Intro

Early life and career 

Promotion at Irish Life

Becoming COO at 30

Joining the CEO process of Irish Life

Sponsoring Pádraig Harrington  

Starting to work with Rory Mcllroy 

Negotiating with global brands 

Rory's media image and dealing with pressure 

Current views on golf trajectory 

Stepping down as CEO Rory Mcllroy INC

Supporting Women's sports 

In 2013, when Rory McIlroy, one of the best golfers of all time, parted company with his agent Horizon Sports, there would have been no shortage of high-calibre candidates for the CEO role in his new Dublin-based management company - Rory McIlroy Inc.

The fact that Rory turned to a low-profile but well-respected Athy-born actuary called Donal Casey says it all.

Donal, who was a decent amateur golfer and a self-confessed golf nerd, was an inspired choice, and he thrived in the role. He always believed that longer-term thinking, which was a fundamental pillar of his actuarial background, was a big advantage in the world of corporate sponsorship, image rights, and endorsements.

Donal (now 56) stepped down from RMI last year after 11 enjoyable years in the role.

In this podcast, Donal talks about his early life in Co. Kildare, his career as an actuary in Irish Life, and his time working with Rory McIlroy. He talks about his interest in and passion for women’s sports - particularly golf and athletics.

Hosted by Greg Dilger of Renatus.

In 2013, when Rory McIlroy, one of the best golfers of all time, parted company with his agent Horizon Sports, there would have been no shortage of high-calibre candidates for the CEO role in his new Dublin-based management company - Rory McIlroy Inc.
The fact that Rory turned to a low-profile but well-respected Athy-born actuary called Donal Casey says it all.
Donal, who was a decent amateur golfer and a self-confessed golf nerd, was an inspired choice, and he thrived in the role. He always believed that longer-term thinking, which was a fundamental pillar of his actuarial background, was a big advantage in the world of corporate sponsorship, image rights, and endorsements.
Donal (now 56) stepped down from RMI last year after 11 enjoyable years in the role.
In this podcast, Donal talks about his early life in Co. Kildare, his career as an actuary in Irish Life, and his time working with Rory McIlroy. He talks about his interest in and passion for women&rsquo;s sports - particularly golf and athletics.
Hosted by Greg Dilger of <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a>.

"Golf's fundamental power is the adjacent wealth - the real wealth is outside the ropes" - with Donal Casey, former CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc.

Early life

First Commentary 

Starting a PR Career

Fleishmanhillard  

Omnicom 

Influencers and Technology 

PR Business Model 

Remote Work

Transition from CEO and Chairman 

Closing comments 

In October 2024, John Saunders became Chairman of St. Louis-based public relations firm FleishmanHillard, having served as CEO for the previous nine years. Not many Irish people get to head global businesses based out of the U.S., but John Saunders did just that.

From humble beginnings as a sports presenter with RTE, he has carved out a stellar career in the public relations industry. In this latest episode of The Renatus Podcast, John talks to host Greg Dilger about the PR business generally, as well as his own firm, FleishmanHillard, and its multibillion-dollar parent company, Omnicom. He offers fascinating insights into the evolving role of PR in a digital world, including the phenomenal growth of the influencer space, the use of AI, and the future of work.

In October 2024, John Saunders became Chairman of St. Louis-based public relations firm FleishmanHillard, having served as CEO for the previous nine years. Not many Irish people get to head global businesses based out of the U.S., but John Saunders did just that.
From humble beginnings as a sports presenter with RTE, he has carved out a stellar career in the public relations industry. In this latest episode of The <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, John talks to host Greg Dilger about the PR business generally, as well as his own firm, FleishmanHillard, and its multibillion-dollar parent company, Omnicom. He offers fascinating insights into the evolving role of PR in a digital world, including the phenomenal growth of the influencer space, the use of AI, and the future of work.

”Almost overnight we have a global influencer industry” -  with John Saunders, Chairman of FleishmanHillard

About Peter

Joining the board & becoming CEO

Going from Non-Exec to CEO

How Flutter came together

More than just a bookmaker

Listing in the US stock market

FanDuel Acquisition

Support from the board for FanDuel

Relationship with the Chair

Legislation and Regulations

Money Laundering

The Flutter Edge

Remote working

Mark Flood episode summary

Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment

In this episode of theRenatus podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks to Peter Jackson, the CEO of Flutter Entertainment, the world’s largest sports betting and iGaming operator. Peter has been CEO since 2018, having originally joined as a Non-Exec Director of what was then called Paddy Power Betfair in 2013.

The acquisition of FanDuel has opened up huge opportunities for Flutter in the US and the recent decision to move their primary listing to New York makes total sense in light of this. Peter talks about the strategic logic of the FanDuel deal and how its culture fits so well with Flutter’s ‘challenger mindset’. He also talks about what they call the 'Flutter Edge' which is leveraging their collective strengths - i.e., people, technology and capital - to compete better across their portfolio of businesses.

At the end of the conversation, Mark Flood the co-founder of Renatus gives his key takeaways from the podcast.

Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment
In this episode of the<a href="https://renatus.ie/"> Renatus</a> podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks to Peter Jackson, the CEO of Flutter Entertainment, the world’s largest sports betting and iGaming operator. Peter has been CEO since 2018, having originally joined as a Non-Exec Director of what was then called Paddy Power Betfair in 2013.
The acquisition of FanDuel has opened up huge opportunities for Flutter in the US and the recent decision to move their primary listing to New York makes total sense in light of this. Peter talks about the strategic logic of the FanDuel deal and how its culture fits so well with Flutter’s ‘challenger mindset’. He also talks about what they call the 'Flutter Edge' which is leveraging their collective strengths - i.e., people, technology and capital - to compete better across their portfolio of businesses.
At the end of the conversation, Mark Flood the co-founder of Renatus gives his key takeaways from the podcast.

“We deeply understand what our customers want” - with Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment plc

About Richie

Opportunities & Challenges Facing CRH

Joining The Board

CRH Culture

The Evolution Of Capital Returns

Identifying Opportunities

Transitioning From CEO To Chairman

What Makes A Good Non-Executive

Running Smooth Board Meetings

CRH Results

The Importance Of Succession

ClonBio Group & Renewable Energy

Kennedy Wilson & Real Estate

Bank Of Ireland Career

The Future Of Banking

Richie Boucher, Chairman of CRH plc

In this episode of the Renatus Podcast, Greg Dilger talks to Richie Boucher, Chairman of CRH, a global leader in the provision of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. Employing nearly 80,000 people at over 3000 locations in 29 countries, CRH’s scale is nothing less than staggering. 

Richie shares his insights into why CRH continues to thrive on a global stage while also revealing what makes him tick personally.  He talks frankly and passionately about culture, people, strategy and more.

Richie also tells us about his other very complementary board roles with renewable energy firm ClonBio Group and global real estate investor Kennedy Wilson, as well as reflecting on his career in banking and in particular his time as CEO of Bank of Ireland.

Richie Boucher, Chairman of CRH plc
In this episode of the <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> Podcast, Greg Dilger talks to Richie Boucher, Chairman of CRH, a global leader in the provision of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. Employing nearly 80,000 people at over 3000 locations in 29 countries, CRH’s scale is nothing less than staggering. 
Richie shares his insights into why CRH continues to thrive on a global stage while also revealing what makes him tick personally.  He talks frankly and passionately about culture, people, strategy and more.
Richie also tells us about his other very complementary board roles with renewable energy firm ClonBio Group and global real estate investor Kennedy Wilson, as well as reflecting on his career in banking and in particular his time as CEO of Bank of Ireland.

In this episode of the Renatus Podcast, Greg Dilger talks to Richie Boucher, Chairman of CRH, a global leader in the provision of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world.

“Business is my hobby” - with Richie Boucher, Chairman of CRH plc

intro

Move to the US

Acquisition of DCA

Appointment as CEO

Market cap increase and Company expansion

Kerry's big customers and Acquisitions

Join as chairman in Ryanair 

Challenges and operations at  Ryanair 

 Michael O'Leary and Roles of chairman

Living in the US and retirement 

Closing 

Stan McCarthy, CEO of Kerry Group 

In this latest Renatus podcast, host Greg Dilger talks to former Kerry Group CEO Stan McCarthy about the rise and globalisation of the Kerry Group.

Underneath the calm and modest demeanour is a very accomplished operator with a great temperament for business. It is not at all difficult to see why the Kerry Group thrived under his leadership.

Nowadays, following his retirement from Kerry, Stan uses all of those attributes on a completely different stage as Non-Exec Chairman of Ryanair - Europe’s largest airline (by passenger numbers). His smooth transition from food to aviation is no surprise to those who know him well. 

Stan McCarthy, CEO of Kerry Group 
In this latest <a href="https://renatus.ie/renatus-podcast/">Renatus podcast</a>, host Greg Dilger talks to former Kerry Group CEO Stan McCarthy about the rise and globalisation of the Kerry Group.
Underneath the calm and modest demeanour is a very accomplished operator with a great temperament for business. It is not at all difficult to see why the Kerry Group thrived under his leadership.
Nowadays, following his retirement from Kerry, Stan uses all of those attributes on a completely different stage as Non-Exec Chairman of Ryanair - Europe’s largest airline (by passenger numbers). His smooth transition from food to aviation is no surprise to those who know him well.

The farmer’s son who took Kerry global - with Stan McCarthy former CEO of Kerry Group

Early life 

Joining GPA

Market shares and IPO

Reflection on company's operations 

Reactions to Paddy's promotion

Tony Ryan leaving GPA

What type of person was Tony Ryan

Jack Welch and GE

Irish aircraft leasing industry

Paddy Blaney, former CEO of GPA (Guinness Peat Aviation)

In this latest Renatus podcast host, Greg Dilger talks to former GPA (Guinness Peat Aviation) Chief Executive, Paddy Blaney about all things GPA  - the ambition, the rise, the fall, the restructuring and of course, its legendary founder the late Tony Ryan.

Several former GPA staff subsequently founded and worked for other Irish-based aircraft lessors, such as Avolon, Pembroke, SMBC and Aergo. Indeed the world’s largest aircraft leasing company Aercap is currently led by another GPA alumnus - Aengus Kelly.

The availability of this calibre of highly trained executives is one of the core reasons, along with a favourable corporate tax environment, Ireland has become the global hub of the commercial aircraft financing and leasing industry as we know it today.

Paddy Blaney, former CEO of GPA (Guinness Peat Aviation)
In this latest <a href="https://renatus.ie/renatus-podcast/">Renatus podcast</a> host, Greg Dilger talks to former GPA (Guinness Peat Aviation) Chief Executive, Paddy Blaney about all things GPA  - the ambition, the rise, the fall, the restructuring and of course, its legendary founder the late Tony Ryan.
Several former GPA staff subsequently founded and worked for other Irish-based aircraft lessors, such as Avolon, Pembroke, SMBC and Aergo. Indeed the world’s largest aircraft leasing company Aercap is currently led by another GPA alumnus - Aengus Kelly.
The availability of this calibre of highly trained executives is one of the core reasons, along with a favourable corporate tax environment, Ireland has become the global hub of the commercial aircraft financing and leasing industry as we know it today.

The Enduring Legacy of GPA - Ireland’s Aircraft Leasing Pioneer - with Paddy Blaney

Beginnings of Setanta Sports

Setanta expansion 

Starting PPV events 

Launch of NASN and Setanta UK

Funding strategy for Premier League TV rights 

Key targets and difficulties 

Overcoming business challenges 

Founding Premier Sport 

Premier Sport sale in the UK to Via Play

Premier Sports expansion around the world 

Private Equity DANU Partners

Mickey O’Rourke, joint CEO & Founder of Setanta Sports

Renatus’latest podcast features Mickey O’Rourke, the joint CEO & Founder of Setanta Sports. In this episode, Mickey reveals the story behind the birth of Setanta Sports, which originated as a mere excuse for a party with his friend Leonard Ryan during Italia '90. Listen in as Mickey, a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of founding and exiting multiple businesses, shares his valuable insights into the ups and downs of his illustrious career. From great successes to eventual failures, Mickey discusses his journey in detail, providing a rare and exclusive peek into his experiences that are not commonly known.

Mickey O’Rourke, joint CEO &amp; Founder of Setanta Sports
<a href="https://renatus.ie/renatus-podcast/">Renatus’</a> latest podcast features Mickey O’Rourke, the joint CEO &amp; Founder of Setanta Sports. In this episode, Mickey reveals the story behind the birth of Setanta Sports, which originated as a mere excuse for a party with his friend Leonard Ryan during Italia '90. Listen in as Mickey, a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of founding and exiting multiple businesses, shares his valuable insights into the ups and downs of his illustrious career. From great successes to eventual failures, Mickey discusses his journey in detail, providing a rare and exclusive peek into his experiences that are not commonly known.

Ireland's Never Say Die Media Entrepreneur - with Mickey O'Rourke of Setanta Sports

Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata Hotel Group

Host Greg Dilger of Renatuschats with Dalata Hotel Group CEO Dermot Crowley about the hospitality sector generally and Dalata Hotel Group. He discusses covid, refugees, energy prices, the value of culture, and Dalata's ambitious strategy and growth plans. Dermot is passionate about empowering employees and how Dalata's decentralised model and management style facilitate this.

Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata Hotel Group
Host Greg Dilger of <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> chats with <a href="https://dalatahotelgroup.com/">Dalata Hotel Group</a> CEO Dermot Crowley about the hospitality sector generally and Dalata Hotel Group. He discusses covid, refugees, energy prices, the value of culture, and Dalata's ambitious strategy and growth plans. Dermot is passionate about empowering employees and how Dalata's decentralised model and management style facilitate this.

Host Greg Dilger of Renatus chats with Dalata Hotel Group CEO Dermot Crowley about the hospitality sector generally and Dalata Hotel Group.

"Hospitality is all about people & in Dalata we have great people” - with Dermot Crowley of Dalata Hotel Group

Fergus Clancy - former chairman of the Mater Private Network

In our latest Renatus podcast, host Greg Dilger chats with Fergus Clancy, one of Ireland’s most accomplished healthcare executives. He is the former Chairman of the Mater Private Network, previously having operated as CEO for ten years. Fergus is no stranger to private equity, having worked/co-invested with three PE firms in recent years. He also has his own company - FC Advisory, a boutique advisory firm operating exclusively in the Irish health and social care sector. In this discussion, Fergus speaks about his career, private & public hospitals, and nursing homes, and shares his thoughts on several topical Irish healthcare issues.

Fergus Clancy - former chairman of the Mater Private Network
In our latest <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> podcast, host Greg Dilger chats with Fergus Clancy, one of Ireland’s most accomplished healthcare executives. He is the former Chairman of the <a href="https://www.materprivate.ie/">Mater Private Network</a>, previously having operated as CEO for ten years. Fergus is no stranger to private equity, having worked/co-invested with three PE firms in recent years. He also has his own company - FC Advisory, a boutique advisory firm operating exclusively in the Irish health and social care sector. In this discussion, Fergus speaks about his career, private &amp; public hospitals, and nursing homes, and shares his thoughts on several topical Irish healthcare issues.

A life in healthcare - with Fergus Clancy of Mater Private Network

Donal Murphy, CEO of DCC plc

Host Greg Dilger of Renatus chats with Donal Murphy, CEO of DCC plc. Donal discussed how DCC grew the business across 21 countries with over 15400 employees, DCC’s scaling strategy, how to deal with the ongoing energy market transition, and the importance of people development within the DCC organisation's culture.

Donal Murphy, CEO of DCC plc
Host Greg Dilger of <a href="https://renatus.ie/">Renatus</a> chats with Donal Murphy, CEO of DCC plc. Donal discussed how DCC grew the business across 21 countries with over 15400 employees, DCC’s scaling strategy, how to deal with the ongoing energy market transition, and the importance of people development within the DCC organisation's culture.

“The drive for carbon reduction is a huge fillip for the growth of our organisation” – Donal Murphy of DCC plc

The Renatus podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no more powerful way of learning than listening to high achievers talk about their businesses and challenges.

The Renatus podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no more powerful way of learning than listening to high achievers talk about their businesses and challenges.

The Renatus Podcast

Renatus Capital Partners is an Irish private equity firm based in Dublin that provides supportive and strategic capital to ambitious SMEs.

The Renatus Podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no better way of learning than listening to high achievers talk frankly about their businesses and their challenges.

Renatus&nbsp;Capital Partners is an Irish private equity firm based in Dublin that provides supportive and strategic capital to ambitious SMEs.
The Renatus Podcast, hosted by Greg Dilger, is a series of conversations with people in business - owners, operators, and investors. At Renatus, we believe that there is no better way of learning than listening to high achievers talk frankly about their businesses and their challenges.

The Renatus Podcast

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