Joyce chairs buying group

The chairman of CIE, Mr Brian Joyce, becomes chairman of National Hardware Ltd, a buying group comprising 70 independent hardware stores in Ireland. National Hardware operates the Arro chain of retail DIY stores.

Mr Joyce is currently chairman of Allegro Holdings, the Mater Private Hospital, Norish and Coford. The new appointment does not affect his position with CIE.

Mr John Stone, who spent several years in senior management roles with Hays plc and Degussa, becomes group chief executive. Mr Niall O'Connor becomes area manager for Arro DIY. He previously managed several Dunnes Stores outlets and worked with Coopers Distributors.

Ms Margaret Sweeney has been appointed deputy chief executive of Aer Rianta. Ms Sweeney previously held the position of company secretary.

Ms Sweeney joined Aer Rianta from KPMG in 1996 where she was a director in its Dublin operation. At KPMG she advised companies in the financial services sector and the State sector, as well as multinationals.

Ms Mary Cryan, the chairwoman of the Irish Software Association, has been appointed to the national executive of IBEC.

Ms Cryan is founder of Cryan Consulting which specialises in the development and implementation of marketing strategies for the IT sector.

Mr Jack Crowley, an accountant with Crowleys-DFK, is to take over as chair of the tax administration liaison committee for 1999.

The committee is made up of representatives of the Revenue Commissioners, accountants and the legal profession and is a forum for exchanging views on the administration of the tax system.

Strategy consultant Prospectus has appointed four new consultants. Mr Neil O'Herlihy works with the company's clients in the IT and financial services areas. He was previously employed by Kindle Banking Systems. Three graduates, Ms Elaine Austin, Mr Jonathan Hanly and Ms Susan Leahy are joining as consultants.

Mr Brian Thornton is the new general manager of the Forte Posthouse hotel at Dublin Airport. He has worked with Forte for the past 16 years. The Law Society of Northern Ireland has made Ms Catherine Dixon its new president. Ms Dixon is a partner in the Portadown firm, James H Rodgers & Co.