Our Leadership Team
Michael Lantry
CEO
Michael leads our Division responsible for placing software engineers into some of the best Saas companies in Ireland. Michael has been with GemPool since 2012 and sits on the Board. His team are expert headhunters focused on sourcing and placing contract and permanent software engineering professionals, with particular expertise in cloud technologies.
Michael also loves to share his expert knowledge on the trends he spots across the IT Market in Ireland. If you would like to know more on the top skills in demand, leadership trends or in general talent insights, head over to his Blogs.
If you would like to discuss partnering with us for your hiring needs you can also send him a message, and he will get in touch with you.
Namratha Ambat
Senior Marketing Manager
Namratha (a.k.a Nam), is the Marketing Manager at GemPool. She focuses on growing and promoting GemPool’s brand and simultaneously helping the recruitment consultant’s individual brands.
Since her time at GemPool, Nam has been able to apply her educational background to improve GemPool’s digital presence and build brand awareness. Conducting research and working in the IT Recruitment market has helped expand her knowledge. She has also been integral part of our Diversity and Sustainability initiatives as well.
She has covered content on building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, head over to her page for a pool of insights.
Cathal McAliskey
Director
Cathal McAliskey joined GemPool in October 2018 and now leads as our Recruitment Delivery Director. In this role, he partners with IT clients to connect them with top tech talent, helping businesses scale and achieve their goals. Cathal also takes great pride in supporting his extensive network of candidates, guiding them through every stage of their career journey. Since moving into tech recruitment over seven years ago, he has built a reputation for his deep market knowledge, strategic approach, and genuine passion for connecting people with opportunities that fit.
In 2021, he was recognised as the ERF Recruitment Consultant of the Year – Contract, a testament to his dedication and expertise. Outside of work, Cathal is an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to GAA and soccer.
Whether you’re looking for your next tech role or need support in building out your team, Cathal’s insights and experience can make a real difference. Check out his blogs for more market updates, or get in touch today to start working with him.
Sean Whelan
Senior IT Recruitment Consultant
Sean joined the GemPool team in May 2021 and mainly works on backend roles that consist of Java Developers and Software Engineers, maintaining a close relationship and providing excellent service across both departments is one of Sean’s main priorities.
Sean came from the retail industry where he was a General Manager of a popular mobile phone provider company, he has vast experience in customer service and good knowledge of the tech industry which he puts to good use while recruiting talented professionals within the Irish tech market.
Outside of work, Sean is part of a soccer team that he plays with on the weekends, as well as being a big Liverpool fan. A great sportsman and a talented recruiter. So if you’re looking for new career opportunities within backend roles, get in touch with Sean!
If you’re still just looking to gather some job market insights in this area, he has also written several blogs that will help guide you to the perfect role.
Tanisha Barkakaty
Senior IT Recruitment Consultant
Tanisha joined GemPool in October 2021 and has worked across different verticals before specialising within the data centre space. She now focuses on recruiting top talent for roles such as data centre operatives, technicians, and mechanical engineers, ensuring clients have the skilled professionals they need to succeed.
She loves to chat and getting to know people, their new cultures and traditions. She also holds a double Master’s Degree in the field of Sociology.
Tanisha also loves to go beyond and provide her candidates and clients with strong market knowledge that will help enhance their decision making processes.
Premika Patil
Sourcer
Premika is a Recruitment Sourcer at GemPool, having joined the team in April 2025. She brings over two years of experience in life science recruitment and is now focused on sourcing top contractor talent for data centre roles, including data centre technicians.
She holds two Master’s degrees in Psychology, which give her a strong foundation in understanding people and their motivations. This people-first approach helps her build meaningful connections and ensure the right fit between candidates and clients.
Outside of work, Premika enjoys watching cricket and is a proud chicken biryani enthusiast. Known for her approachable nature and market awareness, she’s always open to connecting and sharing insights into the recruitment industry.