ESB appoints new chief executive

Pat O’Doherty has been appointed as new chief executive of ESB in succession to Padraig McManus who is retiring.

Mr O’Doherty joined ESB in 1981 and has worked throughout the business in senior management roles. He is currently Executive Director, ESB Energy International and previously held the positions of Executive Director, ESB Networks; Executive Director, ESB Power Generation and General Manager, Synergen.

"I am delighted and honoured by the opportunity to work with the Board and to lead the management and employees of this great company as together we meet the challenges ahead," Mr Doherty said.

Mr McManus has been Chief Executive and Board member since 2002, having joined the company in 1973.

“It has been a privilege to work for ESB for over 37 years and to have been its Chief Executive for nearly 10," Mr McManus said.

"Pat is an excellent choice as the new Chief Executive and I wish him every success.”

However Fianna Fáil deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuiv is calling on the Government to explain why the salary of the new ESB chief executive exceeds the new semi-state pay cap.

Mr O'Doherty is to receive an annual salary of €318,000, some €68,000 more than the approved pay cap of €250,000

"“I am calling on the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte to explain publicly to the taxpayers how they can justify approving this salary breach," Deputy Ó Cuiv said.

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