Deputy Chief Executive Tony Donnelly retires

Tony Donnelly was a career ESB man who started at the bottom and moved quickly through the ranks, ultimately filling top-level positions as Group Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive.

Key positions on his journey through ESB were as Divisional Manager, Customer Division, and also as Divisional Manager, Management Accounting Division. During this time dramatic changes were made to the customer management system and a major accounting IT system (MOCCS) was also introduced. Tony also had an enjoyable and productive time as District Accountant in Waterford under the stewardship of Barney Rafferty.

During his time as Finance Manager in the late 80s he played a lead role in developing a range of policies to improve ESB's financial position, which was not as robust as it is today and reflected the condition of the national economy at that time. Critical issues addressed were debt restructuring, pricing, capital rationing and in later years, pension funding. Tony successfully delivered CCR and used his skills of building trust with key stakeholders to great effect.

Tony played a leading role in securing many consultancy contracts with ESB which generated good business and enhanced ESB's image on the international stage. At a personal level he was confident and calm but never arrogant and very supportive of people at all levels throughout the organisation.

We wish Tony, Margaret and their family many years of happiness in his retirement and thank him for his valued contribution during his time in ESB.