Ireland’s 2025 Hiring Trends in Investment and Executive Search
Dylan Philpott • July 16, 2025

Hiring Insights Across Ireland’s Investment Market and Executive Search

Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a gateway for global capital and talent. With Dublin serving as the financial heart of the country and regional cities like Cork and Galway emerging as attractive satellite hubs, hiring trends across investments, private equity, corporate development, and executive roles are evolving rapidly. In 2025, we are seeing notable developments shaped by international expansion, local innovation, and the continued maturation of Ireland’s investment ecosystem.

 

Private Equity and Investment Talent in Demand

 

Ireland’s private equity market is increasingly competitive, with more international players establishing a foothold. Domestic firms are also scaling their operations, prompting consistent demand for Investment Associates, Vice Presidents, and Principals. Firms are prioritising candidates who bring sectoral expertise in high-growth verticals such as healthcare, fintech, and renewable energy.

 

In particular, there is an increased appetite for talent with both transactional experience and operational insight. Candidates who have worked in the UK or U.S. markets and are now seeking to return to Ireland bring a strong blend of international exposure and local context. These returnees are often courted aggressively by both funds and their portfolio companies.

 

 

Port-Co Hiring: C-Suite Leadership on the Rise

 

Portfolio companies, especially in the mid-market and lower-mid-market space, are entering phases of strategic growth or transformation, which is creating increased demand for seasoned C-suite leaders. CFOs with private equity-backed experience are in particularly high demand. Companies want financially astute leaders who can manage growth, tighten operations, and prepare for future exits or refinancing.

 

CEO and COO roles are also seeing activity, particularly within scaling businesses in SaaS, manufacturing, and clean energy. These leaders are expected to bring both agility and process discipline as firms move from founder-led growth into a more institutionalised structure.

 

Growth in Venture Capital and Early-Stage Investment

 

Ireland’s VC landscape, particularly in Dublin, is seeing healthy activity. Fintech, healthtech, and AI start-ups are continuing to attract both funding and talent. As more early-stage funds and seed investors set up operations locally, hiring has expanded beyond Analysts to include full Investment Teams.

 

There is also a shift in what VC firms are looking for: rather than generalist backgrounds, they now seek Investment Managers and Principals with specific domain knowledge, technical literacy, and ideally, previous start-up or scale-up experience. Operator-investors — those with a blend of investment and operational experience — are particularly attractive.

 

Corporate Development: Strategic Growth Functions Expand

 

Multinationals with European HQs in Dublin continue to grow their strategic finance, in-house M&A, and corporate development teams. Candidates with experience in investment banking, consulting, or prior PE work are ideal fits for these roles, especially when combined with a commercial mindset and experience in cross-border deals.

 

As global firms increase their investment in Ireland, particularly in tech and pharmaceuticals, there is growing demand for professionals who can act as the internal bridge between local operations and global strategy.

 

Executive Hiring Challenges and Opportunities

 

While demand is high, the Irish market remains talent-constrained at senior levels. Top candidates are weighing multiple offers and value not just compensation, but leadership vision, team dynamics, and hybrid working policies. Employers who lead with purpose, flexibility, and clarity around equity or incentive structures are winning the best talent.

 

We’re also seeing a strong interest from Irish professionals abroad looking to return home — a trend that accelerated post-pandemic and has held steady. This creates an excellent opportunity for employers who can offer compelling roles aligned with candidates’ personal and professional priorities.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Ireland’s investment and executive hiring market is entering a new phase of maturity and sophistication. With increased global capital, a vibrant start-up ecosystem, and strategic expansion from global corporates, the opportunities for talent are extensive. For employers, success will hinge on clarity, agility, and a truly proactive talent strategy.


Partnering with Mason Alexander for Investment and Executive Talent

 

At Mason Alexander, we specialise in connecting high-growth funds, venture-backed scale-ups, and multinational corporates with Ireland’s top-tier investment and executive talent. Whether you’re building an investment team, hiring your next CFO, or seeking a strategic partner for executive search — we combine deep sector knowledge with a consultative, long-term approach.

 

📩 Get in touch today with Dylan to learn how we can help you build leadership teams that drive growth.

Dylan Philpott, Principal

d.philpott@masonalexander.ie

With a background in professional services, Dylan partners with high-growth and established businesses to deliver C-suite and Director-level talent appointments across financial services and corporate verticals. He has a proven track record of securing high-impact leadership talent. Recent mandates include placing a CFO at a rapidly scaling fintech business and a CRO at a global payments firm.

Finance | Investments | Commercial | Business Services

Contact Dylan
  • What investment roles are most in demand in Ireland in 2025?

    There is high demand for Investment Associates, VPs, Principals, and Operator-Investors with sectoral experience in healthcare, fintech, and renewables.

  • What sectors are driving executive hiring in Ireland?

    Executive hiring is strong across SaaS, clean energy, manufacturing, and private equity-backed companies, especially for CFO, COO, and CEO roles.

  • Is Ireland an attractive market for returning investment professionals?

    Yes. Irish professionals returning from the UK or U.S. are in high demand, offering international experience and local market understanding.

Why You Shouldn't Feel Guilty for Leaving a Job
By Sarah Dolan July 10, 2025
Feeling guilty about leaving your job? You’re not alone. Here's why you shouldn’t let guilt hold you back — and how to move on with confidence and professionalism.
The Tech Talent Tug of War: How Employers Can Stay Ahead
By Sarah Dolan July 8, 2025
Struggling to hire top tech talent in Ireland? Discover how Irish employers can compete with global giants in 2025 with smart employer branding and hiring strategies.
AI Is Changing Jobs — But Not How You Think: What Employers Need to Know in 2025
By Sarah Dolan July 1, 2025
AI isn’t eliminating jobs — it’s transforming them. Discover how hiring strategies must evolve in 2025 as roles shift, skills change, and AI reshapes the workplace.
Follow us on Instagram