Leading with Vision: A Conversation with Garrett Cronin, Commercial Director, IMGS & DataBuilders
Interview by Tanya McDonald, Marketing Executive IMGS & DataBuilders
As part of our team spotlight series, I sat down with Garrett Cronin, who was recently appointed Commercial Director at IMGS & DataBuilders. In this interview, Garrett reflects on his first few months in the role, the evolving commercial strategy, and what the future holds for the business.
Thanks for joining me today, Garrett. I’d like to start by offering congratulations on your promotion to Commercial Director at IMGS & DataBuilders. How have you found the transition into the new role over these first 120 days?
Thank you Tanya. The transition has felt familiar in many ways, but also very different. While I’ve been part of the leadership team for some time, stepping into the role of Commercial Director brought a fresh set of responsibilities and a broader remit. One of the most significant changes has been taking on a larger team, which has required a new level of coordination and leadership.
At the same time, I’ve gained much deeper insight into how the company operates behind the scenes, from commercial strategy and financials to operational decision-making and cross-functional planning. It’s given me a clearer understanding of the moving parts that support our growth.
I like to think I’ve managed the transition well, balancing the demands of the role while continuing to stay connected with our customers. Engaging directly with them remains one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and it’s a key part of how I stay grounded in what we’re trying to achieve.
It sounds like you’ve hit the ground running. What have been some of the key responsibilities or priorities you've taken on in these first few months?
One of the biggest focuses has been forming a new commercial vision for both IMGS and DataBuilders, ensuring we have a clear direction for growth. That’s included expanding into new regions and industries, which has been both challenging and exciting. I’ve also prioritised strengthening existing alliances and exploring new partnerships that can add real value to our customers.
Of course, hitting our commercial targets is central to everything, and with a multifaceted team to manage, it’s about creating the right structure and support to drive performance and collaboration.
With so much happening in a short space of time, have there been any standout moments or early wins you’re particularly proud of?
There have been quite a few exciting developments, but nothing I can share publicly just yet. Hopefully in the coming months, I’ll be able to announce some new customer wins in new regions, along with strategic partnerships that we’ve been working hard to secure. It’s all part of laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth.
What have you learned so far in the role about the business, your team, or even yourself?
Great question. On a personal level, I’ve been reminded just how important time management is. With ambitious goals and a strong desire to make an early impact, time quickly becomes a precious commodity. It’s been a real exercise in prioritisation and focus.
When it comes to the team, I’ve been genuinely inspired by how resilient and open they are. There’s a real willingness to embrace new ideas, and their collective commitment to the company’s success has made a big impression on me.
From a business perspective, I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes operations, the back-office functions, financial processes, and systems that keep everything running smoothly.
I’m learning it is a complex balancing act, and being guided through that by Aoibhinn Stuart, our Delivery Director, and Ciaran Kirk, our Operations Director, has given me a whole new level of respect for what they’ve been doing consistently for over a decade. Seeing it up close has really underscored what it takes to sustain and grow a business at this level.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for IMGS and DataBuilders over the next 12 months?
As a management team, we’ve set ambitious but realistic goals for the year ahead. One of our key goals is to expand DataBuilders into the UK market, and we’re aiming to win several strategic accounts in the enterprise space by showcasing the value of our solutions, particularly FME and Sisense.
While we’re proud of our current team, the growth in projects may lead us to expand both here in Ireland and in the UK. That said, we’re equally focused on responsible growth ensuring that as we scale, we protect our profit margins and remain commercially sound, especially in the face of rising operational costs.
We’re also keeping a close eye on geopolitical factors, not just for our business but for our customers too. It’s important that we remain agile and continue to deliver reliable, value-driven solutions that help our clients adapt and thrive.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone stepping into a senior leadership role for the first time?
I’d say, remember that your greatest strength as a leader is the people around you. No matter how strong your vision is, it only becomes reality if your team understands it, believes in it, and feels part of it.
Take the time to get to know the business in detail, not just what it does, but who makes it work. Be realistic, be thoughtful, and above all, be inclusive. Their success is your success, and creating that alignment from day one is absolutely critical.
One piece of advice that’s stuck with me is: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” That’s the mindset I try to carry into everything.
Thank you so much for your time, Garrett. It’s clear you’ve had a great start in your new role, and we’re excited to see what’s next for IMGS and DataBuilders under your leadership.