community Development and another in Combined Studies from University of Ulster.

A leader in strategy, corporate governance, business development and change / risk management who spent 18 years in Corporate banking as well as senior roles in industry. 

Clare is leading the establishment of an innovation district that will leverage digital, intellectual and real estate assets to grow the Northern Ireland economy.

Clare is passionate about achieving place-based inclusive economic growth aligned with the UN sustainable development goals. 

Colleen Murray is a Marketing Executive at Options IT, where she has worked since June 2016. An alumna of Queen’s University Belfast, she holds a degree in Business Information Technology and a Master’s in Marketing. Now as a Marketing Executive, Colleen develops and implements innovative marketing strategies and oversees global events. She also has international experience from her work in New York City. Colleen is a leading member of the Options Belfast Women in Tech committee, advocating for greater representation and support for women in the tech industry. As an Honorary Chair at the Belfast Homecoming, she fosters global Irish connections and promotes Belfast’s vibrant business culture.

OBE FCIM

Colin Anderson is a focused and driven individual. Having faced many challenges in his life to date, Colin continues to lead people and companies to both self-belief and corporate success. His commitment to his confidence that Northern Ireland should be a centre of excellence in all its commercial and government sectors, providing best-in-class services to the national and global community, is an inborn part of his DNA.

ANDERSON ADVERTISING LTD | FOUNDER, 1982 Colin founded Anderson Advertising Ltd at the age of 27

(now known as ASG & Partners) and is now Chairman of the business which has become one of Northern Ireland’s foremost marketing communications agencies. ASG & Partners employs over 40 staff and it continues to evolve and thrive in the local marketplace and beyond.

B-SECUR LTD | FOUNDER AND SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDER Currently leading the way in global ECG biometric recognition

technology. Now FDA approved in the States (2021) it’s HeartKey product is a set of algorithms and analytics for user identification, health and wellness, ready for integration into leading devices and systems. It employs 72 (March 2022 and increasing) people in Catalyst Inc, the former NI Science Park.

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL HOMECOMING | ORGANIZING COMMITTEE & HONORARY CHAIR, 2015 – 2019
This is an annual event to encourage greater investment and partnership into Belfast by bringing “home” diaspora leaders of commerce, community, and culture from around the world to a single event in Belfast culminating in a final dinner in the Belfast City Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City.

HEENAN-ANDERSON COMMISSION | CO-CHAIR, 2015 Asked by Ivan Lewis (the then Labour Shadow Secretary

of State for Northern Ireland), along with Professor Deidre Heenan of Ulster University, to Co-Chair a Commission (the Heenan-Anderson Commission) to produce a report on how to tackle intergenerational poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland.

WEBRECRUIT IRELAND | FOUNDER, 2010 Along with entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star,

James Caan Colin established one of Northern Ireland’s most innovative recruitment companies, which won the Irish News ‘Recruitment Innovators of the Year’ award in 2012 and continued its award winning success until he sold his company’s equity stake in January 2019.

NORTHERN IRELAND SCREEN | CHAIR, 2001 – 2008 He implemented for the first time ever, a strategy to firmly establish the film and television industry in Northern Ireland as a centre of excellence. He pushed for proper funding for the industry from Government and was eventually awarded £9.9 million for investment into the sector which established the foundation for steering it into its most successful era ever

THE INTERNET BUSINESS LTD (TIBUS) | FOUNDER, 1996 | SOLD TO UTV MEDIA IN 2008.

ACTIVITYBREAKS.COM | FOUNDER

Online travel company founded early in the new millennium and sold it in 2009 to its current Italian owners.

NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY | PRESIDENT, 1996/1997 AND 1997/1998 Holding this position for two consecutive terms. As Chamber President, created the “Political Lunch Series” over consecutive weeks where the then political leaders spoke to outline their party’s economic policy should a peace settlement be agreed.

AWARDED THE OBE | 1997
For services to the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER | VISITING PROFESSOR, 1993 To the University of Ulster, Department of Communication, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences in October 1993. His Lecture was reported by the then Vice Chancellor Trevor Smith as an example of best practice.

NORTHERN IRELAND TOURIST BOARD | MEMBER OF THE BOARD, 1988 – 1994.

DIRECTOR OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND QUALITY CENTRE, 1993 – 1996.

FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT ADVERTISING AGENCY | 1988 Built the first ever purpose-built Advertising Agency in Northern Ireland on the Holywood Road.

HOLYWOOD HOUSE | EARLY NINETIES
Built in Holywood to house the expansion of the company. This became the headquarters of TIBUS.

VARIOUS CHARITY COMMITTEES

Has helped to raise funds for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme in NI and The Wooden Spoon Society, of which he is an Honorary Life Member.

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF MARKETING

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is also a member of the Institute of Directors, and The Royal Television Society.

Conal V Harvey is a Director of Harcourt Developments. He is also Chairman of the Board of Titanic Belfast, the world class visitor attraction which celebrates the birthplace of the Titanic and the maritime and industrial heritage of Belfast. Mr Harvey was also Chairman of the Board of Titanic Quarter, the company responsible for the much acclaimed large waterfront regeneration project in the centre of Belfast from 2005 to 2017 and Executive Chairman of Citywest Luas Limited, the company responsible for the implementation of the suburban rail infrastructure in South Dublin.

A graduate in Engineering from University Dublin, his career has been mainly focussed on business development. He has post-graduate qualifications in management and business strategies from Trinity College Dublin, Irish Management Institute, Dublin and INSEAD, France. Prior to his current position, he has held senior management positions in IDA Ireland, The Irish Governments Investment Agency and led a major programme of Inward Investment to Ireland in the Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals and Property sectors.

David is a co-founder and board member of Artemis Technologies, a global leader in transformative clean maritime solutions based in Belfast, UK. David was instrumental in the creation of the Belfast Maritime Consortium, led by Artemis Technologies, including securing of a £33m grant from UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund to develop the company’s transformative eFoiler® technology and launch the world’s first 100% electric foiling passenger ferry. 

David is Chair of Maritime UK’s Regional Council, a member of the UK Department for Transport’s Maritime Council which was established in 2023 to provide the top level of governance across all themes and drive delivery of the UK Government’s Maritime 2050 recommendations, and a member of Operation Zero working groups, a UK government initiative launched during COP26 with the mission to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vessels for offshore wind operations and maintenance in the North Sea’s wind farms. 

Prior to founding Artemis Technologies, David was Commercial Director at America’s Cup challenger, Artemis Racing.

Gareth has been a property developer for over three decades.  He has developed numerous schemes and has a wealth of experience in relation to funding/financing.

He is the Managing Director of Oakland Holdings, the development company behind Belfast’s most exciting commercial development, Merchant Square. The project was completed in Q1 2021, the 9 storey commercial building has transformed the centre of Belfast and is now let entirely to PwC in what will be the Firm’s largest premises in the UK outside London. 

Gareth lives in Belfast and is a former pupil of St Malachys college. He is committed to the ongoing development of Belfast and to ensuring that the city meets its full potential.  Oakland is cuurently developing Northern Ireland’s first Aparthotel at the junction of Queen Street and College Street in the city centre. The ApartHotel  will  feature 189 apartments, a bar and restaurant, gymnasium, meetings rooms and event space. 

Gareth has a young family and he enjoys a range of sports including gaelic football where he is an under age coach with with his local club St Brigids 

Grace is a partner with Deloitte in Belfast, with 13 years’ experience working with a range of large private and multinational clients. She provides audit and advisory services across a wide range of business sectors with a focus on banking, energy, technology, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Grace also has experience working internationally with Deloitte in the US. She has a law degree from Newcastle University, is a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, and is actively involved with the Chartered Accountants Ulster Society member services committee.

A seasoned, multi-lingual entrepreneur with a strong track record for growing successful tech and lifestyle businesses from start-up through groundbreaking strategic insight, effective planning, creative business development and innovative marketing. Significant business transformation experience with a reputation for navigating complex environments to achieve success in multiple sectors and geographies.

Recognised by clients and colleagues as a professional with high personal integrity. Known for a contagious passion for excellence, a talent for resourceful business solutions and a capacity for motivational leadership. Builds strong partnerships to achieve swift adoption and generate a committed customer base and supply chain. Effectively markets products and services, skilled in persuasive presentation and effective negotiation.

Deep skills and expertise in Business Development, Brand Creation and Growth, Account Management, Reseller Networks, Channel Partners, Product Management, Storage Solutions and Cloud Computing.

Jane Adams is the owner of the well-known Belfast Fish & Chip shop chain, Manny’s. She is also owner of Pizza Guyz North Belfast and enjoyed a much-celebrated career in Camogie.  

In 2003 she was awarded the Lynchpin Award, this was predecessor of the All Star awards and in 2008 she was a winner of an All-Star award, the first camogie player in Ulster to achieve this. Jane was awarded the Soaring Star Award in 2010, 2011 and 2013. She was named, Ulster camogie player of the year five times. Jane captained Antrim to be crowned the All-Ireland Junior Camogie Champions in 2010 and again with her club O’Donnovan Rossa to Senior All Ireland Club Champions 2008.

Jane is a founder member of Gaels le Chélie, a Gael-on-Gael campaign spearheaded by county stars and GAA members at grassroots level to encourage conversation on the reunification of Ireland. 

Laura Leonard is Belfast City Council’s European and International Relations Manager, based in the Place and Economy Department.

Laura has led Northern Ireland’s only dedicated European and International local government team since it was established in September 2003.  

Over the last two decades, Laura and her team have developed and delivered Belfast City Council’s first ever International Relations Framework and Action Plan and is currently managing projects with Chinese, European and North American markets, as well as fostering Belfast’s Sister City relationships with Boston, Nashville, and Shenyang. 

Belfast’s International Relations Framework aims, in partnership to promote the city internationally, with a focus on attracting international students and building education partnerships, securing business and investment, and attracting both business and leisure tourism. 

Over the past two years, Laura has also worked closely with the City Regeneration and Development team; co-managing the City Marketing programme to position the city to secure real estate investment. This work is delivered through the ‘Renewed Ambition’ public-private city partnership.

Laura also supports the promotion of international investment opportunities within the priority areas of Innovation City Belfast, Resilience and Enterprise for council, in partnership with key city players.

Linus Murray is a Partner at Belfast-based commercial law firm McKees. With over 20 years’ experience, Linus specialises in liquor licensing and has a strong track record in helping clients grow their businesses. His experience within the hospitality and leisure sector has been well documented, having acted for notable hoteliers, publicans, off-trade, restaurateurs in the acquisition, disposal, transfer and lease of all types of licensed premises.

Mark is currently the Vice President of Technology Products for Unosquare having previously acted as the Belfast Site Lead.

In recent times Mark been focused on migrating several large enterprise applications to the cloud and the building Cloud Native Systems. Though these developments Mark has been heavily focused on tooling and approaches to make application development easier wutg fewer remote dependencies and more developer control.

Mark has previously given talks at BelTech around ‘Breaking the Monolith’.

Michael Lagan is Chairman at Lagan Specialist Contracting Group (LSCG). He started his career in 1972 working for his Father (Peter Lagan) in his quarry business as a quarry manager and then moved up the ranks to be Group Managing Director. At that time, the business was operating as a £2m turnover business which the family has successfully grown to a £600m turnover business over the years, now employing 700 direct employees. LSCG is now a third-generation family run business with Michael being the second generation and his son, Kevin Anthony Lagan the current CEO of LSCG the third generation. 

The business started as a two-quarry operation in the mid 70’s and grew to become one of the top two materials businesses in Ireland. Following a number of key acquisitions namely H & J Martin and Charles Brand (these Companies were over 200 years old) this allowed the Company to enter into new markets,  LSCG is now a diverse company working across many different sectors including civil engineering, piling, airport, house building, property development, Fit out, operations and maintenance, traffic management, M&E and asset management,  Water and Airport.  The company works internationally since 1995 particularly in airports starting with Hong Kong and in countries such as Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, USA, and the Caribbean

The Lagan family supports many charities both locally and abroad and Michael himself donates time and expertise to these charities including travelling to Romania to help build houses for locals.

Michael is passionate about his property at Florida Manor. It is a Seventeenth Century Mansion set in the rural heartland of East Down near Killinchy. It is being restored by Michael using selected new and reclaimed materials to give the building its original appearance as well as bringing it into the 21st Century for use by todays and future generations.

As Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, Michelle has over 25 years’ experience working in several executive leadership roles across various industries including telecommunications, retail, manufacturing, and aviation. Her transformational work with organisations has been recognised with many prestigious awards. On a personal level, Michelle has been awarded several business accolades including Institute of Directors (IOD) Young Director of the Year, IOD NI Director of the year for leadership in corporate responsibility as well as being crowned UK Director of the Year for Leadership. Michelle has also been presented with the prestigious Marks and Spencer’s Sieff Award for Leadership.

Michelle is passionate about community engagement and the role business can play in transforming communities and providing life changing opportunities for Young People.

Michelle is Chair of the award-winning charity Cinemagic, the leading film and television festival for young people in UK and Ireland and a proud Trustee of The Cancer Fund for Children, Ireland.

Mike Nesbitt MLA is a four-time member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, first elected in May 2011. He was Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party between 2012 and 2017, during which time the Party retained its seat in the European Parliament, grew its representation in local councils and returned to the green benches at Westminster by winning two seats in the 2015 General Election. Currently, Mike is the Party’s economy spokesperson and representative on the Northern Ireland Policing Board. Mike is a former broadcast journalist and Commissioner for the Victims & Survivors of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. In 2022, he successful introduced a Private Member’s Bill updating Northern Ireland’s laws of defamation.

Professor Malachy Ó Néill is Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University (since August 2021), taking responsibility for relationships with key stakeholders including governmental agencies, councils, trusts and other relevant authorities on behalf of the institution. He was awarded a Personal Chair in Irish (2020) and was Provost of the Magee Campus in Derry (2016-21) and Head of the School of Irish Language and Literature (2012-17). He has played a central role in a range of strategic initiatives for the University including City and Growth Deals (UK Government), Shared Island (Irish Government), the inception of a School of Medicine (opened 2021), the development of the North West Cross-border Tertiary Cluster (with FE/HE partners) and the accreditation of Derry/Strabane as a UNESCO Learning City Region.

He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019, the highest accolade in UK Higher Education and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.  He was appointed to the Department for Communities’ Irish Language Strategy Expert Advisory Panel in 2021 was a member of the Irish Government’s Review Board of the Official Irish Language Standard (2016). He was editor of An tUltach (2008-10) and his research includes modern Irish pedagogy, the Ó Néill dynasty and Irish language theatre and he is Lead Investigator (Northern Ireland) in the c.€4million Shared Island social capital research initiative with NUI Galway, University of Limerick and Atlantic Technological University. He is a Board member of the Causeway and Derry Chambers of Commerce and Temporary Chair of the Governing Body of North West Regional College. 

Professor Ó Néill enjoys close ties with the Donegal Gaeltacht, having spent many years in Machaire Rabhartaigh and Gaoth Dobhair facilitating courses for teenagers and adult learners of Irish. He resides in his native parish of Ardboe, Co. Tyrone, with his wife Ursula and their three children, Proinsias, Tomás and Sorcha.

Working with a range of local and international partners, Moira leads the NI Connections team which is based in Belfast within Invest NI’s International division. She works closely with well-established diaspora connections in many locations around the world where Invest NI and a wide range of NI Stakeholders are seeking to help attract trade, investment, business tourism and education opportunities that will benefit the Northern Ireland economy.

Moira is an accomplished leader with an impressive track record in international business and economic development. Her experience spans a diverse range of sectors including financial services, legal & professional services, technology and local and global start-ups.

Leading NI Connections draws on Moira’s experience of inspiring collaboration and engaging with local and national government to drive strategy and policy development. The role draws on her strengths of leading and enabling others to deliver consistently strong results and dynamic, innovative solutions in both the public and private sectors.

Roisin has been Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland since 2000, creating successful partnerships with other Government organisations to implement a variety of arts programmes eg. the innovative Arts & Older People Programme in partnership with the Public Health Agency and working with the Education Authority to deliver the Creative Schools initiative. She is a member of the organising committee of the British Irish Association established to promote understanding and dialogue between the governments and peoples of these islands. She was a board member of the UK Creative & Cultural Skills Sector Council for 12 years and Chaired the Women Chief Executives’ Forum for 10 years. She is a Chartered IoD Director and a passionate advocate for the role the arts play in bringing communities together as well as their inherent value to us as individuals.

Working within the Tourism sector for 20 years and 14 years working as part of the Business Events team at Visit Belfast in attracting strategic business events to Northern Ireland. Sarah is extremely passionate about showcasing the region as a place to meet, work, live, study & do business with.  

Sarah also manages the Ambassador Circle for Northern Ireland. The Ambassador Circle is a network of over 1,200 leading academic, medical and business professionals who work in partnership with Visit Belfast to attract prestigious national and international conferences and events to the city.