Host In Ireland announce new appointments in operations and policy

Industry-led initiative Host In Ireland is proud to announce the appointment of new team members, Michelle Wallace and David McAuley.

Boasting a wealth of experience, the enrolment reiterates the robust growth and solidity of the Irish data centre industry.

Data Centre Communications expert Michelle Wallace joins the Host In Ireland team as Head of Operations, boasting over 10 years’ data centre industry knowledge. Wallace has been a key figure in the European data centre market with key strategic roles in Digital Realty and Colt Data Centre Services. She will manage all of Host In Ireland’s operational and communications activities.

Energy knowledge leader David McAuley has been appointed Head of Policy. McAuley has over 20 years experience in industry and energy. He established and runs Bitpower having previously spent almost a decade with Ireland’s National Energy Agency (SEAI). McAuley’s role will be to continue to establish and communicate the policy of Host In Ireland members along with engaging with stakeholders in industry and government.

Host In Ireland promotes Ireland as a prime location for data centre excellence. It works to inform global decision makers within the technology and data industries about Ireland’s data hosting calibre and capabilities.

Data centre operators, service providers and equipment providers account for the majority of members in the industry-led initiative. The announcement comes on the back of the ongoing ‘Industry of Substance’ campaign, which aims to educate stakeholders about the importance of data, economic benefits for Ireland, infrastructure and other key issues relating to the industry.

Speaking about her appointment as Head of Operations, Michelle Wallace said ‘With the growth of technology in our day to day lives, data centres are an essential part of the supporting infrastructure. It’s an ideal opportunity for Irish business to capitalise on. Ireland has become a key player for data centre excellence, not simply as an ideal location for data hosting, but in also in the service providers and product providers that are exporting all over the world and creating exceptional career opportunities for the Irish market. I’m looking forward to supporting and propelling our member’s businesses by creating a valuable network and global voice.’

Commenting on what he hopes to achieve in his new role as Head of Policy, David McAuley said ‘Hyperscale operators are perceived to have the ear of the government due to their size and importance in FDI. As an organisation, Host In Ireland can provide a louder voice for its members than they can individually, whilst also protecting its members from any perceived disadvantage of commenting on specific policies. Most members also don’t have the bandwidth to respond to proposed policies. To facilitate this, Host In Ireland proposes to establish a Head of Policy function to help understand and communicate the key policy positions of members.’