Who Is Gareth Sheridan? The Former Nutriband CEO Eyeing the Irish Presidency

Gareth Sheridan, a 35-year-old entrepreneur and former CEO of US-based biotech company Nutriband, has officially launched a bid to run for President of Ireland in the upcoming October 2025 election. If elected, he would become the youngest president in Irish history, turning 36 just weeks before the election.

Who Is Gareth Sheridan?

Gareth Sheridan is an Irish-born businessman and multi-millionaire known for his role in founding Nutriband, a US pharmaceutical tech company listed on the NASDAQ, valued at around $80 million.

Nutriband developed a technology designed to make transdermal opioid patches (like fentanyl) safer and less prone to abuse or accidental exposure. Sheridan has been vocal about taking on large US pharmaceutical companies, claiming that his presidency would focus on accountability and reform in this sector.

Political Aspirations

Sheridan confirmed he is currently seeking a presidential nomination and has already begun talks with local authorities, from whom he needs support from at least four councils to officially appear on the ballot.

“I confirm that I am seeking a nomination to contest this October’s Presidential Election,” Sheridan said in a statement.
“I believe there has never been a time in our country’s history where the choice of a younger candidate on the ballot paper has been more relevant or important than today.”

He resigned from his executive position at Nutriband to pursue his political ambition.

Past Controversies

Despite his youth and business credentials, Sheridan’s record isn’t without controversy:

• In 2018, he and Nutriband co-founder Serguei Melnik were fined $25,000 each by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for making misleading statements related to their company.

• The Irish Times reported that Melnik was previously involved in a controversial 2019 privatisation of Air Moldova, which raised concerns over potential ties to Russian oligarchs.

• Sean Gallagher, former Irish presidential candidate and former chairman of Nutriband, resigned from the company in January 2022 after internal disagreements.

Who Else Is Running?

So far, the following candidates have declared:

• Maired McGuinness (Fine Gael)

• Catherine Connolly (Independent TD)

It remains unclear whether Sinn Féin or Fianna Fáil will nominate their own candidates.

What Comes Next?

Sheridan’s campaign will depend heavily on whether he secures the four council nominations required. If successful, he plans to run on a platform of youthful leadership, corporate responsibility, and modernising the presidency.