Shannon Group has today confirmed that CEO, Matthew Thomas, is to leave the Company in June to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Ports of Jersey.
Mr. Thomas joined the Group in June 2016 and oversaw a period of continuous growth across all of the Group’s activities. Under his leadership passenger numbers at Shannon Airport grew to 1.86 million last year (a growth of 6.5% on the previous year). Shannon Commercial Properties completed a €40 million investment in the first phase of its redevelopment of the Shannon Free Zone where occupancy rates of lettable space are now up at 94% and visitors to Shannon Heritage grew to a record high of almost 925,000.
Said Chairman Rose Hynes; “Matthew came on board as CEO at an exciting time for Shannon Group. Over the last three years, each business within the Group – Shannon Airport, Shannon Heritage and Shannon Commercial Properties has performed strongly despite often very challenging and uncertain commercial conditions. Profitability has improved significantly across all our businesses enabling us to embark on the next stage of the Group’s investment plan to ensure the longer-term sustainability of the Group.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Matthew for this vital contribution to the growth of Shannon Group. The Group is now on a very positive footing, primed for growth. We are sorry to see Matthew go and we wish him and his family all the best for the future. We now embark on the task of appointing his successor.”
Matthew Thomas said that he was looking forward to taking on his new role as CEO of the Ports of Jersey; “I feel privileged to have worked with an outstanding management team and, together with our dedicated and committed employees, we’ve really transformed the Group during the past three years. The Group is now set on an ambitious course, investing aggressively to drive further growth in the years ahead. The Group’s strategy is very much aligned with the Ireland 2040 plan and the Group is set to play an even greater role in delivering economic growth in our region and helping Government deliver on its promise of generating 75% of growth outside the capital.
“We have made real progress in developing our business and organisation over the past three years. I regret that I will not be involved in the continued growth of the company. However, I am looking forward to the exciting opportunity I have been offered to lead the development of the Ports of Jersey.
“My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Mid-West and will be leaving with heavy hearts, having made many lasting friendships, but looking forward to an exciting future in Jersey.
“I would like to thank Rose Hynes personally, with whom I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship, and the Board of Shannon Group for giving me this opportunity as well as for their unwavering support and enthusiasm during the last three years. There’s an exciting future ahead for the Group and I wish the Board well in recruiting a new CEO to carry on this work,” he said.
Mary Considine, who is currently Deputy CEO for the Group, will take on the role of Acting CEO when Mr. Thomas leaves in June.