Our Team

Donal Daly

Donal is a technology entrepreneur who founded five successful software companies. Since he founded his first artificial intelligence (AI) software company in 1986, Donal has been improving human performance through the effective application of smart software.

Donal’s companies have served more than a million users over thirty years. He has been working on the Future Planet vision since his last company was sold in 2019. Donal is an author of multiple books including three on Artificial Intelligence and transformation that were Amazon bestsellers.

Donal also founded the Altify Foundation in 2005, a charitable foundation focused largely on human rights and social injustice. He holds a Degree in Engineering from University College Cork (UCC), and a certification in UN Sustainable Development Goals from KU Leuven, Belgium.

With more than two decades of pioneering work in sustainable procurement and supply chain management, Ingrid De Doncker has significantly advanced global sustainability initiatives.

As the co-founder and Head of Research and Innovation at Future Planet, she plays a crucial role in an ESG team that developed a platform that empowers organisations to create and implement robust sustainability strategies by structuring and managing their ESG data to effectively track and measure metrics, auto-generating transformation plans, and ensuring compliance with CSRD requirements.

A sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally, Ingrid is a guest lecturer at three of Ireland's universities. Her inclusive leadership and innovative approach to sustainability have earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious Irish Times Innovation Award in 2022. Ingrid's extensive advisory work on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues across numerous organisations, along with her expertise in public and private procurement in Ireland and Europe, underscores her significant contribution to promoting responsible business practices and sustainable procurement.

With a wealth of experience exceeding 25 years, Debbie has navigated senior positions within distinguished companies like Johnson Controls, Vodafone, and BT.

Her illustrious career trajectory encompasses a broad spectrum of expertise in data communications and IoT, with significant engagements spanning across Ireland, Europe, and burgeoning markets worldwide.

During her tenure at Johnson Controls, where she held pivotal roles such as Director of Strategic Accounts & Partnerships, Director of Ecosystems EMEALA, and Digital Solutions Director, Debbie emerged as a trailblazer in the company's ground-breaking sustainability endeavours. Her leadership spearheaded the implementation of innovative solutions that set benchmarks within the industry.

Debbie's leadership prowess extends to strategic planning, organisational development, as well as sales and marketing. Her adeptness in these critical domains has consistently propelled her and her teams toward achieving remarkable milestones and fostering enduring success.

With a career spanning more than two decades in people, communications, and culture management, Mary is dedicated to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and high-performance teams and organisations.

In her role as the People and Operations Manager at Future Planet, Mary orchestrates day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. At the helm of a global network comprising customers and sustainability leaders, she champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to shape a better world for future generations.

Mary has previously worked with global multinationals, small-to-medium businesses, and a number of start-ups. Notably, she won the prestigious An Post Irish Sports Book of the Year in 2018 (Penguin Random House), and was shortlisted for the 2015 Setanta Ireland Sports Book of the Year, for her work on building high-performance teams.

With her expertise and unwavering dedication, Mary continues to leave an indelible mark on the realms of leadership, sustainability, and literature, exemplifying excellence in every endeavour she undertakes.

Colum is a seasoned professional renowned for his expertise in spearheading projects with a keen emphasis on the environmental aspect of ESG. With an extensive background, he has successfully undertaken diverse assignments spanning various industries such as oil & gas, waste management, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food & drink, water services, and the public sector.

His tenure as an Associate Partner showcased his adeptness in navigating the intersection of business and sustainability. Colum played a pivotal role in enriching his former company's expertise in greenhouse gas accounting and sustainability reporting standards. Moreover, his strategic initiatives were instrumental in cultivating new avenues for business growth within this niche domain.

Orla joined Future Planet in May 2024 as Executive Director: ESG Strategy & Compliance. Previously, she was an Advisory Director at Grant Thornton Ireland, leading finance advisory projects for banking, insurance, and asset management clients, and initiating a CSRD service in the sustainability advisory practice.

From June 2022 to April 2024, as part of her role with GT Orla worked on secondment with the EFRAG secretariat on the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) sector specific standard development programme including project management, sectoral research, material topics review and external stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors on the initial sector specific ESRS drafts. With over 15 years experience in financial services, she also held a senior role at JPMorgan Bank Ireland as Head of Financial Reporting for hedge fund administration clients.

Orla lectures on Sustainability Reporting Chartered Accountants Ireland and holds a B.A. in Business and Economics from TCD. She is an ACCA member (FCCA), Certified Investment Fund Director (CIFD), and qualified Executive Coach & Trainer. Orla chaired the ACCA Business Leaders Forum in 2022-2023 and served on the ACCA Ireland Committee.

Simpal, a distinguished Chemical Engineer from India, moved to Ireland in 2017 and has become a leader in sustainability consultancy. With deep expertise in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), she guides clients through complex regulations. Simpal excels in research, benchmarking, strategy, and reporting, delivering tailored sustainability solutions that exceed stakeholder expectations.

Her previous experience in the manufacturing sector includes extensive work in FMCGs, paints, and pharmaceuticals, where she excelled in quality assurance, process improvement, and project management. She consistently designed, validated, and completed projects while meeting strict timelines and quality standards.

Passionate about driving positive global change, Simpal continuously adapts her skills to the evolving sustainability landscape, committed to creating a better future for the planet.