Over the past year, we’ve seen a clear shift in the senior finance talent landscape in Ireland. From CFOs stepping into new transformational roles in industry, to Partner-level moves within the Big 4 and leading advisory firms – the pace of change at the top has accelerated.
That shift brought a new level of demand for discreet, strategic, and insight-led executive hiring. It’s from this demand that DH Partners was created.
DH Partners is the new executive search and leadership advisory arm of Darwin Hawkins, focused exclusively on senior finance appointments in Ireland.
Why Now?
Senior finance leaders are playing increasingly critical roles in shaping business strategy, driving M&A, supporting funding rounds, and steering ESG and digital transformation. Finding and securing the right leadership has never been more business-critical, or competitive.
In response, we’re bringing a deeper, more specialist search methodology to market through DH Partners – offering clients and candidates a highly confidential, high-impact advisory service.
What We Offer:
At DH Partners, we deliver a full suite of leadership solutions:
- Executive Search (CFO, COO, CEO, CCO, and Partner-level appointments)
- Market Mapping & Talent Intelligence
- Succession Planning Strategy
- Interview Design & Benchmarking
- Leadership Assessment & Psychometrics
- Interim Executive Solutions
- Onboarding & Integration Advisory
Every mandate is personally led by Niall O’Kelly FCA and Mark Baker FCA – combining 28 years’ PQE across finance and executive recruitment, and offering a uniquely credible, dual perspective to both clients and candidates.
Meet the Leadership Team
Niall O’Kelly FCA
With over 14 years of experience in finance recruitment in Ireland, Niall is a trusted specialist in senior-level accounting and finance appointments. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant (FCA) with PwC Dublin in 2009, before gaining valuable post-qualification experience in credit analysis and investment management reporting.
Niall spent seven years with FK International, where he built a strong reputation in senior finance recruitment. Today, he leads all senior-level accounting recruitment for industry clients, with a particular focus on retained search mandates for senior and C-suite finance roles, including CFO, Finance Director, and Chief Commercial Officer.
His sector expertise spans PLCs, REITs, Infrastructure, Construction, FMCG, Pharma, Tech, and Private Equity–backed businesses – making him a go-to advisor for strategic finance hiring in Dublin.
Mark Baker FCA
Mark brings over a decade of finance recruitment experience in Ireland, underpinned by a strong technical background as a Chartered Accountant. He qualified with Deloitte Dublin in 2011 and spent three years post-qualification in portfolio management at Certus, a major player in the banking sector.
He began his recruitment career at FK International, where he developed a deep interest in talent advisory and leadership hiring. Today, Mark specialises in Partner-level and senior leadership appointments for top-tier professional services firms and financial institutions across Dublin.
Mark regularly partners with Managing Partners, CEOs, and Boards on critical leadership and strategic hiring mandates.
Who We Work With:
We specialise in sourcing leadership talent for:
- Industry Roles – CFOs, COOs, CEOs, and Board appointments across Irish PLCs, high-growth PE-backed firms, and global corporates.
- Professional Services – Equity & Salaried Partner hires across Accountancy, Advisory, and Legal practices.
- Transformation-Ready Interim Leaders – Proven C-suite professionals ready to step in during growth, restructuring, or M&A.
Let’s Talk Leadership
If you’re considering your next leadership move, or planning a strategic senior hire, we’d be delighted to support you.
- If you're a candidate looking for an executive-level role, click here: Live Executive Assignments
- If you're a hiring manager needing support with an executive vacancy, click here to contact us: Get in Touch
