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.
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.
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.
I have a kind nature, a strong work ethic, and a positive, can-do attitude that inspires others to succeed. I excel in breaking down complex problems, finding innovative solutions, and leveraging research when necessary to confirm the right approach. Understanding business needs and translating them into effective designs that deliver tangible results is where I shine. I am passionate about bringing ideas to life quickly and ensuring they have a meaningful impact.
In my spare time
In my spare time, I run Product Design Reference, an online resource for product designers, and Pack the Pooch, a project born out of my love for dogs. I enjoy creative writing and, as well as writing about design, I’ve recently completed a middle-grade fantasy novel. I also capture mediocre photos from time to time with a Fuji. My passion for cars, mechanics, and engineering stems from my late father, and in addition to being a long-time Formula 1 fan, I've owned and built several high-performance sports cars. However, recently I've focused on restoring a more practical 1960s vintage diesel tractor.
Work of note
Selected writing
Empowering people comes naturally to me
Tony is incredibly encouraging, highly approachable, kind and supportive, which has enabled me to produce some of my best design work to date.
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.
Tony’s ability to provide direction to a diverse team of UX, UI and Research Professionals of varying levels is second to none.
Tony led us through a number of difficult key product releases. He introduced several inspiring and motivating internal design initiatives.
I cannot speak highly enough of Tony. He is one of those rare people who goes the extra mile for people.
An incredibly talented designer who never identifies a problem without bringing a solution to the table.
