LinkedIn names former Google Ireland head John Herlihy as new VP

30 Oct 2015

John Herlihy, VP and MD EMEA at LinkedIn

John Herlihy has been named LinkedIn’s new VP, taking on the role of MD in EMEA as well, following on from his role as head of Google Ireland in recent years.

LinkedIn also released its Q4 results today, with notable achievements including the landmark figure of 400m users, and has now announced that Herlihy will lead the business efforts in EMEA, overseeing the company’s strategic direction while continuing to drive business and member growth.

Herlihy spent the last decade at Google, where he was VP of SMB sales and head of Google Ireland.

He stepped down from his position back in April, the culmination of a spell that saw him grow the Irish arm of the tech giant’s business from 50 employees to 2,500.

During the 10 years, it was Herlihy’s leadership that contributed to decisions such as Google’s acquisition of Dublin’s tallest building – the 15-storey Montevetro Building – from REO for €99.5m in 2011 and it was the presence of Google that turned the Grand Canal Dock area into Dublin’s digital quarter.

Other additions include Google’s digital excellence centre The Foundry and a major data centre.

Prior to joining Google, Herlihy held senior financial and operational roles at KPMG, Oracle, First Data, Adobe, PeopleSoft and Epiphany.

At LinkedIn, Herlihy is taking over from Ariel Eckstein, who recently took on a global leadership role at the company, heading up a worldwide team that looks after the needs of the company’s largest customers.

“I relish the opportunity to lead LinkedIn’s business in the region and I have always admired the company’s ethos,” Herlihy said.

“LinkedIn’s vision to create economic opportunity for every member of the workforce is a powerful one and resonates with those looking to start, foster and advance their careers.

“I am looking forward to working with our team to realise this vision and to further strengthen LinkedIn’s presence across EMEA, from both a member and business perspective.”

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

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