Barry O’Leary, who died at the age of 71 after a long illness, paved the way for Ireland’s current economic success and led the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) at a crucial time for the country.
e joined IDA in 1976 and has seen a steady improvement in Ireland’s ability to attract better manufacturing and service companies. Although he held two separate assignments during his 15 years in Germany, he was most widely admired for his leadership, tenacity and focus as CEO.
Soft-spoken, reserved and reserved, Barry traveled endlessly to reassure American entrepreneurs during the 2009 financial crisis, telling them in particular that Ireland was still a good home for their business. rice field. This was crucial to Ireland’s recovery and his finest hour.
Upon leaving school, he trained as an industrial engineer, working at the Smurfit paper mill, then at Williams & Woods, and later at Nestle. He joined his fledgling IDA just three years after Ireland joined what was then the European Economic Community (EEC).
The priority at the time was to acquire new industries to replace many of the companies that had flourished under protectionist regimes since the 1930s but had little chance of survival in open global competition.
Barry played many roles closely related to Aboriginal industry and foreign investment. He spent his first semester in Germany from his 1983 to his 1991 based in Düsseldorf.
After being promoted to Head of European Affairs, he moved to Germany with his wife Mairead and their two sons in 1995, where he ran IDA offices in Stuttgart and Düsseldorf, covering Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy among others. .
During this period he was closely involved in winning major projects from companies such as Bertelsmann, SAP, Deutsche Bank, Lufthansa, Kostal and Allianz, as well as several important Italian financial services projects.
Upon returning to Ireland in late 2002, Barry was initially appointed Divisional Manager of Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals and a member of IDA’s Executive Committee. In 2004, he moved to Life He also covers the fields of science and information and communication technology.
He led the IDA team and won significant investments from a number of major clients including Lilly, Pfizer, J&J, BMS, Amgen, Genzyme Sanofi, Boston Scientific, IBM, Merck, Citi, Cisco Systems and Facebook. rice field.Intel expands again and again
Ireland was hit hard by the 2009 financial crisis and by 2011 the IMF took control of its finances. The country’s reputation was in tatters, but with political support, Barry and his team were willing to go out and meet big companies, mostly in the United States, and Ireland was aware of the problem and was on the road to recovery. I told him I had a plan and that my investment was safe.
This required an endless journey — not easy for someone with a fear of flying — and one-on-one meetings with the CEO are skills he was a master of in the past.
He was very insightful and intelligent, but could see the funny side of things.
Upon retiring from IDA, Barry was awarded a Juris Doctor degree by UCD, an honor Professor Doncha Cabana explained as follows: In that sense, I would like to highlight three of his themes.
“Firstly, the success of the IDA has been spectacular and the role FDI plays in the Irish economy. Secondly, Barry’s quiet and effective approach. It’s one of his qualities in a world that can become.
“Third, the importance of public service to us and to our students. The value of public service and servant leaders is often lost in short-term, instrumental focus. shows support for true servants and servant leaders like Barry.”
Deputies to President Higgins and Taoisak’s Funeral Attendance and many industry leaders such as Frank Ryan (IDA Chairman), Martin Shanahan (IDA CEO), Dan Flinter (Irish Times Trust) and Eoin O’Driscoll , and others were tokens of respect he was held.
After retiring, he sat on the boards of the M+W Group (now Exyte), Zurich Global and Oaktree, enjoying his love of Italy and Germany as often as he could.
Ireland’s current economic performance is due in no small part to Barry O’Leary’s vision, drive, dedication and patriotism.
He is survived by Mairead, sons Ciaran and Barry Jr., beloved grandchildren Matilda and Olivia, brothers Ben and Ken, and a wider family.
