My name is Deirdre Sweeney and I have worked in the IT industry since I graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1987. I have significant experience in leadership, business start-up and business development. I am currently a Director with Elbe Consulting Ltd. - a company that I set up in January 2014 - and have completed a number of contracts with NI Water and Neueda. I have recently completed a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip.) in Applied Social Sciences with Trinity College Dublin. Prior to Elbe Consulting Ltd I established the Evolve business unit within Kainos and over the subsequent four years I built a strong multi-disciplined team encompassing product development, delivery, support, and sales & marketing. I lead the business unit in the execution of an ambitious growth plan into the NHS, a new market for Kainos at that time. This resulted in the acquisition of 15 significant customers and £20 million in software sales within an initial 3-year period. Prior to Evolve I held a number of senior positions within Kainos and was a member of the Executive Team for a period of five years before leaving the company. The earlier part of my career was largely spent outside Northern Ireland and included roles as a software engineer with Dow Chemical in Hamburg Germany and as an IT Trainer with ICL in Dublin. I am currently looking for my next challenge and have a particular interest in IT consultancies with an industry focus on the healthcare market. My key skills and experience include:• Strategic planning and execution of vision • Leadership• Building relationships at all levels• Programme / Account Management• Sales and marketing • P&L management