OpenSky has appointed Eimear Dunne as head of people and transformation, giving HR teams in fast-scaling technology firms an example of workforce planning placed at the centre of operational planning as AI reshapes roles.

OpenSky is a Naas-based data, AI and governance specialist, employing 87 people, that helps enterprise organisations in government, healthcare and pharmaceuticals deploy, govern and operate AI and data systems safely at scale. Financial figures are not publicly available.

Eimear Dunne joined OpenSky in 2022 as people and culture manager, having previously held senior HR roles at BNP Paribas Real Estate, Dillon Eustace Solicitors and Knight Frank, and holds CIPD certifications.

The strategic logic moves people strategy into operational planning. By embedding workforce planning in operational planning and quarterly business reviews, the function aims to ensure talent capability supports faster delivery on enhanced client commitments and long-term financial objectives.

The structural driver is growth combined with AI adoption: OpenSky is expanding across Ireland, the UK and Europe while embedding AI and automation into its internal operating model and client delivery pathways. Dunne will lead the AI-enabled workforce strategy and oversee the rollout of a new operating model over the coming 12 months, focusing on proactive skills forecasting, internal career progression pathways and aligning team structures with emerging AI capabilities.

Michael Cronin, managing director at OpenSky, said: "Having someone of Eimear’s vision and capability leading our workforce strategy gives us confidence as we continue to scale efficiently while enabling faster delivery, enhanced focus on customer outcomes and governance."

Eimear Dunne said: "Clients do not buy technology in isolation; they are interested in people who deeply understand their world and bring the judgement, credibility, and curiosity to solve complex problems."

Dunne previously designed structured internal career pathways across consultancy, technical and support functions and laid the groundwork for the company's Transformation Unit.

For the sector, the appointment illustrates how a scaling technology firm is creating a dedicated people and transformation role to align skills, career progression and team structures with AI capability, placing workforce planning inside delivery rather than beside it.

Source: Kildare Nationalist