Business News

Paddy Power announces chief executive’s intention to step down

By Business & Finance
13 May 2014
Patrick Kennedy

The Board of Paddy Power plc today announces that Patrick Kennedy will step down as the Group’s chief executive in April 2015.

Patrick joined the Group in 2005 and has been chief executive since January 2006.

The nominations committee of the Board, led by chairman Nigel Northridge, is commencing a process to select and appoint a new chief executive. The succession process will consider both internal and external candidates.

Nigel Northridge commented: “We will be sorry to see Patrick go next year, but are extremely grateful for his service over the years. He has overseen a period of exceptional development and growth in Paddy Power: in 2005, we earned pre-tax profit of €31m, last year it was €141m. He has advised the Board of his intention to step down next year, giving notice well in excess of his contractual obligation. In doing so, Patrick has given us more than adequate time to run a thorough process and ensure a smooth transition.”

Patrick Kennedy commented: “I have loved every day of being Paddy Power’s chief executive. It is as fun and as interesting a job as anyone could hope to have, and I have had the privilege of working with some enormously talented and supportive people over the years that I’ve been here. I have always had a personal view that after ten years at the helm, change is good, both for the business and the individual. With this in mind, I have today given notice to the Board of my intention to step down next April, the tenth anniversary of my appointment.”