Aer Lingus Chairman, Bernie Cahill, today announced the appointment of Michael Foley as Group Chief Executive. Mr Foley is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Heineken USA Inc., a subsidiary of Heineken NV Nederlands. He has extensive international experience in Europe and the USA and an outstanding record of achievement in change management. He will take up his appointment with Aer Lingus shortly.

Commenting on the appointment, Bernie Cahill said he was delighted to be able to announce the appointment of somebody of the experience and calibre of Michael Foley to the position of Group Chief Executive of Aer Lingus at this critical time in the airline’s development:

“He brings to the job of Group Chief Executive the perfect blend of international business and public company experience to lead an already strong management team through the challenges that lie ahead,” Mr Cahill said.

Accepting the appointment, Michael Foley said he was very much looking forward to joining the airline at such an exciting time.
“Aer Lingus is one of the great Irish based international brands with a strong record of profitable growth. I see my role as leading the company through the period of change that lies immediately ahead and into a period where the airline can further exploit the growth opportunities in its markets and through its membership of the oneworld alliance. This is a challenge I relish and I am confident that, working with the undoubted strengths of the people in Aer Lingus, we can grow the business to continue to provide quality customer service and enhance shareholder value,” he said.

Background details:

Michael Foley has been President and CEO of Heineken USA Inc., a subsidiary of Heineken NV Nederlands, since 1994.
Prior to that he held a number of senior positions at Murphy Brewery Ireland Ltd., also a Heineken subsidiary. He was Managing Director of Murphys from 1989 to 1993, prior to which he had been Sales and Marketing Director and Financial Controller.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.

Personal details:

Michael Foley is a native of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, and is married with three children.

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