One of America and Ireland’s largest professional finance firms has selected former IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan to be its new head of Industry.
Shanahan takes up the position on the same day that the United States under the Trump administration ignited a global trade war under the so-called ‘Liberation Day’ measures.
He has served as a partner and head of Industry for Grant Thornton in Ireland since 2023. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Shanahan served as the CEO of industrial development agency IDA Ireland for more than eight years.
“Today’s business climate is impacting all industries in a way that requires leaders to be forward-thinking and agile”
With more than 25 years of international experience in both the public and private sectors, he is a skilled leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, policy development, marketing and investment decision-making.
Unique challenges and opportunities
Shanahan is also an adjunct professor at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business in Dublin. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Dublin, and a higher diploma and master’s degree from the Technological University of Dublin. He also holds a master’s degree from Lancaster University in the UK.
Based in San Francisco and Dublin, Ireland, Shanahan has worked with international companies in multiple industries, advising them on their global location investment decisions. He has also been at the forefront of the development of enterprise, innovation and labor market policy in Ireland.
“Today’s business climate is impacting all industries in a way that requires leaders to be forward-thinking and agile,” said Alasdair Trotter, Chief Revenue Officer of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. “Martin’s years of industry know-how and global perspective make him uniquely suited to help our Industry practice deliver high-quality solutions to our clients, while navigating the shifting landscape and historic new challenges that lie ahead.”
“Businesses across industries are faced with many unique challenges and exciting opportunities,” said Shanahan. “Grant Thornton’s unmatched talent and comprehensive, high-quality solutions will help meet our multinational clients’ unique and changing needs — and I look forward to working closely with our cross-market teams to continue growing our Industry practice.”
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