Edward Fagan, Head of Procurement at Compass Group Ireland, joins the judging panel for the National Procurement Awards 2026, bringing over a decade of strategic sourcing and supply chain management experience within one of the world's most significant catering and facilities services organisations.

At Compass Group Ireland, part of the FTSE Top 100 global Compass Group PLC, Edward leads the procurement department with a scope that reflects the complexity and scale of a major international business operating across Ireland. Holding a degree in Business Management from TUD and a diploma from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, he combines strong academic grounding with practical procurement leadership across a demanding and high-volume category environment.

Edward's approach to procurement is defined by two consistent priorities: building enduring supply partnerships and integrating sustainability into the core of procurement operations. That orientation toward long-term value and environmental stewardship reflects a view of strategic sourcing that extends beyond cost reduction into the kind of contribution that organisations increasingly expect from their procurement functions. His emphasis on supplier collaboration and ethical procurement has shaped a team whose approach to sustainable procurement has been formally recognised on multiple occasions.

That recognition carries particular weight in the context of the National Procurement Awards 2026. Edward has led his team to five National Procurement Awards in categories spanning sustainable procurement, innovation, supplier collaboration, and transformation, making him one of the few judges on the panel with direct personal experience of the submission and evaluation process from the entrant's side. That insider perspective gives him a uniquely grounded understanding of what excellent procurement work looks like when it is presented for external scrutiny.

His appointment to the judging panel reflects the depth of expertise he brings to the evaluation of Irish procurement excellence across the public, private, and semi-state sectors.

The National Procurement Awards 2026 gala takes place on 22nd October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

View the full list of judges here procurementawards.ie/judges, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date with announcements, shortlists, and event news.