'We have ambitious plans': Northern Ireland software firm appoints new CFO as it targets tripled turnover and 100 jobs
Ibrahim Mahmood joins the AI and cyber security consultancy as it works towards tripling turnover and creating 100 new jobs by 2028
Belfast-headquartered AI-native software engineering and cyber security consultancy Instil has appointed Ibrahim Mahmood as its new chief financial officer (CFO) as the company enters its next phase of growth.
Mahmood takes up the role with immediate effect and will also join Instil’s Board of Directors, reflecting the strategic importance of the appointment as the company continues to expand.
The appointment comes as Instil progresses with a major investment programme announced in October 2025. The company committed £6 million to support its ambition of tripling turnover by the end of 2028, with backing from Invest NI, alongside plans to create 100 new jobs across software engineering, technical management and commercial sales.
Instil is continuing to grow its client base across the UK and US, with a particular focus on fintech and other highly regulated sectors.
In his new role, Mahmood will support the company’s long-term growth strategy, operational scalability, mergers and acquisitions activity and overall financial performance. He will also lead the finance function and contribute to financial planning, governance, investment readiness and the delivery of Instil’s 2028 growth targets.
Mahmood brings more than 15 years of experience in global finance leadership to the role. Most recently, he served as Regional CFO of a technology services and consulting group, where he was responsible for a region spanning the UK, Benelux and Asia-Pacific, with turnover exceeding €1 billion.
Instil CEO Paddy O’Hagan said Mahmood’s experience would be valuable as the company looks to scale: “Ibrahim joins us at an exciting stage in Instil’s growth journey. We have ambitious plans to scale our business, deepen our relationships with clients across the UK and US, and continue investing in exceptional talent.
“His combination of financial leadership, commercial acumen and experience supporting high-growth technology organisations will be invaluable as we execute our strategy and build for the long term. I am delighted to welcome him to the leadership team and Board.”
Mahmood said he was attracted to Instil’s reputation, culture and growth ambitions: “Instil has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-impact AI-native software engineering and cyber security services to organisations operating in complex and highly regulated environments.
“The opportunity to join a business with such a strong culture, talented team and clear growth ambition was incredibly compelling.
“I look forward to working closely with Paddy, the Exec and wider Instil team as well as the Board to support sustainable growth, strengthen our operational foundations and help realise Instil’s long-term vision across the UK and US markets.”
As CFO and a member of the Board, Mahmood will help shape Instil’s long-term growth agenda as the company works towards its target of tripling turnover by the end of 2028.