Michael O'Leary

$1.10 B

Ranked #1999 in World

About Michael O'Leary

Irish businessman Michael Kevin O'Leary, born on 20 March 1961 in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland, is the influential Group CEO of Ryanair. With a reported net worth of approximately €848.6 million as of April 2018, O'Leary stands as one of Ireland's richest businessmen. His journey began with a solid foundation in business and economics from Trinity College Dublin, transitioning into entrepreneurship with newsagents in Dublin before revolutionizing the aviation sector by embracing and expanding upon the low-cost model at Ryanair since joining in 1988. Despite his success, O'Leary's management style and public statements often spark controversy, painting him as a polarizing figure in the business world. Married to Anita Farrell since 2003 and a father to four, he enjoys a private life breeding cattle and horses, and supports Manchester City F.C. faithfully.

Born

March 20, 1961 in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland

Age

65 years

Source Of Wealth

Ryanair

Industries

Service

Citizenship

Ireland

Residence

Dublin

Spouse

Anita Farrell (Married: 2003)

Children

Parent

Teddy and Ger O'Leary

Michael Kevin O'Leary was born on 20 March 1961 in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland. He grew up near Mullingar, County Westmeath, where his father was part-owner of a textile factory. O'Leary received his education at Clongowes Wood College and later studied business and economics at Trinity College Dublin.

After completing his studies, O'Leary worked as a trainee with Stokes Kennedy Crowley (now known as KPMG), where he gained knowledge of the Irish tax system. However, he left KPMG in 1985 and ventured into entrepreneurship by setting up profitable newsagents in Dublin.

Michael O'Leary: Family

Michael O'Leary is married to Anita Farrell, and the couple has four children together. They reside in Gigginstown House near Delvin, County Westmeath.

Michael O'Leary: Career Highlights

O'Leary's career took a significant turn when he joined Ryanair as the chief financial officer in 1988. He rose through the ranks and became the chief executive officer in 1994. Under his leadership, Ryanair adopted the low-cost model pioneered by Southwest Airlines.

O'Leary focused on generating ancillary revenue through onboard shopping, internet gaming, car hire, and hotel bookings to supplement ticket revenue. He also negotiated discounts with airports to secure reduced landing fees. Additionally, O'Leary advocated for the deregulation of Ireland's major airports and the transformation of traditional full-service airlines.

Michael O'Leary: Companies

Michael O'Leary is primarily associated with Ryanair, where he serves as the Group CEO. Ryanair is a leading low-cost carrier in Europe, known for its extensive route network and affordable fares.

Michael O'Leary: Major Achievements

O'Leary's major achievements include transforming Ryanair into one of the largest and most successful low-cost airlines in the world. He has consistently driven the company's growth and profitability by implementing innovative strategies and expanding Ryanair's operations across Europe.

Michael O'Leary: Awards & Achievements

O'Leary has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the aviation industry. Some notable recognitions include:

European Businessman of the Year (2003)
Irish Businessman of the Year (2004)
CEO of the Year (2005)
Aviation Executive of the Year (2006)

Michael O'Leary: Personal Life & Legacy

Outside of his professional life, Michael O'Leary is passionate about horse breeding and racing.

He owns Gigginstown House Stud, where he breeds Aberdeen Angus cattle and horses. O'Leary's horses have achieved notable victories in prestigious races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National.

O'Leary is also a supporter of English football team Manchester City F.C. and has declined an offer to participate in the reality TV show The Apprentice.

Michael O'Leary: Trivia

Michael O'Leary has a net worth estimated to be around €848.6 million as of April 2018, making him one of Ireland's wealthiest businessmen.
He is known for his outspoken personality and has often been described as arrogant and prone to making contradictory statements.
O'Leary's abrasive management style and pursuit of cost-cutting have led to controversies and conflicts with competitors, airport authorities, governments, unions, and customers.
He has been involved in several controversies related to passenger treatment, safety incidents, and public statements.

Wealth History

Timeline

20 March 1961

Michael Kevin O'Leary is born in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland.

1985

O'Leary leaves KPMG and sets up profitable newsagents in Dublin.

1988

O'Leary joins Ryanair as chief financial officer.

1994

O'Leary becomes chief executive officer of Ryanair.

2003

O'Leary marries Anita Farrell and has four children.

Michael O'Leary : FAQs

What is Michael O'Leary's net worth?

As of 2018, Michael O'Leary's net worth was $1.10 billion.

What are Michael O'Leary's main sources of wealth?

Michael O'Leary's main source of income comes from Ryanair.

In which industry does Michael O'Leary primarily operate?

Michael O'Leary is primarily involved in the Service industry.

How old is Michael O'Leary?

Michael O'Leary is 65 years old.

How many children does Michael O'Leary have?

Michael O'Leary has 4 children.

Who is Michael Kevin O'Leary and what is his role at Ryanair?

Michael Kevin O'Leary, born on 20 March 1961, is an Irish businessman and the Group CEO of Ryanair, known for his significant contributions to the airline industry by developing a low-cost business model.

What controversies is Michael O'Leary known for in his professional career?

Michael O'Leary is known for his loose talk, outspoken statements, and abrasive management style. He has been involved in various controversies concerning passenger treatment, safety incidents, and has had a hostile attitude towards competitors, airport authorities, governments, unions, and customers.

How has Michael O'Leary contributed to Ryanair's business model and revenue?

At Ryanair, Michael O'Leary focused on ancillary revenue, supplementing ticket sales with income from onboard shopping, internet gaming, car hire, and hotel bookings, while also negotiating discounts with airports for reduced landing fees.

Can you describe Michael O'Leary's personal interests and achievements outside of his business career?

Outside of his business endeavors, Michael O'Leary is married with four children, breeds Aberdeen Angus cattle and horses, owns horses that have won prestigious races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National, supports Manchester City F.C., and declined an offer to star in The Apprentice reality TV show.