Chairman & Founder, SEL Group

Paul Evans is the Chairman and founder of the SEL Group of companies and represents the third generation of the Evans family to lead Shop Equipment Limited. Under his visionary leadership, SEL has evolved from its original base on Capel Street in Dublin 1 into Ireland’s premier shopfitting and retail solutions provider.

Renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of retail equipment and solutions, both in Ireland and internationally, Paul has cultivated long-standing relationships with clients and suppliers across the globe. His strategic insight and commitment to excellence have been central to SEL’s sustained growth and reputation in the retail sector.

In his current role, Paul continues to steer the strategic development of the company, working closely with his dedicated teams in CityWest, Dublin, and Cork.

A proud North Dublin native, Paul is an avid golfer and a passionate, some might say obsessive, supporter of Leinster Rugby.

Chief Executive Officer

Paul is an accomplished and people-focused executive with over two decades of leadership experience across Retail Operations, Human Resources, Organisational Development and Executive Management. As CEO of SEL, Paul brings a hands-on, commercially driven approach to strategy and execution, with a proven track record of guiding teams and businesses through transformation, growth and operational excellence.

Prior to joining SEL Paul held senior leadership roles across Europe, most recently with GameStop, where he served as Country Director for Ireland and was a member of the European Senior Leadership Team. There, he led complex restructures, managed large-scale retail and HR operations across multiple countries and built high-performing, resilient teams.

Paul holds a BA in International Marketing & Japanese, an MBA and an MSc in Strategic Human Resources along with certifications in GDPR, Coaching and Psychometric Assessment. His leadership style is rooted in clarity, communication and aligning people with purpose to drive sustainable success.

Paul lives in County Meath with his wife Olivia, their three children Mattie, Róisín and Paul as well as two very well-fed dogs. Outside of work, he’s a dedicated Leinster Rugby fan, a lifelong (and often long-suffering) supporter of Meath GAA and currently serves as Chairperson of Blackhall Gaels GAA Club.

Chief Financial Officer

Damien joined SEL Group in 2010, bringing with him a wealth of financial expertise built over more than two decades in senior finance and leadership roles. A qualified accountant, Damien has been a key figure in shaping the financial health and strategic direction of the business.

As Chief Financial Officer, Damien is responsible for overseeing all financial operations across the SEL Group, including financial planning and analysis, risk management, compliance and reporting. He ensures the Group maintains sound financial practices while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders from board members and investors to auditors and regulatory bodies.

Since becoming a valued member of the SEL management team in 2012, Damien has played a pivotal role in guiding the company through multiple phases of growth and transformation. His leadership has been central to executing successful acquisitions, managing complex mergers, leading corporate restructures and overseeing business unit disposals. With a deep understanding of both the financial and operational sides of the business, he regularly advises the board and executive team, providing insights that are critical to long-term strategic decision-making.

Outside the office, Damien enjoys switching gears by staying active whether he’s swimming for relaxation or lacing up his runners to take on a marathon. His passion for endurance sports reflects the same focus and drive he brings to his professional life.

Sales & Marketing Director

Ivan was educated at St. Finbarr’s Seminary, Farranferris and later graduated from the Institute of Technology Carlow with a Diploma in Marketing. With over 35 years of experience in the retail industry, Ivan has built a strong reputation for his deep sectoral knowledge, strategic thinking and ability to anticipate market needs.

Throughout his career, Ivan has been at the forefront of retail innovation, particularly within the grocery sector. He has played a central role in identifying and implementing new product specifications, helping retailers stay ahead of emerging trends and evolving consumer expectations. His insight and leadership have been key in guiding clients through the changing landscape of Irish retail, always with a focus on delivering effective, results-driven solutions.

At SEL, Ivan is responsible for driving overall sales performance and expanding the company’s product portfolio. He is particularly passionate about bringing new and innovative solutions to the market whether through technology, design or efficiency-focused improvements. His hands-on experience, combined with a strong commercial instinct make him a trusted advisor to both customers and colleagues.

Proudly based in what he calls the “real” capital of Ireland, Ivan is a dedicated Cork GAA supporter. In his downtime, he enjoys diving into the fast-paced world of Formula 1 and has recently taken to sea swimming embracing the challenge and serenity of the open water.

Director of New Products & Innovation

With over 30 years of experience in the shop fitting industry, Pádraig brings deep expertise and a hands-on approach to leading SEL’s hardware and non-food business. Recognized as an industry-leading expert particularly in the area of shelving and fit-out projects, his knowledge and insight have been instrumental in shaping innovative, cost-effective retail solutions for clients across a range of sectors.

Having spent his entire career providing innovative and value-added solutions across the retail industry, Pádraig's career is a testament to dedication, industry know-how and customer-focused service. Now serving as Director of New Products and Innovation he drives new product development, innovation and strategic cost control initiatives as well as sales.

Pádraig's leadership is marked by a deep understanding of customer needs and a commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that support store functionality and visual appeal.

Outside of work, Pádraig is a passionate supporter of Munster and Irish rugby. He also enjoys traveling the world, immersing himself in new cultures and indulging his love for great food and wine.

Head of Retail Technology Solutions

With over 25 years of experience in the Irish retail market, Martin has built a reputation for helping retailers enhance store performance and profitability. His expertise lies in delivering innovative products and tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers.

As Product Manager for our partner ITAB shop products, Martin leads the charge in bringing cutting-edge retail technology to market.

He also heads the SEL Tech team, where he oversees the implementation of loss prevention solutions and front-of-store customer guidance systems.

When he's not immersed in retail innovation, Martin can be found exploring hiking trails in the mountains throughout Europe and farther afield, his favourite escape into the great outdoors.

Head of POS and Brand Management

A highly skilled Account Manager with over 30 years of experience, including 17 years with Kraft Foods, Lorraine brings a wealth of experience and expertise in maintaining and growing long-term customer relationships. Known for a strong track record in key account sales, Lorraine consistently delivers results through creative strategic planning and exceptional service.

Specialising in the presentation of new products and services, Lorraine has a proven ability to drive customer engagement and support business growth through effective retail solutions across brands and all retail sectors.

When not managing client relationships, Lorraine enjoys spending time in the garden, cultivating both plants and peace of mind.

Head of POP & Telesales

James began his journey with Shop Equipment Limited in 2011 and brings over 20 years of experience in the FMCG sector, where he has held a variety of customer-focused and operational roles. His deep understanding of fast-moving consumer goods as well as brands, combined with a practical, hands-on approach, has made him a trusted and versatile member of the SEL team.

In his current role, James manages both the Point-of-Purchase (POP) and Telesales departments, ensuring effective customer engagement and driving sales performance. In addition, he plays a key role in supporting project management across a broad range of initiatives, coordinating teams and resources to deliver projects on time and to specification.

James is known for his dedication, attention to detail and ability to balance multiple priorities all while maintaining a strong focus on client needs.

Outside of work, James is a devoted family man who enjoys watching all things sport, from football to motorsport and beyond. For him, quality time with family and a good match on the screen make the perfect combination.