'We have ambitious plans': Northern Ireland software firm appoints new CFO as it targets tripled turnover and 100 jobs. By Claire Cartmill Published 10th Sep 2026, 10:12 BST Ibrahim Mahmood joins the AI and cyber security consultancy as it works towards tripling turnover and creating 100 new jobs by 2028. Belfast-headquartered AI-native software engineering and cyber security consultancy Instil has appointed Ibrahim Mahmood as its new chief financial officer (CFO) as the company enters its next phase of growth. Mahmood takes up the role with immediate effect and will also join Instil's Board of Directors, reflecting the strategic importance of the appointment as the company continues to expand. The appointment comes as Instil progresses with a major investment programme announced in October 2025. The company committed £6 million to support its ambition of tripling turnover by the end of 2028, with backing from Invest NI, alongside plans to create 100 new jobs across software engineering, technical management and commercial sales. You May Like Instil is continuing to grow its client base across the UK and US, with a particular focus on fintech and other highly regulated sectors. In his new role, Mahmood will support the company's long-term growth strategy, operational scalability, mergers and acquisitions activity and overall financial performance. He will also lead the finance function and contribute to financial planning, governance, investment readiness and the delivery of Instil's 2028 growth targets. Mahmood brings more than 15 years of experience in global finance leadership to the role. Most recently, he served as Regional CFO of a technology services and consulting group, where he was responsible for a region spanning the UK, Benelux and Asia-Pacific, with turnover exceeding €1 billion. Instil CEO Paddy O'Hagan said Mahmood's experience would be valuable as the company looks to scale: "Ibrahim joins us at an exciting stage in Instil's growth journey. We have ambitious plans to scale our business, deepen our relationships with clients across the UK and US, and continue investing in exceptional talent. "His combination of financial leadership, commercial acumen and experience supporting high-growth technology organisations will be invaluable as we execute our strategy and build for the long term. I am delighted to welcome him to the leadership team and Board." Mahmood said he was attracted to Instil's reputation, culture and growth ambitions: "Instil has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-impact AI-native software engineering and cyber security services to organisations operating in complex and highly regulated environments. "The opportunity to join a business with such a strong culture, talented team and clear growth ambition was incredibly compelling. "I look forward to working closely with Paddy, the Exec and wider Instil team as well as the Board to support sustainable growth, strengthen our operational foundations and help realise Instil's long-term vision across the UK and US markets." As CFO and a member of the Board, Mahmood will help shape Instil's long-term growth agenda as the company works towards its target of tripling turnover by the end of 2028.

'This exciting time in the development of the firm': new chief executive officer appointed at Belfast software firm as it prepares for the next stage of growth. Belfast product development and cyber security consultancy Instil has appointed Paddy O'Hagan as chief executive officer. Mr O'Hagan was previously the firm's chief operating officer and will fill the shoes of Tara Simpson, who moves to the role of founder and chief technology officer at the firm he founded 20 years ago. It comes after a period of strong growth for Instil, which has expanded substantially in recent years, adding a roster of global names to its client list. Tara said: "Instil has been on a journey of evolution in recent years, refining our services, strengthening our capabilities, and building a truly world-class team. "We are now perfectly positioned for the next stage of our growth, and I'm hugely excited about what lies ahead. Since joining as an investor and COO in 2023, Paddy has made a huge impact, and with his leadership experience, he is absolutely the right person to lead Instil into its next chapter. I'm looking forward to supporting him on that journey." Paddy said: "I'm delighted to be stepping into the role of CEO at Instil at this exciting time in the development of the firm. Our track record shows we provide a world-class level of service across our software development, AI & data and cyber security divisions, and I look forward to bringing that to a wider audience in the coming years." Paddy is a seasoned executive, having been CEO of Belfast IT Services provider Neueda up until its sale in 2021, prior to which he held senior positions at NYSE Technologies and Kainos. Tara Simpson founded Instil in 2005. Over the past 20 years, he has built Instil into a respected technology provider with blue-chip clients in the US, UK and Europe. Today's news comes just under a year after Instil acquired Vertical Structure, adding an enhanced cyber security offering to its portfolio. Instil specialises in helping technology brands transform, innovate and disrupt their markets with secure, category-defining software. Its services include product development, delivering next-generation digital solutions; cyber security, helping teams protect against emerging cyber threats; and artificial intelligence, unlocking the potential of data and people. Related topics: Belfast