Reflective Keatinge to leave Version 1 role
THERE’S change afoot at Version 1, the ambitious IT services company that took part in the Irish Stock Exchange’s IPO Ready programme. Based in Dublin, it employs 900.
Chief executive Justin Keatinge — worth €35m according to last year’s Sunday Independent Rich List — is stepping down from his position 21 years after founding the business.
Keatinge (47) took to LinkedIn this week and wrote an ultra-reflective post outlining the reasons for his decision.
“The saying ‘Quit while you’re ahead’ is oft repeated, but seldom followed,” Keatinge said.
“The lure of one more election, one more season, one more acquisition, is just too strong.
“Successful people love what they do. Without that love, there could be no success. With that love, parting is very difficult.
“And so it goes, that most successful people go through life planning to quit while they’re ahead — just next year.
“Always next year. When they’re a little further ahead.”
The marathon runner clearly has a broad interest in sports. He reminisced that he founded the company in the month that Arsène Wenger took charge of Arsenal football club.
“That was two years before Brian Cody took charge of Kilkenny hurling,” he said helping non-Irish readers by explaining that hurling is “an Irish stick-fighting game, like a fast version of Quidditch”.
According to Keatinge, it is time to get out of his comfort zone.
“Quit might be too strong a word, as I’ll retain a board seat and remain a major shareholder in the company ... another five weeks and I’ll be out of my comfort zone. Unsure of my purpose in life. Unsure of my next step. Unsure of where I fit in.
“Men in particular seem to define themselves by who they are in work. “Who am I? I’m the ceo of Version1. “In five weeks’ time, who will I be? “I’ll just be Justin, a little fearful, a little unsure, no longer ahead, but looking forward to the next 20 years of the unknown.”
We wish you luck on your voyage of selfdiscovery, Justin. LUXURY department store Brown Thomas has been busy working on its second-floor overhaul, upgrading its contemporary ladies’ fashion floor. Large parts of the new layout have already been opened, with the store bringing a pared-back, spacious feel to the department. The overall project is due for completion early next month.
The €10.5m revamp is being undertaken by Alex Cochrane Architects, which has some very close links with the Brown Thomas group.
Cochrane is married to Alannah Weston, daughter of the Galen and Hilary Weston who own Selfridges, the owner of the Irish store, as well as Arnotts. Award-winning Cochrane has previously carried out work for Selfridges, including its headquarters and creative offices.
While Alannah, deputy chairman of the Selfridges group, comes from one of Ireland’s wealthiest families, her husband has quite a pedigree himself.
He is son of Rich List regular Sir Marc Cochrane, of lemonade maker Cantrell and Cochrane, which became C&C. A very small world. PADDY McKillen Jr’s bars, hotel and restaurant business continues to expand apace. The Pressup Entertainment Group, which he owns with Matt Ryan, is seeking new staff for its latest venture, Dollard & Co which is nestled beside the Clarence Hotel.
On the ground floor there will be a high-end food market with a small restaurant. Upstairs, there will be a restaurant looking out onto the River Liffey. The new venue will open in the summer.
The property has an interesting history. The 100-year-old printworks was at one stage to house the extension of the Clarence Hotel. And, a few years ago Fallon & Byrne was also linked to Dollard House, although the food and restaurant company, which has an outlet on nearby Exchequer Street, is now focusing on a new premises in Rathmines.
McKillen and Ryan already have several venues near the Clarence. So if Dollard & Co isn’t to your taste, The Workmans Club and the Liquor Rooms, also in the Pressup fold, are just around the corner.