Winner of 11 Marketing Society Research Excellence Awards since inception in 2009, and UK Marketing Week Award 2020.

Within Bord Bia, responsible for driving the innovation agenda through thought leadership, conferences and vision papers that champion the role of consumer insight in innovation.

• Established Bord Bia MSc in Design Thinking (Food) in association with Maynooth University, securing funding of €1m for same. Programme addresses skills shortages in insight and innovation in the industry and is now run in conjunction with DCU. Programme awarded Best New Post Graduate Course 2019.
• Developed an international network of innovation partners to support growth agenda. Establishing formal links between academia, science and industry globally.
• Over the past four years I have successfully conducted consumer insight projects through workshops, qualitative facilitation, and quantitative consumer studies, across various sectors including seafood, skincare, non- alcoholic beverages, spirits and other agri-food categories. My work has benefited a diverse range of clients, from smaller businesses to semi-state agencies and global enterprises.

"Helen provided invaluable insights that transformed our functional food brand from a concept to a market-ready product. Her qualitative and quantitative research ensured we were credible, motivating, and fit for launch, giving us the confidence to move forward." 

"h k + a has become an indispensable resource for BIM as

we navigate the complexities of the seafood market. Their strategic thinking

consistently challenges us to explore new avenues, while their actionable insights

provide a clear roadmap for success. The collaborative spirit they bring to every

project ensures that our initiatives are not only innovative but also grounded in a

deep understanding of the industrys needs." 

"Helen King has been an integral part of The Shed Distillery's success story from the beginning. Her vision, expertise in brand creation, and strategic guidance have been instrumental in building Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin into a global phenomenon. She continues to be a trusted advisor, ensuring our brand remains innovative and true to its roots."

"Helen King brought a fresh perspective and a laser focus to launching our B2C brand. Her strategic thinking and brand development expertise were instrumental in achieving national distribution and export success, leading us to win the Love Irish Food Brand Development Award." 

"Helen's long-term commitment to James Whelan Butchers has been transformational. Her passion for our brand and deep understanding of the consumer have helped us evolve from a single shop into a nationally recognised premium meat retailer." 

Working with hk+a has been a pivotal experience for Changing Times Brewery, especially as we launched late last year. Helen provided invaluable guidance on our brand strategy, helping us define our positioning and brand architecture based on thorough research. Her insights were not only strategic but also deeply attuned to our vision and values. Her collaborative approach made the experience enjoyable and energising, fostering an environment of creativity and open communication.  Helen’s work has been vital for our future success, giving us a solid brand foundation that reflects our commitment to quality and innovation in the brewing industry. 

Beyond her professionalism and deep expertise, Helen’s warmth made our branding experience genuinely enjoyable. She listened, asked the right questions, and championed our team, helping us see the best in ourselves and our brand. Her thoughtful guidance ensured that Spoonful Botanical now stands as a distinctive voice in natural wellness, with a personality and purpose that feel unmistakably ours.

We’re grateful for Helen’s partnership, her integrity, and the clarity she brought to every stage. Spoonful Botanical is thriving, in no small part, because of her leadership, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we grow.

Established Bord Bia MSc in Design Thinking (Food)  in association with Maynooth University, securing funding of €1m for same. Programme addresses skills shortages in insight and innovation in the industry. Programme awarded Best New Post Graduate Course 2019. 

Developed an international network of innovation partners to support growth agenda. Establishing formal links between academia, science and industry globally.

Over the past four years I have successfully conducted consumer insight projects through workshops, qualitative facilitation, and quantitative consumer studies, across various sectors including seafood, skincare, non-alcoholic beverages, spirits and other agri-food categories. My work has benefited a diverse range of clients, from smaller businesses to semi-state agencies and global enterprises. 

As the Chairman of Tipperary Food Producers, I am proud to commend Helen for her exceptional work as Network Coordinator. Her facilitation of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and growth opportunities for our artisan food producers in County Tipperary has been truly wonderful.

Helen has brought a wealth of global knowledge and experience to our local producers, fostering an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive. She has been instrumental in developing a comprehensive five-year strategy that not only outlines our vision and objectives but also sets a clear path for our members to achieve sustainable growth in a competitive marketplace.

Through her leadership, we have revitalised our brand identity and website to elevate Tipperary's artisan food scene. Helen's dedication to preserving and promoting our culinary heritage is commendable, and we are excited to continue our journey under her guidance.

I have had the pleasure of working with Helen for well over a decade, in Bord Bia and continuing to collaborate with her in hk+a. Helen is a remarkable force in the world of insights and branding. 

Her creativity and leadership have consistently set her apart, keeping her at the forefront of new insight and innovation, trends, and programmes within the food and drink industry. 

Helen’s vision led to the creation of the Thinking House, driving meaningful change and encouraging innovative thinking across our client companies.Her unwavering passion for her work and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on my career and the businesses we serve. 

Led Training within Bord Bia to upskill organisation in business acumen, insightful thinking and communication. Programme replicated and rolled out by Marketing Institute of Ireland.

Working with hk+a has been transformative for Goatsbridge Trout. 

Helen’s expertise in developing our business growth strategy and refining our brand messaging has brought precision and focus to our efforts. 

Every time I hear the word Focus, I think of Helen! Her supportive and collaborative approach made the entire process a pleasure. I highly recommend her for anyone looking to elevate their business.

Leading the strategic development and promotion of Tipperary as a premier tourism destination.

Supporting and championing Irish food and drink brands to foster growth and consumer loyalty within the Irish market.

Leading and developing a vibrant community basketball organization dedicated to fostering athletic skills, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

Contributing strategic guidance and marketing expertise to the national governing body for basketball in Ireland, fostering the growth of the sport at all levels and promoting its positive impact on communities nationwide.

Evaluating and celebrating marketing campaigns that demonstrate outstanding effectiveness and deliver exceptional results within the Irish advertising industry.

Recognising and celebrating outstanding achievements in market research and consumer insight within the Irish market landscape.

Contributing to the judging process that delivers a recognised stamp of quality to support world-class steak production on global platform.

Sharing expertise and insights on marketing, brand development, consumer trends, and innovation at conferences and events worldwide.