Philip Dempsey
Dublin
Summary
With over 22 years of fund industry experience, I am an accomplished leader and senior executive with a proven track record of establishing new businesses, delivering strategic growth, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance in fund administration, AIFM, and MiFID firms. I have successfully obtained multiple Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) regulatory licenses, including the first ever Specialised Real Assets Depositary license in Ireland.
In my most recent role, I established the Irish business and managed all business lines serviced by our Irish office. I was a member of the Group Executive Committee and Board. I led the commercial and product development, managed key relationships and had executive responsibility for regulatory compliance and governance of the Irish business.
I am also Central Bank of Ireland approved for the PCF-1, PCF-2, and PCF-8 designations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Country Head/Chief Executive Officer/Group ExCo Member
Highvern
Dublin, Ireland
01.2022 - 10.2023
- Founded Highvern Ireland with the successful establishment in January 2022
- Recruited the start-up team, the Irish directors, PCF holders, the INED, appointed legal counsel and the Irish auditors
- Obtained two key licenses - Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) license for corporate administration, and the Central Bank of Ireland Fund Administration license within year one of establishment
- Developed strategic plans to drive pipeline, sales generation and deal close to ensure profitability and drive revenue growth
- Facilitated communication between board members, executives, staff members, and other stakeholders.
- Represented the company at conferences, networking events, collaborated with the marketing team that increased brand awareness, and engaged with prospective clients.
- Conducted presentations to key industry intermediaries and business partners to drive company objectives.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform product development decisions and implement strategies for improvement
- Oversaw budgetary and financial activities
Country Head/Chief Executive Officer
SANNE
Dublin, Ireland
12.2018 - 12.2021
- Drove Sanne Ireland revenue (by 50%) from £6.5m (2019) to £9.6m (end 2021), and headcount from 45 in 2019 to 70 by end 2021
- Implemented strategic product roadmap to enhance service offerings which included obtaining the first Real Assets Special Depositary license in Ireland for closed ended funds
- Oversaw all aspects of financial management, including budgeting and forecasting
- Drove company vision with collaborative employee engagement techniques and strategic leadership
- Identified the opportunity for inorganic growth by acquiring Inbhear Fund Services and successfully completed its acquisition in 2020
- Provided thought leadership on industry panels and media publications, and collaborated closely the with marketing team to increase brand awareness
- Reviewed employee performance evaluations in order to make personnel decisions, and created pathways for promotion within, leading to a cohesive leadership structure
- Negotiated contracts with clients and company vendors
- Spearheaded overhaul of underperforming and siloed departments to reduce stagnation and increase morale and productivity
- Presented successfully to the Executive committee and plc Board to secure funding for new product initiatives
SanneHighvernHighvernHead Ireland Branch & Group ExCo Member
LIS AIFM (A Sanne Group Company)
Dublin, Ireland
05.2017 - 12.2018
- Established LIS AIFM Ireland Branch (May 2017) to service closed ended private market funds
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members
- Managed the entire sales cycle process including prospecting, lead generation, qualifying prospects, presenting solutions, RFPs, negotiating terms and closing deals.
- Negotiated partnerships with key industry players to expand market presence.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive business development strategy for the organisation and executed marketing campaigns to create brand awareness and drive customer acquisition strategies.
- Monitored competitor activities by gathering current marketplace information on pricing strategies, new products and services.
- Ensured regulatory compliance while carrying out business operations.
EMEA Head of TA Product/Distribution
Citigroup - Global Fund Services
Dublin, Ireland
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Responsible for business management, product development, regulatory compliance and commercial development across Citi’s EMEA Investor Services platform, primarily across UCITS funds
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches and to ensure compliance with local regulations
- Developed and implemented regional product launch plans
- Monitored regional sales performance, developed strategies to increase revenue, and adjusted pricing accordingly
- Analyzed competitor activity in the region and identified opportunities for improvement
- Regional relationship manager for key client accounts
SVP – Global Funds Technology
Citigroup
Dublin, Ireland
11.2012 - 12.2014
- EMEA Head of Business Product Architecture for Citi's Middle Office data and reporting transformation program
- Facilitated communication between technical and non-technical personnel throughout the project lifecycle
- Client requirement analysis and Citi lead for client workshops and offsite meetings
- Liaison lead with technical leads, programmers, and external vendors
Head of Product & Operations
Koger Inc, Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
01.2012 - 11.2012
- Oversaw day-to-day businee operations for Koger Dublin while managing teams and being the key contact for our clients
Senior Product Manager
Koger Inc, Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
02.2009 - 01.2012
- Worked closely with developers throughout the software development lifecycle to ensure successful delivery of products for clients.
Business Integration Manager
PNC Global Investment Servicing
Dublin, Ireland
06.2008 - 01.2009
- Collaborated with key stakeholders to identify business requirements and be responsible for the successful launch of new Irish and non-Irish domiciled funds
Account Manager
bBisysssBisys / Citi Hedge Fund Services, Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
12.2005 - 06.2008
- Fund Accounting Manager leading operational teams to produce the NAVs and financials for Irish and Non-Irish Alternative Investment Funds
Graduate Fund Accountant to Supervisor
Investors Bank & Trust, Dublin
11.2001 - 12.2005
- Trainee Fund Accountant through to Fund Accounting supervisor responsible for the production and review of NAVs and financial statements
Education
Project Management
Institute Project Management
Dublin06-2013
Master’s Degree in Economics Science - Economics
University College Dublin
Dublin06.2001
Bachelor of Arts – Economics & Politics (2.1 Hons) - Politics And Economics
University College Dublin
Dublin06.2000
Leaving Certificate
Catholic University School
Dublin06.1996
Skills
- Business Management
- Executive Leadership
- Business & Strategy Planning
- Business Development
- Revenue Generation & Growth
- Financial Management
- Budget Planning
- Regulatory Compliance
- Staff Management
- Relationship Management
- Market Trend Expertise
- Fund Administration
Affiliations
- Reading
- Travel
- Music
- Sport
- Exploring with my kids
Languages
English
First Language
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Country Head/Chief Executive Officer/Group ExCo Member
Highvern
01.2022 - 10.2023
Country Head/Chief Executive Officer
SANNE
12.2018 - 12.2021
SanneHighvernHighvernHead Ireland Branch & Group ExCo Member
LIS AIFM (A Sanne Group Company)
05.2017 - 12.2018
EMEA Head of TA Product/Distribution
Citigroup - Global Fund Services
01.2015 - 05.2017
SVP – Global Funds Technology
Citigroup
11.2012 - 12.2014
Head of Product & Operations
Koger Inc, Dublin
01.2012 - 11.2012
Senior Product Manager
Koger Inc, Dublin
02.2009 - 01.2012
Business Integration Manager
PNC Global Investment Servicing
06.2008 - 01.2009
Account Manager
bBisysssBisys / Citi Hedge Fund Services, Dublin
12.2005 - 06.2008
Graduate Fund Accountant to Supervisor
Investors Bank & Trust, Dublin
11.2001 - 12.2005
Project Management
Institute Project Management
Master’s Degree in Economics Science - Economics
University College Dublin
Bachelor of Arts – Economics & Politics (2.1 Hons) - Politics And Economics
University College Dublin
Leaving Certificate
Catholic University School
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