A former high profile lawyer, John G Gordon has been chairperson of NOW Group since 2020, heading its boards in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Prior to retirement, John headed up a leading Belfast law firm for more than 25 years and brings significant legal, business and governance experience to the organisation. An experienced board trustee, his specialisms include charity and insolvency law, publishing and alternative dispute resolution.

Allen is chief financial officer and investment director at Techstart Ventures LLP, a venture capital fund manager operating in Northern Ireland and Scotland. A venture capital and corporate finance professional, he has more than 10 years’ experience supporting high-growth, venture-backed companies across the UK and Ireland. Allen is an experienced board director with extensive skills in leadership, finance, strategy, governance, fundraising and project/deal management. He holds an Institute of Directors diploma in Company Direction.

Cathy’s extensive background in human resources and her work in fostering inclusive environments in both education and the workplace align closely with NOW Group's mission to support all individuals to realise their full potential. She brings more than 25 years’ experience, with a notable track record at Texthelp, which has joined with n2Y to create Everway, an organisation creating pioneering technology to remove barriers to communication. Cathy has been instrumental in integrating business and developing HR strategies to create an inclusive global community. Her work has enhanced employee experiences and championed diversity.

Paul has been the Chief Executive of WhiteRock Capital for over 13 years, managing over £255m across various funds to support SMEs in Northern Ireland. He has extensive banking and corporate finance experience, having worked at Bank of Ireland, KPMG, and Deloitte. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, he served as Chair of Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2023–24. Paul holds an honours degree and postgraduate diploma in Accounting from Queen’s University Belfast. He joined the NOW Group NI Board in March 2026, contributing his financial leadership and strategic insight.

John is an accomplished Executive and Non-Executive Director with more than 30 years in senior roles across central and local government, excelling in strategic leadership and economic development. He began his career as a Design Engineer in aerospace before earning an MBA in International Business. He went on to work for the Industrial Development Board, now Invest NI, before becoming CEO of NI-CO, Chief Executive of Down District Council, Director of Development at Belfast City Council and Chief Executive of Tourism NI. A key figure in attracting Foreign Direct Investment and promoting trade, he serves on the board of the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, and has also held various Non-Executive Director roles.

Will Hamill is a technologist with a solid background in software engineering and architecture. He is Head of Engineering for Digital Services at Kainos, where he has worked for more than 15 years. In this role, he primarily focuses on developing national-scale digital services for the public sector. Will advises customers on technology strategy and digital transformation while establishing practices aligned with emerging technologies such as automation and AI. His expertise and commitment to innovation have significantly contributed to the success of various digital initiatives in the public sector.

Maria is a commercially astute and values-driven Non-Executive Director and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA, CGMA) with more than 25 years’ senior leadership experience across financial services, economic development and social enterprise. An award-winning mentor, Maria brings a wealth of boardroom experience and governance insight. She has a proven track record in shaping strategic direction, customer service excellence, stakeholder management, risk oversight and cultural transformation at executive and organisational levels. A recipient of the Gold Sovereign Award, Bank of Ireland UK, for leadership and cultural impact, Maria is a passionate advocate for inclusion, diversity, and social impact.

Mark has more than four decades’ experience in procurement, supply chain and commercial sectors across private and public organisations. As Procurement Business Partner at Translink, he has driven award-winning transformations in public transport through innovative, net zero solutions. Mark is a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Northern Ireland, and a member of the Institute of Directors, where he contributes to influential policy forums.

Peter is station manager and executive director at U105 radio station. He started his media career as a print journalist for the Irish News and Belfast Telegraph before joining UTV to edit its website. Peter is Chair of the NI branch of the Radio Academy, a charity dedicated to the promotion of excellence in radio. He was previously a board member of SkillSET NI, which aims to provide specialised employment preparation and training for those with disabilities and/or health conditions.

A former business leader with more than 20 years’ experience in industry and now an academic, Nuala is committed to empowering people from diverse backgrounds, especially women and under-represented groups. Inspired by the Lean In movement, in 2013 Nuala created the Lean In Network in Belfast, which now has thousands of members across the island of Ireland. She serves as a board member and is part of a global program of more than 100 Lean In networks across 40 countries. She is also a committee member of the Institute of Directors.