The Shannon Airport Group has today confirmed that Mary Considine will be departing her role as CEO after six transformative and successful years, during which she led significant growth and innovation. She will be taking up th post of CEO of Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
Ray O’Driscoll (currently Deputy CEO) will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis. The Board of The Shannon Airport Group will now begin the process of recruiting a permanent successor to Mary.
Mary built a distinguished career in aviation over more than three decades, rising quickly through senior roles – including Shannon Airport Director, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy CEO – before becoming CEO of The Shannon Airport Group in 2019. Her leadership was marked by strategic investment, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a strong focus on regional development, with The Shannon Airport Group’s activities, including its significant property portfolio, supporting over 20,000 jobs and contributing €4 billion to the Irish economy.
She leaves a legacy of transformation and improvement that will be long remembered.
Speaking on behalf of The Shannon Airport Group, Chair, Conal Henry, thanked Mary for her exemplary service and wished her well saying: “In her time at Shannon, Mary has been central to all that has been positive. In her six years as CEO, she has established The Shannon Airport Group as the national force for regional balance that it is today. She has shown that she is a leader with vision, courage and integrity and she will be sorely missed,” he said.
Reflecting on her time as CEO, Mary Considine said: “Leading The Shannon Airport Group has been an extraordinary journey. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, embraced innovation, expanded global connectivity, enhanced passenger experience, and strengthened our role as a gateway for trade and tourism.
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made and deeply grateful to our talented employees whose dedication, creativity, and resilience have been the driving force behind our success. I also want to thank our Chair, Board, partners, stakeholders, and communities for their unwavering support. I leave with immense gratitude and full confidence in the exceptional team that will carry this legacy forward.”
Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes has warmly welcomed the appointment of Mary Considine as chief executive of Irish Rail, describing it as a strong testament to her exceptional leadership during her six years at the helm of The Shannon Airport Group.
“Mary’s impact on Shannon and the wider region has been enormous,” Ms Downes said.
“Her leadership has extended far beyond her current role, through her contributions to and directorships of many organisations, including Shannon Chamber, where she served as President from 2018 to 2020. She has been tireless in her efforts to attract new airlines and boost passenger numbers, enhance Shannon’s appeal as an investment location, and position The Shannon Airport Group to achieve significant carbon emissions reductions by 2030.
“Under Mary’s leadership, Shannon Airport and business park gained a renewed energy. We have no doubt that she will bring the same dynamism to Irish Rail. We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Irish Rail, under Jim Meade’s stewardship, particularly in delivering its Strategic Plan 2027. We now look forward to working with Mary and her team to ensure that rail plays a central role in delivering Project Ireland 2040, including the development of a Shannon rail link.
“We wish The Shannon Airport Group continued success under a new leader, when selected, and wish the entire team in the Group, included the acting CEO and Shannon Chamber board director, Ray O’Driscoll, for their unwavering dedication to making Shannon a better place to fly into, do business in, and invest in,” added Ms Downes.