Industry veterans Patrick Delaney and Pádraic Gilligan handed over their ins ropes from their boutique business activity consulting firm Soolnua. Long-time team members Aoife McCrum and Gráinne Ní Ghiollagáin took over the joint owners and management partners.
Delaney and Gilligan founded the Dublin-based consulting firm, whose name was in 2014 in the Irishman’s “New Eyes” with a mission to provide a new perspective to the field of business activities. The company said it deliberately maintained the size of its boutiques to ensure customers have direct access to experienced industry experts rather than junior consultants.
The transition is Gilligan
“From a new perspective and a new vision, we are excited to shape the future of Soolnua, drive innovation and bring extraordinary value to our customers,” McCrum said.
Changes in leadership also represent a welcome change in industry ownership demographics. “As a woman-owned business, we are committed to the diversity, equity and inclusive spirit of the business since the beginning of the business.”
Both Delaney and Gilligan will stay in touch with the businesses they have built. Delaney will serve as a consultant for the High Options Project, and Gilligan will continue to provide strategic direction as part of the operations team. The consulting firm will continue to focus on strategy, marketing and training to help destinations, hotels, venues and agencies.
The partnership between Delaney and Gilligan spans thirty years. It began when Gilligan joined Delaney in 1994 to found Delaney’s marketing consultant. The two then obtained Ovation in 2002 and sold to MCI in 2007. Before Soolnua was established in 2014, there were 100 destinations. Both have served in international locations and have received numerous industry honors.
