CEO of Smurfit Kappa recognised for leading one of the biggest mergers in its industry while Clare’s Armada Hotel wins Local Business Award.
After leading one of the world’s biggest packaging mergers, the CEO of Smurfit Westrock Tony Smurfit has been chosen as The Irish Times Business Person of the Year for 2024, an award run in association with Bank of Ireland.
Under the terms of the $24bn deal, Smurfit was chosen to lead the merged entity.
“Successful businesses are successful because of the people working in them – strategic thinkers, creative minds and innovators who consistently find solutions and see opportunity in change”
Following the deal, Smurfit Westrock’s global footprint comprises 500 operations, including 62 mills, in 40 countries.
The colossal merger earned Smurfit the Business Person of the Month accolade for July.
Smurfit competed for The Irish Times Business Person of the Year against a stellar line-up of top Irish-based executives that included Elena Pecas from Decathlon, Michael Burke from Chanelle Pharmaceuticals, Michael Stanley from Cairn Homes, Declan O’Rourke from Aviva, Laura Dillon from Waterland, Evelyn Moynihan from Kilkenny Group, Sean O’Driscoll from the iNua Collection, Peter Jackson from Flutter, Dalton Philips from Greencore, Cathal Fay from Yuno Group and Marc Murphy from Fenergo.
Local Business Award
John Feeney, CEO of Corporate and Commercial Banking at Bank of Ireland
The Armada Hotel in Co Clare won Local Business of the Year at The Irish Times Business Award, an award category also sponsored by Bank of Ireland.
Armada Hotel, located in the picturesque Spanish Point, Co Clare, has established itself as one of Ireland’s premier hospitality destinations for over 55 years. Under the leadership of CEO John Burke, the hotel has demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a strong commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences.
Despite the economic challenges of recent years, Armada Hotel continued to invest in its long-term growth. A €3m redevelopment project, which created 100 new jobs, was a clear example of the hotel’s commitment to reinvestment and future-proofing its operations.
The business competed in the category against other successful Irish SMEs that included ATC Compute Transportation & Logistics, Fíbín Media Teo and National Beauty Distribution.
At The Irish Times Business Person of the Year Awards were winners Patrick Guilbaud (Distinguished Leader); Frank Minogue, general manager, Armada Hotel; Shorla Oncology co-founder Orlaith Ryan; Kerry Group CFRO Gavin Caplis; and Smurfit Westrock CFO Ken Bowles
Other winners on the night were Sharon Cunningham and Orlaith Ryan, co-founders of Tipperary cancer drug business Shorla Oncology who were chosen in the Future Leaders category.
Restaurateur Patrick Guilbaud received the Distinguished Leader in Business Award.
The Deal of the Year award went to Kerry Group for its skillful divestment of its dairy processing operations in a two-stage deal worth around €500m.
Speaking at the awards last night in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin, the CEO of Bank of Ireland Corporate & Commercial Banking John Feeney said: “At Bank of Ireland we are in the privileged position to engage with many thousands of businesses active across the island of Ireland. Our mission is to champion our customers to thrive in a dynamic world.
“As we look at the business landscape, we see companies growing and developing in every part of the island and across many sectors. We see companies that are well placed to navigate change and seize opportunities both locally and across the globe.
“Our commitment is to continue to champion businesses in Ireland to innovate, lead and succeed.
“Tonight’s proceedings recognise the businesspeople who make it happen, consistently rising to the occasion, and to celebrate those who have overcome challenges and have grown their companies to achieve success.
“Successful businesses are successful because of the people working in them – strategic thinkers, creative minds and innovators who consistently find solutions and see opportunity in change.
“We’re proud to be part of celebrating these leaders,” Feeney said.
Main image at top: Frank Minogue, general manager, Armada Hotel; Bernard Cahill, head of Impact and Brand at Armada Hotel; Bank of Ireland CEO of Corporate & Commercial Banking John Feeney and Noralynne Murrihy, director of Rooms at the Armada Hotel
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