Former Aer Arann chief appointed chairman of Shannon Group

Former chief executive of Aer Arann Pádraig Ó Céidigh has been appointed chairman of the Shannon Group.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan announced the decision on Tuesday. Mr Ó Céidigh is expected to formally take up the three-year appointment following his appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

“Pádraig brings a wealth of experience from the aviation sector, as an entrepreneur and as a board member, and I am confident that he will be a good fit in this role with Shannon Group,” said Mr Ryan. “I wish him every success as he takes on the challenge of leading the company out of the pandemic towards a brighter future.”

Mr Ó Céidigh has held senior management positions including chief executive officer and chairman of Aer Arann for 26 years. He served in Seanad Éireann from 2016-2020.

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Mr Ó Céidigh holds qualifications from University College Galway, Harvard University and the Law Society of Ireland, and has previous board experience with Fáilte Ireland, RTÉ and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton added: “I believe that Pádraig is well qualified for this position, and will play a critical role in leading the board and the group as the aviation sector begins to recover.

“It is important for all stakeholders that Shannon Group is in the best position possible to continue on its path of recovery given the importance of the company to the mid-west region and, indeed, nationally.

“I know that Pádraig will bring exceptional skills, knowledge and drive to this new role, and I look forward to working closely with him.”