The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (AmCham) has announced the appointment of Mark Cockerill as President and Paul Kelleher as Vice President for 2026.

Cockerill has put a strong focus on artificial intelligence, innovation and Ireland’s global competitiveness in the year ahead.

Leadership for a Pivotal Year

Mark Cockerill is Senior Vice President of Legal for Corporate, M&A and International Development at ServiceNow, the AI-powered platform driving business reinvention. In addition to his global responsibilities, he leads ServiceNow’s Irish operations, overseeing team growth and expansion.

He succeeds Liz Cunningham, Vice President of International Tax at Google, as AmCham President.

Cockerill steps into the role at a time of significant opportunity and challenge for Ireland’s multinational sector, particularly as digital transformation and AI reshape industries worldwide.

AI, Talent And Research 

As President, Cockerill has identified positioning Ireland as a global leader in AI and strengthening the country’s ability to attract top research talent as key priorities.

These themes echo findings from AmCham’s November member survey, which found that 45% of US multinationals operating in Ireland believe the country should strengthen its digital and AI test environments to enhance research, development and innovation (RD&I) infrastructure.

The survey also underscored mounting talent pressures. Half of AmCham member companies report difficulties attracting talent. Twelve percent attribute challenges to a general shortage of available candidates, while 44% cite a lack of specialist skills.

Digital and data capabilities, engineering expertise, machine learning and AI were consistently ranked as the most acute skills gaps.

Addressing these constraints, Cockerill said, will be central to sustaining Ireland’s reputation as a leading destination for US foreign direct investment.

“I am honoured to serve as President of AmCham for 2026," said Cockerill. "My priority is to address practical concerns for our members. I’m focused on delivering results for both citizens and organisations, particularly to make it easier to do business and drive innovation. I aim to champion and elevate Ireland’s reputation in AI, talent attraction and retention, partnering with the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to encourage positive change, growth and investment.”

Leveraging Ireland’s EU Presidency

Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 is viewed as another cornerstone of AmCham’s agenda. The Presidency presents an opportunity to influence policy and regulation in ways that enhance Europe’s global competitiveness, particularly in digital technology, R&D and sustainability.

AmCham leadership sees the Presidency as a platform to deepen transatlantic cooperation at a time when EU-US relations continue to evolve.

Vice President Appointment

Paul Kelleher, currently Vice President of Engineering, QT Technologies at Qualcomm Ireland, brings more than 30 years’ experience in the electronics industry to the Vice Presidency. He has spent the past decade with Qualcomm, contributing to Ireland’s growing prominence in advanced technology and engineering.

Welcoming both appointments, Paul Sweetman, CEO of AmCham, said, “Mark and Paul have both been an important part of AmCham in their capacity as board members, and Mark in his position in 2025 as AmCham Vice President. I am very pleased to welcome them to their new roles for 2026, where their extensive leadership and expertise will play a significant role in supporting our members."

He added, "This coming year will be important particularly as transatlantic relations between Europe and the US develop, and Ireland has a great opportunity at hand when the country takes on Presidency to the Council of the European Union. We look forward to working to continue to highlight the benefits that the US-Ireland relationship holds for our societies and economies.”

Strengthening the US–Ireland Relationship

With US multinationals playing a central role in Ireland’s economy, the 2026 AmCham leadership team will be tasked with ensuring the country remains competitive, innovative and attractive for global investment.

As AI accelerates change across sectors and geopolitical dynamics shift, the priorities set out by Cockerill and Kelleher reflect a broader ambition to secure Ireland’s position at the forefront of digital transformation while deepening the strategic partnership between Ireland, Europe and the United States.