Our Judging Panel
( unofficially known as The Screen Sultans)
Our judges in a digital media awards are a diverse bunch of experts in their field who know their stuff when it comes to all things digital. They’re the ones who sift through all the entries and decide which ones are deserving of recognition and praise. These judges have a sharp eye for great content, innovative designs, and top-notch user experiences. They’re passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest digital trends and technologies, and they take their role in the awards seriously. But don’t let that fool you – they’re also a fun-loving bunch who appreciate a good meme or viral video just like the rest of us! (some judges on our panel would like to remain anonymous.)
EMMET RYANBusiness and Technology Reporter
Judges Info
Emmet Ryan is a technology journalist with over two decades of experience in the sector. The founding editor of Connected in the Business Post, Ryan is the founder of BiE Media, a media content and strategy business. He is also a regular face and voice on national and international broadcast media as well as being an experienced sports commentator in both Irish and English.
DR. KEVIN BYRNEHead of School, Business Technology, Retail & Supply Chain, TU Dublin
Judges Info
Kevin’s career commenced with Defence Forces prior to moving to Print Options to take on the role of Managing Director. In addition to this Kevin has worked in quality and project management roles with both Brookfield Printing and Microprint, managing director of FM2 and as head of print and digital media at DIT. He was Head of Department of Management at TU Dublin before taking on his current role at the University . Kevin has also held various non-executive director roles.
Karen ConwaySR Sales Manager, UKI Enterprise, Linkedin Marketing Solutions
Judges Info
Karen Conway, is a Sr Sales Manager for LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, with over 20 years media experience, Karen started her career in Media Planning & Buying, developing her digital skills by planning for accounts such as Microsoft, Xbox and Mars. She then pivoted from media agency to digital sales and Publisher Management for brands such as LinkedIn, MTV, VEVO & 3Mobile. Karen then moved into LinkedIn when they started to grow their Marketing Solutions teams in their EMEA HQ here in Dublin. Karen has been leading Sales teams in LinkedIn for the last 6 years, working initially on a number of EMEA markets; UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands & Israel. She now leads the Venture Tech UK & Irish team, coaching and nurturing her team to deliver customer value and results across their enterprise level account base account.
EDEL WALSHHead of Digital Marketing, EY Ireland
Judges Info
Edel is the Head of Digital Marketing for EY Ireland, leading on the digital strategy, roadmap, online activity and activations for the Firm.
Edel’s background is multifaceted, hailing from Agency and following to SaaS Tech. She has built and managed multiple brand online presences along with management of their social/digital strategies, campaigns, demand generation and pipeline building. Her passion is digital brand development and thrives on creating and managing 360 digital strategies.
Edel’s passion for digital communication originated while she was an English teacher, where she identified an opportunity for digitally supported classes (visual // auditory // sensory focused) to support and energise varied learning styles. She followed on to lecture in Digital Marketing alongside her primary role, and regularly hosts Firmwide Training Sessions and Learning Bites in her current position.
Edel’s background is multifaceted, hailing from Agency and following to SaaS Tech. She has built and managed multiple brand online presences along with management of their social/digital strategies, campaigns, demand generation and pipeline building. Her passion is digital brand development and thrives on creating and managing 360 digital strategies.
Edel’s passion for digital communication originated while she was an English teacher, where she identified an opportunity for digitally supported classes (visual // auditory // sensory focused) to support and energise varied learning styles. She followed on to lecture in Digital Marketing alongside her primary role, and regularly hosts Firmwide Training Sessions and Learning Bites in her current position.
MARIJA GRISHINAssistant Professor in Marketing - University College Dublin
Judges Info
Dr. Marija Grishin is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and an Academic Director of the MSc in Marketing and Retail Innovation Program at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. She teaches Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing and her research is in the domains of consumer welfare, advertising, and the digital technologies that affect consumer decision-making.
DAMIAN GORDONLecturer, The Technological Univercity of Dublin
Judges Info
A Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the Technological University of Dublin for over twenty years. As a researcher he has authored over 70 research papers, looking at topics such as digital ethics, blended learning, universal design, computer security, sabermetrics, and eLearning. He is also the co-editor of a book on computer science education in China, and in 2020 contributed two chapters on ethics to the book “97 Things about Ethics Everyone in Data Science Should Know: Collective Wisdom from the Experts”. Before starting as a lecturer, he worked in the computer industry, and was employed variously in the roles of Software Developer, Business Systems Analyst, Technical Team Leader, and Implementation Consultant.
MARK O'BRIENDirector of Product (Content, Date & AI) at Shutterstock
Judges Info
Mark is a seasoned engineer and product leader with 15+ years of experience. He excels in creating thrilling apps, platforms, and products. As the former Head of Development at ZOO, he collaborated closely with marketing and design departments to deliver award-winning digital experiences. At Eaton Corporation, he led the development of innovative power management products, integrating Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for sustainability. Currently, Mark leads a team of product managers at Shutterstock, overseeing AI and data projects
Keith McLoughlinDirector at Connexus Recruit
Judges Info
Keith is a Director Connexus Recruit at , a leading Digital Recruitment Agency based in Dublin.
He has over ten years experience working within digital marketing recruitment in Ireland as well as globally.
Throughout his career to date he has been working with and helping a large portfolio of clients from major multinationals, digital agencies as well as start-ups and SME’s across all industries.
He has over ten years experience working within digital marketing recruitment in Ireland as well as globally.
Throughout his career to date he has been working with and helping a large portfolio of clients from major multinationals, digital agencies as well as start-ups and SME’s across all industries.
FERGAL O'CONNORFounder & CEO, Buymedia
Judges Info
Fergal Connor is the founder and CEO of Buymedia, a data-driven, AI-powered advertising platform that helps businesses plan, purchase, execute, and analyse their campaigns more effectively.
With over 25 years of experience in the advertising and media industry, Fergal recognised the challenges SMEs face in accessing the data, tools, and expertise needed for effective advertising—resources traditionally dominated by large enterprises. Buymedia was created to bridge this gap. Leveraging the power of AI-driven insights, media plan rationales, media mix modelling, and predictive analytics, Buymedia removes the guesswork from advertising, enabling businesses of all sizes to make more informed decisions that drive better results and maximise ROI.
A passionate advocate for innovation and social impact, Fergal has embedded purpose into Buymedia’s DNA. In 2021, the company launched the “Advertise for Good” initiative, allocating a portion of advertising spend each year to support impactful organisations like UNICEF Ireland, Hand In Hand and Special Olympics Ireland.
Buymedia’s commitment to innovation in the ad tech industry has earned it numerous accolades, including being ranked as the 4th fastest-growing tech company in Ireland by the Deloitte Fast 50.
With over 25 years of experience in the advertising and media industry, Fergal recognised the challenges SMEs face in accessing the data, tools, and expertise needed for effective advertising—resources traditionally dominated by large enterprises. Buymedia was created to bridge this gap. Leveraging the power of AI-driven insights, media plan rationales, media mix modelling, and predictive analytics, Buymedia removes the guesswork from advertising, enabling businesses of all sizes to make more informed decisions that drive better results and maximise ROI.
A passionate advocate for innovation and social impact, Fergal has embedded purpose into Buymedia’s DNA. In 2021, the company launched the “Advertise for Good” initiative, allocating a portion of advertising spend each year to support impactful organisations like UNICEF Ireland, Hand In Hand and Special Olympics Ireland.
Buymedia’s commitment to innovation in the ad tech industry has earned it numerous accolades, including being ranked as the 4th fastest-growing tech company in Ireland by the Deloitte Fast 50.
DARINA SEXTONHead of Communications, Microsoft Ireland Subsidiary
Judges Info
Darina Sexton joined Microsoft in 2018 and spearheads all internal and external comms for the Irish Subsidiary. Her extensive 20-year career spans all areas of corporate affairs in both senior and leadership roles across technology, telecoms, pharma, and retail. At Microsoft, her innovative communication strategies have bolstered customer and partner relations, helping establish the company in the Irish market as a thought leader in AI, the future of work, and security. She sits on the crisis management team and is an advisor to senior leaders.
Darina’s tenure at Tesco, MSD, and Vodafone is marked by significant achievements, including internal and external recognition for public relations and social media campaigns.
Darina holds a Master of Business Studies from the IMI, diplomas in Digital Marketing, Management, and Public Relations, in addition to a Master of Arts and an International Bachelor of Arts from UCD.
Darina is an advocate for environmental issues and women in STEM, she served for eight years on the board of Le Cheile, a charity that provides mentoring for young offenders.
PAULA CERUTTIDirector at Reputation Inc
Judges Info
Paula is a Director at Reputation Inc with a particular focus on corporate communications, stakeholder research, engagement, and activation. Paula works across a wide range of clients in Ireland and globally, spanning a wide range of industries including pharma, med-tech, FMCG, and the legal sector, overseeing comprehensive reputation programmes which include strategy development, digital communications, media relations, employer brand and sustainability
Originally from Argentina, Paula completed studies in Social Communications, Journalism and Political Science in Uruguay and the UK and holds an MA in Public Affairs & Political Communication from TU Dublin.
NIALL KITSONEditor of Techcentral.ie and Co-Host of Tech Radia
Judges Info
Niall Kitson is editor of TechCentral.ie and co-host of Tech Radio, Ireland’s longest-running technology podcast. For more than 15 years he has been tracing the story of technology in Ireland at all levels from start-ups formed at the kitchen table, to multinationals drawn here by a motivated and skilled workforce, to artists who use AI to show what it means to be human in the 21st century.
Viv MaherFounder & Connector @ ThinkDifferently.ie Recruitment
Judges Info
Viv holds 18 plus years’ experience across Media Agencies and Media Owners specialising in Digital Marketing, Performance Management, eCommerce and Business development.
At The Irish Times Group, Viv was responsible for the growth in revenue and new product development for a wide range of their platforms. She joined IPG Mediabrands in 2015 and developed their Digital Offering and expertise across all digital channels.
At The Irish Times Group, Viv was responsible for the growth in revenue and new product development for a wide range of their platforms. She joined IPG Mediabrands in 2015 and developed their Digital Offering and expertise across all digital channels.
With an MA in Digital Technology, Diploma in Web Design, Media production and Digital Strategy, Viv is passionate about how everything connects in a Digital world from Product to End User.
Through Vivs career she has been supported by great mentors and colleagues. She recognises we are in a people led industry and she is now progressing her career and fulfilling her entrepreneurial goals by starting her own recruitment consultancy business, ThinkDifferently.ie that focuses on hiring and developing diverse candidates for the media communications sector.
GAVIN MCKENNASenior Digital Marketing Manager, Visit Belfast
Judges Info
Gavin serves as the Visit Belfast Senior Digital Marketing Manager, where he spearheads the organisation’s digital strategy. With over a decade of media experience, he has collaborated with leading agencies to design and execute omnichannel strategies for global brands.
Gavin’s genuine passion for media, especially in social and influencer realms, has led to him create high performing cross channel teams, as well as earning him a place as a keynote speaker at various Meta Agency Summit events and a nomination as a Rising Star at the PMW Awards.
DR JOHN CARTYLecturer and Researcher, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway.
Judges Info
A native of Co. Roscommon, John is a lecturer and researcher in the Galway
International Hotel School, Atlantic Technological University (ATU). John has worked
with tourism, hospitality and event organisations abroad and in Ireland and he
regularly conducts research and provides consultancy services. John teaches
marketing, public relations and management modules on a variety of programmes in
ATU and is a Fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute.
International Hotel School, Atlantic Technological University (ATU). John has worked
with tourism, hospitality and event organisations abroad and in Ireland and he
regularly conducts research and provides consultancy services. John teaches
marketing, public relations and management modules on a variety of programmes in
ATU and is a Fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute.
JOSEPH MCGUCKENOnline Content Creator
Judges Info
Joe is an online content creator, award winning actor, producer, and podcaster, among other things. His podcast, “Stall It with Darren & Joe” went straight to number 1 in the podcast charts in Ireland and has been growing steadily ever since. His hugely popular comedy sketch show “Darren & Joe’s Free Gaff” has 2 seasons on the RTE Player, and was the most watched RTE Player original series in 2021. He has also featured in the Doireann Project, Reeling in the Fear, and Callan’s kicks. Joe is the lead role of an upcoming comedy horror feature film, Bad Things in the Middle of Nowhere, to be released later this year. Joe’s success came off the back of his viral online comedy sketches that he creates with some of the biggest online comedians in Ireland. His back catalogue of sketches trace back over the last 12 years, making it tricky to accumulate all the statistics, but the views across all platforms are easily over +250 million and growing. Some of the sketches were so widely spread that national broadcasters in USA, Australia, to Germany used them in national TV shows. Joe has collaborated with many different brands an agencies to help create engaging content for social media, and has a love for the art of comedy online.
