Business

Kainos boss Brendan Mooney vies for EY World Entrepreneur title in Monaco

Brendan Mooney
Brendan Mooney Brendan Mooney

THE head of Belfast software firm Kainos will put all his cards on the table near Monte Carlo this weekend as he vies for a prestigious world business title.

As last year's winner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland programme, Brendan Mooney is in Monaco for the 17th EY World Entrepreneur equivalent.

He will be among 50 country winners from 49 countries competing for the world title and aiming to cement their legacy by entering the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Hall of Fame, joining 682 previous finalists of the event since 2001.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday at Salle des Étoiles.

Mooney, as chief executive, has guided Kainos Group to the largest indigenous IT services company in Northern Ireland, employing almost 1,000 people across Ireland, Britain, the US and Europe.

With a market capitalisation of $358 million (about £275m), it develops solutions for businesses and organisations in the public, healthcare and financial services sectors, and since its initial public offering in 2015, its stock has risen 78 per cent.

Kevin McLoughlin, partner lead for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year in Ireland, said: “Since taking the helm at Kainos in 1987, Brendan has led the company from strength to strength, and demonstrated how an innovative business can be scaled to achieve outstanding commercial success.

"What also makes Kainos unique is its focus on nurturing its employees and giving back to the community. This combination of traits is what has led it to compete on the global stage at EY World Entrepreneur of the Year, and we are honoured to have such an innovative company represent Ireland for the coveted world title.”

Brendan added: “I'm delighted to represent Ireland and the rest of the Kainos team at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year awards which allow us to celebrate the great accomplishments of each of the country winners and how they are supporting and advancing entrepreneurship. I very much look forward to the experience.”