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

Hi, I’m Namratha/Nam. As the Senior Marketing Manager at GemPool, my main job is keeping you in the loop. Whether you’re a candidate looking for your next move or a tech company trying to scale, I’m here to make sure you have the latest market insights and recruitment trends right when you need them.

Outside of data and marketing, I’m really passionate about working on our Women in Tech initiative. We’re focused on supporting women in Ireland looking to switch careers, level up, or get back into the tech space after a break. If that sounds like something you need, learn more about our initiative here.

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

Hi, I’m Sean. I’m a Senior IT Recruitment Consultant and have been part of the GemPool team since 2021. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of niche roles. I primarily partner with software professionals across the IT market, helping talented engineers take the next step in their careers, and there’s no better feeling than making the right match.

I’m passionate about building communities and host our Engineering Managers Community group, where I have the opportunity to connect with and learn from leaders across the industry.

My door is always open for a chat, whether you’re a candidate looking for your next opportunity or a client looking to scale your team.

Tanisha Barkakaty

Senior IT Recruitment Consultant

Hi, I’m Tanisha. I joined GemPool in October 2021 and have loved being part of the team ever since. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to recruit across different areas of technology, and today I specialise in permanent and contract recruitment across Ireland’s technology sector, supporting clients and candidates across Software Engineering, Cloud & DevOps, Product & Digital, Project Delivery, and Data Centre Operations.

What I enjoy most about recruitment is the people and the stories behind every conversation. Every candidate has a unique journey, and every client has a story behind their team, goals, and challenges. I genuinely enjoy taking the time to understand what matters most to both, helping candidates find opportunities where they can grow while supporting clients in building teams that can make a real impact.

Alongside recruitment, I’m passionate about sharing market insights, interview guidance, and industry knowledge to help candidates and clients make informed decisions. My background in Sociology, including a double Master’s degree, has given me a deeper understanding of people, behaviours, and the importance of meaningful conversations. This perspective continues to shape the way I build relationships with candidates and clients and approach recruitment every day.

Premika Patil

Sourcer

Hi, I’m Premika. I’m a Recruitment Sourcer at GemPool, supporting both permanent and contract hiring across Ireland’s technology sector, with a particular focus on data centre recruitment. I work closely with candidates and clients to connect talented professionals with opportunities and help businesses build high-performing teams.

My approach is centred on building genuine relationships and understanding what matters most to the people I work with. Whether you’re taking the next step in your career or hiring for your team, I’m here to make the recruitment process straightforward, supportive and rewarding.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching cricket, exploring new places and spending time with family and friends.

If you’re interested in data centre careers or want to stay up to date with the latest market trends, take a look at my blogs. You can find all of my articles on the GemPool Insights page. If you’d like to discuss your next career move or hiring plans, I’d be delighted to hear from you.