James Kilbane, co-founder of Irish recruitment group Grafton, has passed away following a battle with illness. Kilbane founded the Grafton Employment Group in 1982. He was joined one year later by Ken Belshaw and together they then opened their first office in Dublin. The company has since expanded into an international recruitment network spanning 70 offices in 16 countries. Kilbane retired last April. Jason Kennedy, group chief executive of The Grafton Employment Group, says: “James was an inspiring businessman and will be sorely missed by all staff across the Grafton Employment Group network. His strategic vision, commitment and focus shaped the company, building it to its current success.”