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Leading transatlantic educational charity marks 40th anniversary year with recognition of global technology leader driving innovation in financial services.
New York, NY, April 6, 2026 — The Irish American Partnership has named Colman Madden, a senior engineering leader at Google’s financial services division, as its 2026 Business Leadership honoree, citing his role in advancing AI and cloud technologies across the sector.
The 7th Annual Business Leaders Breakfast to be held at the Union League Club in New York, convenes senior leaders from across finance, technology, and industry in support of the Partnership’s mission to invest in education and opportunity across the island of Ireland.
A graduate of the University of Limerick, Madden began his career at Accenture in Dublin before taking on international roles in Australia and Silicon Valley, including as an early hire at a big data startup. Since joining Google’s New York office in 2018, he has specialized in scaling complex technical operations for the financial sector.
“Colman represents the very best of modern Irish leadership—global in outlook, deeply innovative, and committed to impact,” said Mary Sugrue, President and CEO of the Irish American Partnership. “As financial services undergo rapid transformation through AI and technology, his leadership is helping shape the future of the industry.”
Madden will be in conversation with Partnership Board Member Brian A. Ruane, Senior Executive Vice President and Executive Committee Member at BNY.
Previous honorees include Aidan Kehoe, Founder and Managing Partner of Nadia Partners; Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Avolon; Adrian Jones, Chairman and Co-Head of Global Private Equity at Goldman Sachs; Stan McCarthy, former Chief Executive of Kerry Group and Non-Executive Chairman of Ryanair; Michael Dowling, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwell Health; and Bernie Brennan, President of the Royal Dublin Society.
The Business Leaders Breakfast is a cornerstone event in the Partnership’s calendar, bringing together leaders across finance, technology, and enterprise who share a commitment to Ireland’s future. Since its founding in 1986, the Irish American Partnership has raised more than $63 million to support students, schools, universities, and grassroots organizations across Ireland, with 100 percent of donations directed to programs on the ground.
The 2026 event is particularly significant as it marks the Partnership’s 40th anniversary—a milestone year celebrating four decades of transatlantic giving, community, and impact.
ABOUT THE IRISH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP
Dedicated to connecting Irish America and friends of Ireland to their heritage through targeted giving – the Partnership invests in education, community development, and peace initiatives across the island of Ireland. Since their inception in 1986, supporters have raised over $63 million for young people and communities, North and South, empowering and educating the next generation of global leaders. The Partnership provides targeted grants to schools, provides university access scholarships, funds education centers for homeless youth, supports peace and reconciliation initiatives in Northern Ireland, and champions Gaelic games, Irish arts, culture, and more. www.irishap.org. #InvestinginIrelandsFuture