From the start, we set out to build an agency with a difference – one that’s driven not just by outcomes but by purpose, teamwork, and a true sense of collaboration.
Gemma is the Founder and CEO of &Smyth. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Gemma has built a reputation as a trusted communications advisor, helping organisations navigate complex issues, strengthen their reputation and communicate with clarity and confidence.
A skilled strategist and natural connector of people and ideas, Gemma founded &Smyth in 2013 with a vision to build a different kind of communications consultancy, one grounded in purpose, integrity and long-term impact.
Formerly an Account Director with leading international strategic communications agency, FTI Consulting, Gemma has advised on and delivered strategic communications for some of Ireland’s leading organisations and brands.
Gemma is a full member of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (MPRII) and has a Masters in PR from TUD (formerly DIT) and a BA in Sociology & Classics from UCD.
Hazel joined &Smyth in November 2024 as Senior Director. With more than 20 years’ experience in senior PR & communications roles, Hazel brings significant experience and capability to the business having managed her own PR consultancy, Narrate PR for five years.
Hazel has delivered strategic communications campaigns for clients in the food, health, retail, property, marine and tourism sectors. Throughout her career Hazel has developed strong working relationships with Irish media, has a keen eye for a story, is expert at generating captivating copy that connects and is a skilled media trainer.
Prior to that, she was Head of Communications at Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for ten years.
Hazel is a full member of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (MPRII) and has a Higher Diploma in Public Relations from the Fitzwilliam Institute and a BA in Politics and Philosophy from UCD.
Katie is an Account Director and part of the leadership team at &Smyth.
Katie has more than seven years of professional communications experience, and has been a part of the &Smyth team since 2018.
As the appointed Sustainability Lead, Katie was part of the team that worked on &Smyth’s B Corp certification, and is responsible for monitoring operational and client advisory capabilities in this area. In 2025, Katie joined the Board of Directors at Global Action Plan (GAP), an environmental charity making space for change.
Katie recently completed an MSC in Climate Change: media, society and policy at Dublin City University. Her dissertation investigated how to reimagine food communications for a changing climate, drawing on her professional expertise and international participants. She also holds a 1:1 honours degree from the MSc in PR & Strategic Communications programme, and a BA Hons degree in Communications both from DCU.
Ann is an Account Director and part of the leadership team at &Smyth.
Ann has almost 10 years professional marketing experience and areas of expertise include social media strategy, digital marketing, branding and project management.
Ann has worked for a number of leading Irish companies, including XOCEAN which collects ocean data using carbon-neutral solutions, The Shelbourne Hotel a luxury 5* hotel that is part of the Autograph collection, and social media agency Idea.
Ann has also provided marketing expertise to Irish food companies Hexafly, and Kinvara Smoked Salmon.
Ann holds a 2:1 Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from National University of Galway, and a QQI Level 5 Diploma in Digital Marketing from Sure Skills.
Account Manager, Kiah, has been part of the &Smyth team since February 2023.
Prior to joining &Smyth, her professional experience included roles as a Project Assistant at Mason Hayes & Curran, Marketing and Social Manager for artist community, Stoa Collective, and Social Media Manager for Mad Yolks.
With a keen interest in the arts and cultural communities, Kiah has developed skills in media relations, community engagement, copywriting, and tactical campaign implementation since joining the consultancy.
