AIB chief executive Colin Hunt appointed as president of Ibec
AIB CEO Colin Hunt and chief executive of Ibec, Danny McCoy
Irish business lobby group Ibec has announced the appointment of AIB chief executive Colin Hunt as its new President for 2025 to 2026, succeeding Anne O’Leary, Head of Meta Ireland. Dr Hunt was elected by Ibec’s National Council to serve as President.
Mr Hunt was appointed CEO of AIB Group and executive director on the AIB Board in March 2019, having joined the bank in August 2016 as managing director of wholesale, institutional and corporate banking.
Prior to joining AIB, Colin was managing director at Macquarie Capital, where he led the development of its business in Ireland.
He previously served as special policy adviser at the Departments of Transport and Finance, research director and chief economist at Goodbody Stockbrokers, head of trading research and senior economist at Bank of Ireland Group Treasury, and as a country risk analyst at NatWest.
Colin holds a PhD in Economics from Trinity College Dublin and degrees in Commerce and Economics from University College Cork. He is also a chartered bank director and a fellow of the Institute of Bankers.
Speaking about his appointment, Dr Hunt said: “It is a great honour to serve as Ibec President and to represent the business community in Ireland, both at home and abroad.
"Despite the current global economic uncertainty, Ireland stands on the threshold of great opportunity. Yet, we also face significant challenges that must be addressed head on. While the country is growing economically, demographically, technologically and globally, the infrastructure required to support our growth, potential and aspirations is not keeping pace.
"This generation must consider how we can create a lasting impact in addressing these issues."
Mr Hunt said his focus as President will be to work with government, industry, communities and members to develop ideas, policies and partnerships required "to drive meaningful progress and realise Ireland’s ambition."
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: "Colin’s extensive experience and leadership across financial services, economics and public policy will be a tremendous asset to Ibec’s work this year.
"Working with Ibec and our board, I know Colin will bring enormous leadership qualities to key priorities for business and wider society. These include addressing the growing deficit in national infrastructure, meeting the skills needs required to embrace current technological challenges, and ensuring progress remains firmly rooted in an unwavering commitment to sustainability."
