By Business & Finance 
Ian Hyland, CEO Business & Finance; Paul Marchant, CEO, Primark; Arthur Ryan, founder of Primark; Patrick Farrell, head of Private Banking, AIB
The Marker Hotel in Dublin’s Silicon Docks played host to representatives from some of Ireland’s top companies as Business & Finance launched its annual CEO 100 issue, a listing of the 100 most influential CEOs in Ireland.
From the success of emerging enterprises that are blazing a trail, to the longevity and substantiality of well established firms, Ireland’s CEOs and the companies they lead are displaying top level innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit indicative of our national character.
Over the last five years, the CEOs of Irish businesses have led their organisations successfully through one of the worst economic downturns in Irish history. Those that have adapted quickly to a changing environment have succeeded in capitalising on the opportunities.
Remaining competitive in a global marketplace is challenging. CEOs have had to change their leadership style as changes across the business landscape compel executives to shift their attention to new priorities.
CEOs and CFOs of growing companies are now increasingly being called upon to understand and manage a much broader set of business issues. They are also required to be inspiring and strong motivators, instilling in employees a sense of value, worth and opportunity. And there are plenty of examples of this leadership from Ireland’s top CEO.
Paul Marchant, CEO of Primark is one such example of a high achiever and through his leadership Primark has become a truly international success story. Primark, which employs over 58,000 people, (including over 5,000 in Ireland), opened 1.2 million sq ft of selling space in 28 new stores across Europe in the last financial year. Since then, a further three stores have opened bringing the total estate to 281 stores.
In addition, there is a strong pipeline of new stores in Europe extending over a number of years and Primark also announced earlier this year that it is to take the Primark concept to consumers in the north east of the US.
To mark this outstanding contribution to the local and global economy, Marchant was honoured at the CEO 100 event. When accepting his award Marchant said: “I am delighted that Primark has been recognised by Business & Finance and I am privileged to be here as a special honouree amongst such a prestigious group of CEOs.
“I would like to thank Primark’s 58,000 employees for their hard work and commitment, and I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge my Board colleagues, in particular our founder and chairman Arthur Ryan for his ongoing support.”
Speaking at the event, Ian Hyland, publisher of Business & Finance and founder of Ireland INC said: “The Business & Finance CEO 100 listing identifies the leaders of this diverse community, recognises their endeavours and we hope its publication will play a part in fostering even greater connectivity between these CEOs in all sectors across the Irish, and indeed global business community.”
