The board of Financial Services Ireland (FSI), the Ibec group that represents the full suite of financial services companies in Ireland, has appointed Irish Life CEO Declan Bolger as its new chair.
Bolger has been a member of the FSI board since 2019 and was appointed vice-chair in 2023, working closely with outgoing chair Joe Heneghan, partner & CEO, Revolut Europe.
As chief executive of Irish Life, Bolger oversees one of Ireland’s largest financial services groups, providing a wide range of financial, health and advisory solutions to individuals and corporates.
Irish Life currently has relationships with 1.6 million people, and many of the biggest companies across Ireland, including 28 of the 30 largest multinational employers based here.
Prior to his current role with Irish Life, Bolger was chief executive of Canada Life Europe, a Dublin-based company providing innovative life insurance and pension products to over 600,000 German customers.
Speaking after his appointment, Bolger said: “I am honoured to be appointed as FSI chair.
“Ireland is now a leading global financial services centre and there are substantial opportunities for the sector to deliver more growth and jobs for the country, building on the more than 103,100 people that already work in financial services across Ireland.
“I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Joe Heneghan who has been instrumental in shaping the policy landscape around fintech and the digital transformation of financial services.
“We look forward to building on the positive momentum in this area in ways that help to increase innovation in the sector, enhance the skills of our talented workforce and make Ireland a more attractive destination for inward investment from the global financial services industry.
“I would also like to thank the FSI team who have fostered constructive collaboration in our industry and enabled us to advocate effectively for policies that will make Ireland the best place for financial services companies to sustainably grow, delivering positive outcomes for customers and supporting our wider society.”
FSI acting director Audrey Crummy said: “We are delighted Declan is taking up this role. He has already made a very significant contribution to the work we do on behalf of our members.
“FSI has just celebrated its 40th year, and in the period since its establishment, we have seen the industry grow substantially while navigating hugely significant changes in the operating and geopolitical environment.
“We look forward to working with Declan and all our members to drive new success for the industry and further economic benefit for Ireland.”
Irish Life Group CEO Declan Bolger has been a member of the FSI board since 2019 and was appointed vice-chair in 2023
Bolger is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland and a council member of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Outgoing chair Joe Heneghan will remain on the FSI board and continue to work with Bolger and the rest of the team in support of FSI members.
Photo: (L-R) Financial Services Ireland (FSI) acting director Audrey Crummy, FSI chair and Irish Life CEO Declan Bolger, Outgoing FSI chair and Partner and CEO Revolut Europe, Joe Heneghan