Kefron receives award for fourth time
26 September 2025: Kefron has been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies. The company, which demonstrated superior business performance for fourth year, was recognised at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 25th September.
Eight new businesses have been awarded the Ireland’s Best Managed Companies (BMC) accolade at the 17th annual awards programme. This year, Deloitte recognised 115 indigenous companies at the awards, representing 25 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland.
The network of companies has a combined turnover of more than €22 billion and provide employment to over 62,000 people across a range of sectors from technology and healthcare to construction.
A thorough judging process precedes the recognition each year, evaluating the entire management team and the business strategy of each company. The judges examine a wide range of areas when assessing Ireland’s top privately-owned businesses, considering each business’ strategic planning, governance standards, financial performance, in addition to each organisation’s culture, talent strategy and how they are innovating year on year.
Commenting on the award Paul Kearns, CEO, Kefron said: “We are honoured to be recognised once again as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies. This achievement is a reflection of the dedication and talent of our people, who consistently deliver excellence for our customers. We pride ourselves on innovation, trust and long-term partnerships, and this award reinforces the strength of our culture and our strategy. I would like to thank our team and our customers for their continued support on this journey.”
Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, said: “Congratulations to all winning companies on their achievement. Irish indigenous businesses continue to impress, demonstrating unwavering resilience and commitment to excellence in an everchanging economic landscape. The Ireland’s Best Managed Companies programme recognises the significant contribution that these businesses make to our economy, our communities and our nation as a whole. As a vital part of our business ecosystem, it is essential that they are supported to grow and scale into the future, and the Best Managed programme hopes to support them as they do.”
Glenn Shanley, Head of AIB Corporate Banking, said: “Ireland’s Best Managed Companies is a showcase of what we see daily in AIB – the incredible strength, ambition and resilience of our indigenous companies. The process is a celebration of strong management teams and the energy they bring to the business world. We can see many shared traits in the 2025 winners – for instance, a willingness to face challenges head on and turn them into opportunities, embedding sustainability as a priority, and creating a culture in which people are comfortable with sharing opinions and challenging each other. Congratulations to all winners, I wish them every success in the coming year.”
A total of 107 companies requalified as a Best Managed Company. Eight of these achieved Gold Standard (four years as a BMC), six achieved Platinum Standard (seven years as a BMC). JJ Rhatigan was awarded the Family Business Award.
The Best Managed Companies programme is currently run in over 45 countries including China, The US, Southeast Asia, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Türkiye, Mexico, Chile, and launched this year in the UK.
Judging panel
The members of this year’s judging panel were:
- Frank Ryan, former Chairman of the Board of IDA Ireland and Chair of BMC judging panel
- Glenn Shanley, Head of AIB Corporate Banking
- Ellvena Graham OBE, Non-Executive Director & Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland
- Feargal Mooney, Non-Executive Director and former CEO of Hostelworld
- Lionel Alexander, Chair Intact Software and Non-Executive Director
- Orla O’Gorman, Non-Executive Director and former Head of Listing at Euronext
- Professor Anthony Brabazon, Dean of UCD Michael Smurfit Business School
- Sarah Murphy, CEO of Business Post
About Kefron
For over 30 years, Kefron has been helping organisations securely store, access and manage their data and documentation. With more than 900 public and private clients, our success is built on our people, our technology and the strength of our client relationships.
Our mission is to help businesses achieve their objectives by delivering flexible, tailored solutions. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, with our people empowered to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our clients.
About the Best Managed Companies Awards
Ireland’s Best Managed Companies programme, run by Deloitte, promotes and recognises excellence in Irish/Northern Irish owned and managed companies. It is the only awards scheme on the island of Ireland that considers a business’ performance from every perspective. Entrants to the programme will compete for this designation in a rigorous process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices.
Programme sponsors are AIB, the UCD Michael Smurfit Business School and the Business Post. For further information, visit www.deloittebestmanaged.ie.
International History of Best Managed Companies Programme
The Best Managed Companies Programme originated in Canada in 1993, where it has been run successfully ever since and is the country’s leading business awards programme. In addition to Ireland and Canada, the programme is currently run in over 45 countries including China, The US, UK, Southeast Asia, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Türkiye, Mexico and Chile.
About AIB
AIB Group operates predominantly in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Our shares are quoted on the Irish and London stock exchanges, and we are a member of the FTSE4Good Index. Whether it is navigating day-to-day life as we adapt to a greener way of living, planning for the future or growing a business, our ambition as a Group is to be at the heart of our customers’ financial lives.
About Deloitte
At Deloitte, we make an impact that matters for our clients, our people, our profession, and in the wider society by delivering the solutions and insights they need to address their most complex business challenges. As the largest global professional services and consulting network, with approximately 457,000 professionals in more than 150 countries, we bring world-class capabilities and high-quality services to our clients. In Ireland, Deloitte has approximately 3,000 people providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Our people have the leadership capabilities, experience and insight to collaborate with clients so they can move forward with confidence.
