'An extraordinary journey': CEO of major Irish airport departs for top job at Irish Rail
Mary Considine built a distinguished career in aviation over more than three decades
The Shannon Airport Group has confirmed that Mary Considine will be departing as CEO after six "transformative and successful" years, during which she led significant growth and innovation.
The Clare native will be taking up the position as CEO of Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
Ray O’Driscoll, the current 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.
Ms Considine built a distinguished career in aviation over more than three decades, rising quickly through senior roles - including Shannon Airport Director, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO – before becoming CEO of The Shannon Airport Group in 2019.
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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.
The Lissycasey woman leaves a legacy of transformation and improvement that will be long remembered, according to her former colleagues.
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."
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," she concluded.