Paul Whelan

Background

About Paul Whelan

Experienced Independent Executive | NED | Strategic Business Advisor Chartered Accountant with 30 years of senior leadership experience across healthcare, technology, and financial services—spanning executive, non-executive, and advisory roles. Most recently served as Group CFO and Executive Director of Mater Private Network Group, a leading private equity-backed healthcare provider. Held a range of C-suite positions including Deputy CEO, Group CFO, and Group COO, with responsibilities across finance, operations, technology, regulation, and procurement. Proven track record of commercial leadership in complex, regulated environments—ranging from multinationals and private equity-backed groups to major Irish consumer-facing businesses. Extensive experience in M&A and transaction execution, having played pivotal leadership roles in due diligence, negotiation, and successful sale processes—including the €850 million sale of O2 Ireland and the acquisition of Mater Private by infrastructure and private equity investors. Brings deep insight into investor expectations, deal structuring, and post-transaction integration. Specialist in business transformation and aligning organisations to meet market and operational challenges. Experienced in leading complex change programmes with measurable strategic impact. Recognised for strong stakeholder engagement, adept at building trust and alignment with boards, investors, regulators, unions, senior executives, and strategic partners. Skilled in high-stakes negotiation, dispute resolution, and the formation of long-term commercial partnerships. Proven governance and risk leader, currently serving as: Independent Non-Executive Director of Vhi DAC and Audit Committee Member Independent Non-Executive Director of Vhi Insurance DAC and Audit Committee Member Independent Non-Executive Director of Vhi Health & Wellbeing DAC Independent Non-Executive Director of Golf Ireland, where I also serve as Chair of the National Finance Subcommittee and Chair of the Junior Development Subcommittee Now actively seeking additional non-executive and business advisory roles with businesses undergoing transformation, private equity ownership, or market repositioning. Committed to contributing strategic insight, governance expertise, and commercial acumen to support executive teams and enhance long-term performance.