Madagascar, Nigeria, Dubai and Malaysia are just a few of the places where Mark Synnott, head of our vehicle inspection operations in Ireland, has developed his career with Applus+. Describing himself as an approachable leader, Mark credits much of his success to a data-driven approach and a commitment to identifying the right issues to address. He also values the work-life balance his role provides, allowing him to enjoy hobbies like playing with the Applus+ Golf Society.
Mark studied at University College Cork, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master’s in Management Information and Managerial Accounting Systems, both with First Class Honours. He interned at Intel, an experience that led to a six-year tenure: he started as a Business Analyst in supply chain systems and SAP projects, before becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Afterwards, Mark joined Accenture as a Consultant, where he worked on high-profile projects, including the mobilisation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) in 2009. This project was a turning point, as it eventually led to him joining Applus+ in 2010.
At Applus+, Mark’s career began as a Project Development Manager, leading change management projects and driving business development initiatives. His leadership and strategic vision led to his promotion to Deputy General Manager in 2017. Mark became a certified Company Director by the Institute of Directors (IOD) in 2018 and was promoted to the role of Country Manager for Ireland in 2020. His initial challenge was to stabilise the business after the impact of COVID-19. Another one has been addressing the shortage of skilled mechanics in Ireland. To solve this, he spearheaded international recruitment efforts, bringing in talent from the UAE and the Philippines.
Mark attributes much of his success to his ability to draw insights from data. He believes it is essential for making informed decisions and tracking the outcomes of changes implemented. For him, creativity begins with clearly defining the problem at hand, as he has often seen smart people waste time on the wrong issues. Equally important is his willingness to listen: he encourages his team to provide honest feedback and to challenge him. “There are always different sides to every story, and it’s important to understand as many as you can when making decisions,” he says.
Reflecting on his time at Applus+, Mark highlights the opportunity for travel as one of the most rewarding aspects of his role. This global exposure has enriched his professional experience and broadened his perspective. He also appreciates the work-life balance that his position allows, which enables him to pursue hobbies like golf with the Applus+ Golf Society, where he enjoys participating in events throughout the year.
Looking ahead, he envisions Applus+ expanding its presence in Ireland beyond the Automotive Division. He sees significant potential in leveraging the company’s global expertise and client base to grow other sectors within the Irish market. Mark’s strategic vision will be essential in advancing the company’s growth in the future.
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