Stephen Kent Appointed CEO of CIÉ Group
The CIÉ Group has confirmed the appointment of Stephen Kent as its new Chief Executive Officer after a competitive recruitment process.
Kent takes up the role for a seven-year term. He succeeds Lorcan O’Connor, who has moved into the role of CEO at Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Strong Background in Public and Private Sectors
Stephen Kent brings extensive leadership experience to the position. He began his career in the private sector with Waterford Crystal and later C&C Group.
In 2013, he joined Bus Éireann as Chief Commercial Officer. He went on to serve as Chief Executive Officer from 2018 to 2025.
Transformational Leadership at Bus Éireann
During his time as CEO, Kent led one of the largest transformation programmes in Ireland’s public sector. The organisation delivered major structural reform under his leadership.
Passenger numbers grew strongly during this period. Bus Éireann also expanded services nationwide to meet rising demand.
Driving Sustainable Transport Initiatives
Kent worked closely with the National Transport Authority and the Department of Transport. Together, they delivered Ireland’s first fully electric regional city bus network.
This project formed part of Bus Éireann’s wider rollout of electric buses across the country.
In partnership with the Department of Education, Bus Éireann also supported significant growth in the School Transport Scheme.
Kent served as CEO of Bus Éireann from 2018 to 2025. Photo: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie
Board Welcomes New Appointment
Aidan Murphy, Chair of the CIÉ Group Board, welcomed the appointment.
“Stephen made a major contribution to the CIÉ Group during his time at Bus Éireann,” he said. “He brings a proven skill set that will help deliver CIÉ’s ambitious plans.”
Murphy also thanked outgoing leaders. He paid tribute to Lorcan O’Connor for his leadership and Fiona O’Shea for her role as Interim CEO.
Vision for CIÉ’s Future
Stephen Kent said he was delighted to take up the role at a key moment for public transport.
“This is an exciting period of growth for public transport in Ireland,” he said. “Collaboration will be essential as demand for sustainable mobility continues to rise.”
He said the new CIÉ Strategic Plan will place citizens at its centre. The plan will focus on climate action, sustainability, property development, and shared services.
Kent added that these initiatives will strengthen financial resilience and support greater investment and innovation.
He said he looks forward to working with the CIÉ Group Board, its operating companies, the National Transport Authority, and the Department of Transport.
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