The Business Post Group has announced the appointment of Mark Beard, currently of Prospect Publishing and formerly of The Economist Group, as Chief Executive Officer of the Business Post media and events businesses and related enterprises.
Mr Beard will take up the position in June 2026 to lead the next phase of the Business Post's evolution, delivering what the company calls "a new vision for business journalism".
The Group said this will include leveraging leading-edge technology and data-driven insights, while enhancing operational efficiency through the integration of finance and management systems to support continued growth.
Commenting on the appointment, Group CEO Enda O’Coineen said: "The need for trusted media, research and leadership is now more important than ever in serving the needs of business and organisations.
"Mark’s predecessor Sarah Murphy has provided inspiring leadership and oversaw a notable and sustained improvement in the company's financial performance during her tenure. Sarah is relocating to New York and will take up a NED position on the Group board, while developing her own enterprise"
It is expected that Mr Beard's role will expand as the Business Post continues to develop as part of the wider Insights Group, which was founded in 2018 by Enda O’Coineen with Colm O’Reilly.
The Group has grown fivefold over the past six years, increasing revenues from €8 million to an estimated €40 million in 2026 and profits are being reinvested.
A contributor to this growth has been a successful strategic partnership with Bonnier News.
With the Business Post, the Group includes the Irish Management Institute, and the Red C Research Group, alongside a portfolio of conferences, exhibitions and publications, including Food & Wine Magazine and Irish Tatler, which dates back more than 135 years.
Mr Beard joins the Group after three years at Prospect, Britain’s monthly current affairs magazine.
Prior to this, he spent a decade at The Economist Group, where he held senior roles at The Economist spanning digital media, marketing, licensing, syndication and circulation.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark Beard said: "My three years at Prospect, along with my time at The Economist, have been the most rewarding of my career. I am proud to have led the transformation of Prospect into a multi-channel media company, reaching wider audiences across print, digital and audio.
"I am delighted to be joining the Business Post. The company is in a strong growth phase and, alongside editor Daniel McConnell and the entire team, I look forward to taking the Business Post to new heights."
