One Fifty One plc (“One51”) recently announced the appointment of Mr Alan Walsh as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr Walsh was previously the Group’s Interim Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer.
The appointment of Mr Walsh follows a comprehensive selection process which commenced in July 2011 in conjunction with leading executive recruitment firm MERC Partners.
Mr Walsh (34), who is from Athy, Co Kildare and is married with three children, graduated from University College, Dublin in 1998 with a degree in International Commerce and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG. Mr Walsh has also worked for Matheson Ormsby Prentice and at the European Head Office of the New York Stock Exchange listed insurance and reinsurance group AXIS Capital in Dublin. In September 2009, Mr Walsh was appointed CFO of One51 having joined the organisation three years earlier.
Since taking up the position of Interim Chief Executive in July, Mr Walsh and the executive team, in conjunction with the Board, have conducted a comprehensive and detailed review of the businesses and investments within the One51 Group. The resulting strategy was outlined to shareholders at the Company’s recent annual general meeting and Mr Walsh has led the successful initial implementation of this new business strategy. The strategy is designed to refocus One51 around its environmental services businesses and other key investments and to continue to deleverage the group’s balance sheet.
Commenting, Chief Executive of One51, Alan Walsh said:
“As CEO of One51, my priorities will be to continue the implementation of the two-year strategy aimed at refocusing the Group, to deleverage the balance sheet, intensify the programme of operational improvement, rebuild confidence in the organisation and restore value for shareholders.
“While we acknowledge the current economic environment presents considerable challenges to all businesses including our own, we are confident that good progress is being made in respect of the implementation of the agreed strategy.”
Commenting, Chairman of One51, Denis Buckley said:
“During his time as Interim Chief Executive Alan has demonstrated very capable leadership in guiding the company through a difficult period and in formulating and implementing the Board’s new business plan for its future development. Alan has the skills and talent needed to meet the challenges faced by the Group and we wish him every success.”