I have been a design professional for over 20 years, since the days of 800x600 comps, table layouts, and limited font choices. But my passion for design began even earlier, with an upgrade from Windows 3.1 to 95. I spent countless hours flipping between the two, marvelling at the start menu and tweaking every setting I could find. That upgrade showed me how software could transform usability and sparked a lifelong love for design. Today, whether I am leading teams or designing products, that same curiosity fuels everything that I do.
I have a strong work ethic, a kind nature, and a positive, can-do attitude that inspires others to succeed and enables me to be a force multiplier. I excel in breaking down complex problems, finding innovative solutions, and leveraging research when necessary to confirm the right approach.
I am inherently driven to quickly bring ideas to life by understanding business needs and translating those needs into effective designs that deliver impactful results.
2000-2014
I worked with four digital agencies over twelve years, achieving multiple successes and awards, before moving to in-house product at the high-growth startup SkillPages in 2012 where I led and delivered an overhaul of the platform in less than six months. This overhaul drove platform growth from 1 million to over 7 million users annually, eventually reaching a user base of 26 million.
2014-2016
In 2014, I joined Paddy Power as one of two Product Design Managers, overseeing some key projects and managing UX, UI, and research professionals spanning multiple cross-functional teams. Shortly after, I assumed leadership of the entire design function, expanding my reports to over 20. I left in 2016, having successfully led my team through a multi-billion euro merger with Betfair.
2017-2024
In 2017, I relocated from Dublin to Wicklow to renovate a pre-famine farmhouse, achieving a mortgage-free dream after 17 years of renting. I went freelance to support this move, working primarily with Easytrip, one of Ireland’s foremost tolling and parking providers. I crafted a long-term design strategy with stakeholders and delivered multiple large-scale projects. Online customer interactions shifted from 20% to 80%, customer calls reduced by 90% and mobile apps achieved over 100,000 downloads. The strategy increased revenue and customer satisfaction, drove operational savings, and contributed significantly to the company’s sale to DKV Mobility in 2023.
Tony's knowledge, skill and expertise in design are second to none.
Tony's knowledge, skill and expertise in design are second to none - but his ability to work with any member of a company, manage and develop a team to create world class output that meets business objectives makes him a top designer, worldwide.
Stephen Forbes, Senior Director, Intercom
Someone who is not only a stellar manager but who has also acted as a coach and a mentor for me.
I had the pleasure of working with Tony when he was appointed manager of the product research team. Since then, I have had the opportunity to report to someone who is not only a stellar manager but who has also acted as a coach and a mentor for me, helping me to grow as a product design professional. Tony’s ability to provide direction to a diverse team of UX, UI and research professionals of varying levels is second to none and he would be an asset to any company lucky enough to have him lead their product design team. Tony comes with my highest recommendation.
Tara McQuillan, Research Manager, Meta
I cannot speak highly enough of Tony. He is one of those rare people who goes the extra mile for people.
I cannot speak highly enough of Tony. He is one of those rare people who goes the extra mile for people. Having always had an interest in design, I initially asked Tony for some tips to go with my Marketing skills. I was blown away by his response and willingness to help me, despite not being a member of his direct team. He always found time to help me improve my skills, often skipping lunch or staying late after work. Tony has a unique ability to not only be a fantastic teacher but also an inspirational mentor.
Jack Flynn, Design Director, Klarna
A true leader, his passion for the end product and the team that makes it is clear throughout the entire process from conception to delivery.
A true leader, his passion for the end product and the team that makes it is clear throughout the entire process - from conception to delivery. Inspiring you to push yourself further as you always feel like good work is appreciated. The result of his strong and keen eye for UI/UX detail means he'll often roll up his sleeves and help with constructive/objective input that’s always a welcome sounding board for our brainstorming. So in short, would I recommend Tony, absolutely.
Joseph O’Donoghue, Engineering
Tony’s calm, steady demeanour and wealth of knowledge have proved invaluable when dealing with complex projects and challenges.
Working together has been highly rewarding on both a professional and personal level as Tony’s calm, steady demeanour and wealth of knowledge have proved invaluable when dealing with complex projects and challenges.
Ben Taylor, Senior Product Design Manager, Hubspot
An exceptional manager, dedicated, knowledgeable and approachable.
An exceptional manager, dedicated, knowledgeable and approachable, making him excellent in communicating with his team. Tony led us through a number of difficult key product releases. He introduced several inspiring (and motivating) internal design initiatives and understands how beneficial they are in a busy commercial environment. On a personal note, I learned a lot from Tony, he'd always have time to listen and guide his teammates. This together with his product design knowledge make him a great leader.
Damian Bilski, UI Design Manager, Dexcom
Tony is incredibly encouraging, highly approachable, kind and supportive, which has enabled me to produce some of my best design work to date.
I have been fortunate to have Tony as my manager. From day one, he’s made me feel like a valued team member and has encouraged the best from me. He is always more than happy to share his vast product design knowledge with the team, which made each project a pleasure to be a part of. Tony is incredibly encouraging, highly approachable, kind and supportive, which in turn has enabled me (and others) to produce some of my best design work to date. He’s always so upbeat and positive which has been crucial through some difficult key product releases.
Elena Verling, Product Designer, Otrium
An incredibly talented designer who never identifies a problem without bringing a solution to the table.
An incredibly talented designer who never identifies a problem without bringing a solution to the table. There is no challenge too big for Tony when it comes to design. He hit the ground running from the moment he set foot in the SkillPages office and within a couple of weeks he had set the template for a complete redesign and overhaul of the SkillPages platforms, both desktop and mobile. Since then, Tony has produced world class designs across the entire platform and has contributed greatly to an improved user experience for millions of members. Tony leads by example and is passionate about his work; every pixel counts. He is one of those people who never has enemies in the workplace and follows a results orientated career.
Edmund Dooley, Head of Marketing, Expatrio
His approach is a highly impressive blend of creativity and flair with methodical organisation and leadership.
Tony is excellent to work with. He brings a fantastic creativity to each and every task and project that goes through him with a desire to work cross-functionally with myself, engineers and product managers. His approach is a highly impressive blend of creativity and flair with methodical organisation and leadership. This leadership is reflected through the way he leads his team and the way he leads in end-to-end product design. Bringing together functional and UI requirements with Tony is a simple, straightforward and rewarding process.
James Gallagher, BA
A product rock star.
Tony is not only a world-class Product Designer - he is an invaluable collaborator, with a rare ability to bring creative thinking and problem-solving to projects across multiple disciplines. A product rock star.
Jason Kenny, PO
His creativity and ability to take requirements to full and visually-compelling delivery with zero fuss never cease to amaze me.
I've been fortunate enough to work with some amazingly talented professionals in my time and Tony is first amongst them. The quality of his work, his flair for design, his creativity and ability to take requirements to full and visually-compelling delivery with zero fuss never cease to amaze me. Most importantly of all to me personally - Tony is an absolute pleasure to work with. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to get Tony aboard your project, you will be amazed with what he can consistently create.
Dominic Sherlock, Engineering
DESIGN WRITING
I write here, as well as on Medium and Bluesky, mainly about product design, leadership and creative writing. In my spare time I run Design Manager Hub, an online resource for design managers and, Product Design Reference, an online resource for product designers.
CASE STUDIES
From 2017 to 2023 I led and delivered a comprehensive and sustainable long-term design strategy that transformed Easytrip and contributed significantly to the company’s sale to DKV Mobility in 2023.
In 2015 I led a team in re-imagining retail screens at one of the largest online gaming companies in the world by undertaking a mammoth challenge of gathering and analysing insights and data from shops across Ireland and the UK.
In 2012 I led and delivered a platform overhaul at one of the world's fastest growing social networks in less than 6 months which led to an increase in platform growth from 1 million to over 7 million users per year.
PERSONAL
Beyond my passion for design, leadership, and technology, I have a love for creative writing. Recently, I completed a middle-grade fantasy novel, adding to my writing pursuits beyond just design topics. Photography is another creative outlet for me, where I capture mediocre photos from time to time with a Fuji.
My fascination with vehicles, mechanics, and engineering stems from my late father. A long-time Formula 1 enthusiast, I have built and owned several high-performance cars over the years. However, more recently my attention turned towards restoring a practical piece of history—a 1960s vintage diesel tractor.
In 2017, I made a significant life change, moving from Dublin to Wicklow to renovate a pre-famine farmhouse. This renovation realised a dream of achieving a mortgage-free life after 17 years of renting. Now, I call this 1800s Irish cottage home, sharing it with my partner Carly and our two wonderful dogs—Chloe, a tiny and spirited Maltese, and Delta, her devoted fan. Together, Carly and I also run "Pack the Pooch," in our spare time, a free resource dedicated to helping dog owners find dog friendly places to go in Ireland.
