Sharon Walsh, Managing Director Of Heineken Ireland, Crowned As Irish National Marketing Champion

Sharon Walsh, MD of Heineken Ireland is the new Irish National Marketing Champion. The announcement was made at the prestigious Marketing Institute Ireland’s CMO Summit, held today at Meta’s HQ in Ballsbridge. Shane McGonigle, CEO of Marketing Institute Ireland commented “Sharon is being recognised for her professionalism and expertise in the application of marketing discipline to deliver value for her consumers, her colleagues and her business. Her global expertise and successful track record was further consolidated with her appointment as Managing Director of Heineken Ireland, and we have no doubt that she will  continue to grow and develop as a leader.”

Sharon joined HEINEKEN Ireland as Marketing Director in 2010 after various marketing roles starting at United Distillers and Diageo working across the spirits portfolio, then at Coca Cola working across the soft drinks category, sports & energy, as well as heading up the Media function. In her role as Marketing Director at HEINEKEN, she was instrumental in unlocking business growth through a consumer first mindset, fuelled by deep consumer insight, accelerating brand value, and driving a portfolio approach, a highlight being the company’s move beyond beer into thecider category. The successful launch into cider sparked a roll out in many other countries across Europe. Sharon was appointed Global Cider Director at HEINEKEN NV in 2016, where she further shaped the Cider category around the globe with a clear business strategy, new brand innovations and variety of flavours and tastes.

In March 2020 Sharon returned to Ireland and was appointed Commercial Director where she spent 3 years leading the sales organisation with a focus on customer centricity delivering commercial outcomes. In 2023 Sharon was appointed Managing Director of HEINEKEN Ireland where her business knowledge, leadership, creative drive, and winning spirit are delivering sustainable and responsible growth to the business.” Commenting on her award, Sharon said, “This award is a real acknowledgement of the critical role marketing plays in delivering business success and it is a huge honour to accept it. I accept it in the full knowledge that over the years I have had the privilege to be at helm of many great teams, working with outstanding people, navigating exciting evolutions in marketing, driving innovation and technology developments, and so I do see it as also a recognition of everyone
that has been part of my journey.

As Managing Director and leader of HEINEKEN Ireland, I continue to champion the value of putting the consumer at the heart of business strategy and I embed it every day, as I lead our company with great brands that are in every community across Ireland. I am a firm believer that understanding consumers and meeting their needs delivers strong living embodiment of how HEINEKEN globally see marketing as a crucial piece in managing and driving business growth.

The award is given to a nominated individual chosen by the Board of Marketing Institute Ireland for their contribution to Irish business and the marketing community.

Previous recipient have included Gráinne Wafer, Diageo who went on to win the European Marketer of the Year Award and Mary Lambkin, Professor of Marketing UCD and NED.brand portfolios, unlocks growth and drives financial and business outcomes.