About Steven McKenna
Get to know the founder behind Stratavera - a proven leader in growth, transformation, and value creation.
GET TO KNOW STEVEN
Founder & CEO with Proven Track Record
Steven is the Founder & CEO of Stratavera. He brings over two decades of hands-on leadership and financial expertise in transformation, driving growth, and delivering value through M&A. His passion lies in helping businesses grow and transform, working closely with ambitious clients to help achieve their vision, unlock opportunities, accelerate performance, and maximise their value.
Exceptional Leadership Experience
Steven has led digital transformation, performance optimisation, and multiple strategic acquisitions and exits across Ireland and the UK. His hands-on approach combines strategic vision with practical execution, ensuring initiatives deliver measurable results.
FROM ACQUISITION TO EXIT
Proven Track Record in Value Creation
As the former CEO/CFO of Ireland’s largest property advisory and financial services firm, Sherry FitzGerald Group, Steven has completed several strategic acquisitions, digital transformations, and successful business exits to trade buyers and private equity, including:
Targeted Growth
Dozens of acquisitions between €1–10 million focused on scale, transformation, and value creation.
Marsh & Parsons Sale
The sale of Marsh & Parsons to LSL plc in 2011 for €62 million.
Cushman Deal
The sale of Cushman & Wakefield Ireland to Cushman & Wakefield International in 2018 for an undisclosed sum.
Sherry FitzGerald
The sale of Sherry FitzGerald Group to CastleGate Investments in 2022 for €50 million.
Digital Transformation
Developed and launched the unique 24/7 online platforms mySherryFitz in 2018 and mySherryFitzMortgage in 2020.
Deep Commercial Expertise
Steven brings deep industry experience and commercial acumen earned from two decades of hands-on executive leadership across professional services, financial services, retail, real estate and technology industries. As a trusted CEO/CFO advisor to boards, founders, and leadership teams navigating complex challenges and capital events, he understands the pressures and opportunities that define business success.
The Stratavera Philosophy
Steven created Stratavera to provide business owners and leadership teams with the kind of strategic, practical support that delivers real impact based on experience, not just theory. He works with a select number of clients, providing high-touch, outcome-focused advisory that ensures exceptional results.
QUALIFIED LEADERSHIP
Professional Qualifications & Memberships
Steven combines deep financial expertise with internationally recognised leadership credentials, giving clients the strategic clarity and governance rigour needed for transformative projects, complex M&A, and other high‑stakes decisions.
Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA)
Master’s in Business, University College Cork
Diploma in Corporate Finance, Chartered Accountants Ireland
Executive Certificate – “Competing in the Age of AI”, Harvard Business School
Executive Certificate – “High Performance Leadership”, IMD Switzerland
Member, YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) – Global Network of Chief Executives
Member, Institute of Directors (IoD)
PCF‑2A Approved – Central Bank of Ireland
PRIDE IN NUMBERS
20+
Years professional experience
€200m+
Deal value executed
10's
M&A transactions
10,000's
Hours advising boards, founders, investors