Greencoat Renewables PLC (LON:GRP) has announced that Rónán Murphy, who has served as Chair and a Non-Executive Director since the Company’s IPO in 2017, has confirmed his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2026 Annual General Meeting on 7 May 2026.
Following a comprehensive selection process, led by the Nomination Committee, Bernard Byrne has been appointed by the Board of Directors as Chair Designate. He will succeed Rónán at the conclusion of the 2026 AGM. Bernard has served as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Management Engagement Committee since May 2025.
Bernard brings a wealth of finance and commercial experience, with a successful track record of managing high-growth public, private and semi-state organisations. Most recently, Bernard served as CEO of Davy, Ireland’s largest provider of wealth management and investment banking services. Before joining Davy, Bernard served as CEO of AIB Group plc, leading the successful IPO of the bank in 2017 and having previously served as Director of Personal, Business & Corporate Banking and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to this, Bernard was Group Finance and Commercial Director at ESB, Deputy CEO and Finance Director of IWP International plc, and Commercial Director of ESB International.
Bernard currently serves as Chair of Cairn Homes plc, a leading listed Irish housebuilder.
Rónán Murphy, Chair of the Board, commented:
“It has been an honour to serve as Chair of Greencoat Renewables since the Company’s IPO in 2017. I am immensely proud of what the Board and management team have achieved since then, in building one of Europe’s leading renewable energy infrastructure companies. As we go through a transition period, I want to thank my fellow Directors and our investment manager, Schroders Greencoat, for their support and wish them every success as they continue to play a leading role in enabling energy transition.
I am also delighted that Bernard will become my successor. Since joining the Board, he has contributed immensely to our strategic analysis and direction, and I am confident he will provide decisive leadership as Greencoat continues to grow and deliver value for shareholders, notwithstanding the current challenging marketplace.”
Bernard Byrne, Chair designate, commented:
“It is a privilege to be appointed Chair of Greencoat Renewables. It has been exciting to play a role as Director at one of Europe’s leading listed renewables companies since joining in May. Together with what is a proven and experienced team at Greencoat, I am confident in our ability to continue to capitalise on the opportunity to support the greening of Europe’s power generation and deliver value for shareholders.
On behalf of the Board and entire Greencoat team, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Rónán for his exceptional leadership over the past nine years and I look forward to working closely with him through the transition period.”
