Sheehan to lead Orbitus corporate-governance unit
Orbitus, which provides advisory services covering law, tax, and human resources (HR), has appointed Patrick Sheehan as its corporate-governance and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) specialist.
The firm, which has offices in Tralee, Cork, and Killarney, described the appointment as a significant expansion of its advisory capabilities across Kerry and the south-west region.
The appointment follows Orbitus's merger with Patrick Sheehan Solicitors last year and represents “a strategic response to the rapidly evolving compliance and governance landscape facing Irish SMEs, particularly those in regional and rural areas”.
Sheehan, a solicitor with over three decades of legal experience and specialist qualifications in corporate governance, will lead Orbitus's new corporate-governance practice from its Killarney office.
Revenue activity
Orbitus says that the development comes amid “a marked increase” in Revenue enforcement activity, enhanced corporate oversight powers, and growing scrutiny of director compliance with the Companies Act 2014.
"We're seeing a fundamental shift in how Irish businesses are being held accountable," said Orbitus tax partner Tommy Walsh.
"Revenue has invested heavily in AI-driven compliance tools, and the net is tightening around PAYE, PRSI, and corporate-tax obligations. Directors are personally exposed in ways many don't fully understand,” he stated.
‘Protecting people’
Sheehan, who qualified as a solicitor in 1995, practised with firms such as A&L Goodbody and Arthur Cox before establishing his own practice in Killarney in 2004.
"Corporate governance isn't about creating bureaucracy; it's about protecting people and building stronger businesses," said Sheehan.
"Too many directors don't realise their personal exposure under the 2014 act. My role is to help them get ahead of these issues, not react to them in crisis,” he stated.