By Olivia DeWan 
Michael Stanley has led Cairn Homes since 2015, overseeing the company’s growth into one of Ireland’s largest homebuilders. With record home sales and a continued focus on addressing Ireland’s housing shortage, Stanley has positioned Cairn at the front of residential development.
Michael Stanley
Michael Stanley is a co-founder of Cairn Homes and has been the CEO since 2015.
Stanley has a background in residential development and the property industry. As the previous CEO of Stanley Holdings, a large Irish homebuilder and real estate investment company, Stanley has a long history of shaping Ireland’s housing landscape.
Under Stanley’s leadership, Cairn Homes increased home sales to 1,130 in the first six months of the year, compared with 708 in the corresponding period of 2025.
“Across 2026 and 2027, Cairn will deliver 6,000 new homes and continue to play a leading role in addressing Ireland’s housing deficit,” Stanley said. “Improving access to housing for young and middle-aged buyers remains our clear focus.”
Last year, Stanley oversaw Cairn Homes as it reported revenue of €945 million and an operating profit of €168.5 million.
Stanley also has extensive experience in the packaging, energy, agritech and healthcare sectors, and is a Board Member of Ibec Ireland.
Cairn Homes plc
Cairn Homes plc is a home and community builder, leading the market in creating sustainable communities where people and Ireland can thrive.
Cairn has a focus on creating new, lasting communities centred around belonging, and they strive to achieve “progress and prosperity for all.”
During the first half of 2026, Cairn reported a 60% increase in revenue. The company’s average selling price remained somewhat unchanged at €400,000 per home, suggesting that the revenue growth was the result of delivering and selling more homes rather than charging higher prices.
Over 35,000 people live across Cairn-built neighbourhoods, and 5,000 people are employed by the company. In addition, Cairn has created over 12,000 homes and holds itself to the highest levels of safety when building, achieving an AA rating accreditation from the Safe T Cert Safety Management Certification System.
Emphasising the importance of community, Cairn Homes has developed initiatives such as Home Together to encourage resident participation. Recognising that strong communities require more than just new homes, the programme provides residents with the resources and support needed to encourage involvement and help build thriving neighbourhoods.
Business Person of the Month
The Business Person of the Month Award, in association with KPMG, recognises outstanding leaders in Irish business. It especially acknowledges those who have made significant contributions to the business community of Ireland.
Recipients of the award are automatically put forward as candidates for the prestigious Business Person of the Year Award at the annual Business & Finance Awards. For any inquiries, please contact priyanka.kotian@businessandfinance.com.
Business & Finance, Business Person of the Month
Business & Finance, in association with KPMG, recognises excellence in business through the ‘Business Person of the Month’ award. This award seeks to recognise noteworthy achievements in business leadership, and, particularly, those that make a telling contribution to the wider business community in Ireland.
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