ESB today (30 June 2021) announced that Paddy Hayes has been appointed by the Board as the new Chief Executive in succession to Pat O’Doherty who is retiring.
Paddy Hayes joined ESB from British Steel in 1999 and was appointed Managing Director, ESB Networks in 2018. Prior to this he held the position of Executive Director, Generation and Wholesale Markets. A chartered engineer with a Masters Degree in Engineering from University College Dublin and an MBA from the University of Warwick, Paddy is currently co-chair of the European Distribution Transmission Cooperation Platform.
Terence O’Rourke, Chairman of ESB said, “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to announce Paddy Hayes as the new Chief Executive of ESB. He takes over the role at a challenging time for the country, the industry and the company. Paddy brings enormous business experience, expertise and a track record of achievement to the role. I am confident he will be outstanding in the position. I also want to thank Pat O’Doherty, the outgoing Chief Executive for the many years of dedicated service to ESB. Pat has led the transformation of ESB over the last decade in Ireland and has focussed the company on the transition to a low carbon future. I wish him the very best for the future.”
Paddy Hayes said, "ESB is an outstanding company. I am delighted and honoured by the trust placed in me and looking forward to working with the Board and everyone in ESB as, together, we play our part in delivering a low carbon future based on clean electricity.”
Minister for the Environment Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD said, “I want to congratulate Paddy Hayes on his appointment. ESB has an important role to play in helping us reach our climate goals and I am looking forward to meeting with Paddy in due course. I also want to thank Pat O’Doherty for his outstanding leadership of ESB over the last decade, during which Ireland reached over 42% renewable electricity. He has left ESB well positioned to lead the transition to a low carbon economy and I wish Pat well in the future.”
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