Since 1999, Marian has been CEO of the Kilkenny Group, the leading retailer of Irish designed products and proud promoters of Irish craft and design for over 5 decades. The family-run retail Group currently employs 280 people across its portfolio of 15 nationwide stores, 2 Cafés and online store, kilkennyshop.com. Trading for the company has continued to increase over the past number of years, with Kilkenny and has now reached over €30m
Marian began her retail career at the age of 16, selling Aran sweaters from a small thatch cottage in Blarney and credits her father, Christy Kelleher, for much of her business and entrepreneurial acumen. Marian takes a very hands-on approach in her role as CEO, working closely with her teams across all company departments to deliver exceptional results across the board.
Amongst her career achievements to date, Marian was named as the 2014 Image Businesswoman of the Year and was also named one of WXM’s Top 25 Most Influential Women for 2 years running in 2013 and 2014. Marian also works closely with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, assisting as an adjudicator in the annual Showcase Awards.
