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Authenticity has built solid relationships throughout the food, renewable energy and corporate sectors in Ireland, north and south, delivering considered, authentic and effective strategic leadership.

The principles are Geraldine Kearney and Caroline Nolan. We also call on our network of specialist associates to meet specific client requirements.

Geraldine Kearney FPRII,  BA, CISL

Director

  • +353 (0)87 2319430

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Geraldine has a background in corporate affairs and business sustainability with a particular focus on the food industry. Over her career she has designed and delivered collaborative, award winning strategies to engage farmers, businesses and public sector organisations at national and EU level.

Prior to establishing Authenticity in 2017, Geraldine was a senior leader in Glanbia plc, a global dairy nutrition Group, where she was Director of Group Corporate Communications and latterly Group Director of Sustainability (2004 – 2017). She was previously a Board Director of Murray Group where she advised public and private companies, as well as semi state organisations primarily in the food / agri business sectors. Earlier in her career she advocated directly for Irish farmers at national and EU level, in her time with the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.

Over the last decade she has developed an in-depth knowledge of business sustainability – specialising in strategy development, stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Career summary

  • MD of Authenticity (Authentic Sustainability Limited)
    2017 - to date
  • Group Director of Sustainability Glanbia plc
    2015 - 2017
  • Group Director of Corporate Communications, Glanbia plc
    2004 - 2015
  • Director of Murray Consultants Limited
    1997 - 2003

Professional Development

  • Diploma in Leadership Development at Michael Smurfit Business School, UCD in 2019.
  • Cambridge University Business Sustainability programme in 2018.

Professional Associations

  • Member of the Cambridge University Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL).
  • Fellowship of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) honour bestowed in 2004.
  • Guild of Agriculture Journalists of Ireland since 1990 - a former Secretary of the Guild and member of the organising Committee for two International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congresses.

Voluntary Positions

  • Royal Dublin Society, (RDS) - elected to the governing body, the RDS Council and also Vice Chair of the Enterprise Committee. The RDS is one of world’s oldest philanthropic organisations and is dedicated to Ireland’s long term cultural and economic growth.
  • Barnstorm Youth Theatre board
    2017 - 2021

Caroline Nolan MSc (Science Communication), BSc, HDipEd

Associate

  • +44 (0)78 0156 7145

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Caroline has a strong track record in rural development and heritage management, including directing PR at the National Museum of Science and Industry, London; establishing and directing the £5m Exploris marine science centre; and managing the Strangford Lough and Lecale Marine Site and AONB.

Throughout her career Caroline has held high profile strategic public relations roles, developing project partnerships, and engaging stakeholders (communities, businesses, funders, academia and government bodies). In developing complex and innovative projects, she secured over £3m for wildlife facilities, outdoor recreation networks, festivals, exhibitions, presentations, publications etc.

Caroline has contributed to national policies, plans and legislation, serving on a number of government advisory committees and presenting to the Northern Ireland Executive.

Since 1998 she has worked regularly for the BBC as a presenter and contributor and is an established ambassador for heritage, the environment and sustainability.

Being understood is central to business sustainability and Caroline has a depth of experience in written and AV content production and editorial services across all media platforms. This includes complex science and technology topics, liaising with academics and specialist teams.

Career Summary

Current

  • Authenticity Associate
  • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Reporter

1990 - 2020

  • EU Designated Site and UK Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Manager
  • SLMAC, Government Advisory Committee Facilitator
  • Queens University Belfast, Heritage Tourism Project Facilitator
  • BBC, Presenter and Reporter
  • Dept for the Environment NI, Marine Spatial Planning Secondment
  • Exploris, Marine Science Centre and Visitor Attraction, Director
  • National Museum of Science & Industry, London, Public Relations Director

Regional Advisory / Working Groups

  • Dept of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, & EHS: Marine Current Turbine, Marine Spatial Planning, Marine Bill, Inshore Fisheries, Invasive Species Control
  • Ards and North Down Borough Council, “Big Plan” Community Plan Development Group
  • Dept for Communities: Archaeology “Way Forward” Strategy Group
  • NITB “Regional Tourism Review” Steering Group
  • Sport NI Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Development Group

Voluntary Positions

  • 4per1000 Soil Initiative Working Group Member
  • Institute of Further and Higher Education, Bangor, Governor
  • Visitor Attractions Association NI, Chair
  • Portaferry Regeneration Ltd, Director
  • Northern Ireland Protected Areas Network, Board