Former CEO of Aer Arann Islands, Pádraig Ó Céidigh has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Shannon Group plc.

A three year term has been agreed for the Galway native following an appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) confirmed the announcement on Tuesday afternoon. The Clare Echo reported in February that the sixty four year old was among the potential candidates for the role.

An experienced business leader and entrepreneur, Mr. Ó Céidigh has extensive knowledge in the aviation sector and has a strong track record at senior levels in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior management positions including Chief Executive Office and Chairman of Aer Arann for some 26 years. He is a former winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and represented Ireland at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year.

He served as a Senator from 2016 to 2020 and is a native Irish speaker. He is an alumni of Harvard University and University College Galway, where he was awarded Business Alumni of the Year and is adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship and Business. He also holds a qualification from the Law Society of Ireland. He has previous board experience with Fáilte Ireland, RTÉ and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Pádraig stressed the economic importance of Shannon Airport to the region following his appointment. “Shannon Airport is a vital economic engine for the Shannon Region and wider west of Ireland economy. It is imperative that Shannon Group is supported in its recovery, and I am deeply committed to working with the CEO and Board to ensure this happens. The revitalisation of the airport is important not only for the staff who work there, but for the thousands of people who rely on Shannon’s air connectivity for their business and livelihoods.”

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine welcomed the long-awaited development with no Chairperson in place following the conclusion of Rose Hynes’ contract extension last August.

“His wealth of business experience in the aviation sector in particular, will be of immense support to Shannon Group. Our focus now is on continuing to rebuild vital air services for the people and businesses in this region who rely on Shannon for air connectivity. We are doing this by working with our aviation partners to build on the success we have had to-date. There is a long journey ahead for aviation recovery, but I am confident that with the right supports and the hard work of the entire team here, we will see Shannon thrive again,” Mary stated.