Kainos CEO Mooney bid for EY world title

Dr Mooney booked his seat at the prestigious event as winner of the 2016 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland programme and will be among more than 50 country winners competing for the world title.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday evening, June 10, in the principality.

Brendan Mooney was recognised as the winner of the 2016 EY Ireland competition for his role in leading Kainos Group, which is now the largest indigenous IT services company in Northern Ireland and employs almost 1,000 people across Ireland, the UK, US and Europe.

With a market capitalisation of US$358 million, it develops solutions for businesses and organisations in the public, healthcare and financial services sectors, and since its initial public offering in 2015, its stock has risen 78%.

“Since taking the helm at Kainos in 1987, Brendan has led the company from strength to strength, and demonstrated how an innovative business can be scaled to achieve outstanding commercial success,” said Kevin McLoughlin, partner lead for the programme.

“What also makes Kainos unique is its focus on nurturing its employees and giving back to the community.

“This combination of traits is what has led Kainos to compete on the global stage at EY World Entrepreneur of the Year, and we are honoured to have such an innovative company represent Ireland for the coveted world title.”

Speaking ahead of the trip, Dr Mooney said: “I am very pleased to represent Ireland and the rest of the Kainos team at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year awards which allow us to celebrate the great accomplishments of each of the country winners and how they are supporting and advancing entrepreneurship.

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to meet some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and very much look forward to the experience.”

In addition to Kainos, 2017 finalists include Ambarish Mitra of Blippar (UK), Motokuni Takaoka of Airweave (Japan) and JW “Bill” Marriott Jr of Marriott International (US).

The winner will be chosen by a panel of former EY Entrepreneur Of The Year winners and other leading entrepreneurs and based on six criteria: entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, global (or community) impact, innovation and personal integrity/influence.