BDO in Ireland appoints New Partners: Mags Brennan and Ronan Harbourne

Mags Brennan is an experienced banking professional with over 25 years of experience operating at senior leadership level across multiple areas of banking and geographies.  She has considerable experience in leading strategic change for well-managed growth in business lending and supporting appropriate portfolio management in business lending units. She has led Business Lending teams in AIB and Permanent TSB across new business and restructuring in Ireland, Europe and North America. Mags has in-depth sector knowledge, broad market, and structuring experience. 

Brennan has been involved with multiple market stakeholders over the years, including SFA/IBEC, Chambers, EI, SBCI, ISIF, and MicroFinance Ireland. Mags has been a board member of Cork Chamber and is a current board member of Chambers Ireland and MFI. Mags was also Past President and Chairman of the Chambers Ireland board. 

She has an MBA from DCU and is a member of the Institute of Bankers and Institute of Directors, having completed the Chartered Director program in 2021. 

In her role as debt advisory partner, Mags provides advice and support to businesses on their debt funding requirements supporting M&A, Capex and Working Capital. Mags works closely with the BDO Corporate Finance team providing Debt Advisory to Equity firms operating in the Irish market, supporting their M&A activities and ambitions. 

 

Ronan Harbourne has vast experience in all aspects of accounting, auditing, financial management and reporting and has worked across various fields, including property, service, hotel and leisure, construction, manufacturing, and distribution. His specialties include the auditing of SMEs. 

Ronan joined BDO in Ireland in 2002 as a Senior Manager before becoming an Audit Director in 2017. He is a Chartered Accountant with a BA in Accounting and Finance from DCU. 

Commenting on the Audit Partner appointment, Managing Partner of BDO in Ireland, Brian McEnery, said: 

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ronan Harbourne as Audit Partner. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and has made tremendous contributions to the success of BDO in Ireland, I look forward to seeing him progress in this new role.” 

“We have a highly skilled Audit team advising our clients across a range of industry sectors and have ambitious plans to grow the practice in the coming years. I look forward to seeing the contributions Ronan will make as member of our Audit leadership team.”  

Commenting on Mags Brennan's appointment, Managing Partner of BDO in Ireland, Brian McEnery, said: 

“As we continue to invest in BDO Ireland, the appointment of Mags Brennan is an important part of the continued growth of the company. The area of Debt Advisory has taken on significant importance in Ireland with the introduction of new lenders to the market along with the traditional banks. Mags’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities and further strengthen our position as a leading financial advisory firm." 

Commenting on her appointment, Mags Brennan said:

“I am honoured to be joining the debt advisory team at BDO as a partner in what is a very exciting time for the business. I’m really looking forward to working with Katharine Byrne, Brian McEnery and the broader experienced BDO team. My focus will be on helping Corporate and SME clients to navigate the ever-changing Irish Debt and Financing market to find the best outcomes for their business.”