60 new jobs at data and risk management centre in Mullingar
IMAGE SHOWS, From left, Robert Troy TD. Minister of State Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with responsibility for Trade Promotion; Martin Shanahan, CEO IDA Ireland; Shane Keating, chief data officer, Ardonagh Global Data and Risk Management Centre; Des O’Connor, CEO Ardonagh Global Partners; Conor Brennan, CEO Arachas; and David Ross, CEO Ardonagh Group.
Global insurance broker The Ardonagh Group plans to create 60 jobs when it opens a new data and risk management centre in Mullingar.
The company said the new centre will deliver “data-driven insights” and a “range of financial services-related products” to Ardonagh’s clients worldwide.
This project is supported by IDA Ireland.
Ardonagh considered a number of locations worldwide but said it was impressed with the exceptional calibre and quality of its existing teams in the region.
Mullingar also stood out for the quality of life in the midlands and the talent of potential employees locally, it added.
David Ross, CEO of The Ardonagh Group, said that after growing up in this area he was aware of the quality of the talent pool in the midlands. “I believe this initiative will make it one of the key areas globally for research into risk.
“The group’s broad understanding of our clients and their businesses is our key differentiator, and this data and risk management centre will help us design bespoke solutions that really answer their needs,” he added.
Minister of State at the Department of Trade Enterprise and Employment Robert Troy said he was pleased to see a focus on retaining talent in Westmeath.
By working with the Athlone Institute of Technology, Minister Troy said that graduates will have greater options to live and work in the midlands.
“While we have had a difficult 18 months, today’s significant announcement is a testament to the quality of talent and opportunities for companies investing in the midlands,” he said.
“It is a positive endorsement for Mullingar and a real sign that brighter days are ahead. The midlands is not only a great place to live, but also an excellent location for businesses to establish and thrive,” he added.
Minister Peter Burke has also welcomed the news. He said: “This is more positive jobs news for Mullingar and the midlands, on top of further jobs announcements earlier this year.
“These are highly skilled jobs and it is great to extend employment opportunities for local graduates in financial services.
“I understand Ardonagh considered many locations worldwide but was impressed with the exceptional calibre and quality of its existing teams in the region. The Westmeath area also stood out for the quality of life the midlands area offers and the talent of potential employees locally. Ardonagh intends to work closely with the Athlone Institute of Technology to offer its graduates world-class career opportunities on their doorstep. The Centre will be led by Shane Keating, recently appointed as its chief data officer.
“Its CEO David Ross grew up locally and is aware the benefits the area con offer. I look forward to these ambitious plans commencing over the coming months and the benefits this new company will bring.”
Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance Sean Fleming said the decision by The Ardonagh Group to locate in Mullingar increases the country’s attractiveness as a destination for investment by financial services companies.
“The decision to locate in Mullingar is further evidence of the benefits of choosing to establish facilities in regional locations. I would like to welcome The Ardonagh Group to Mullingar and I look forward to working with them over the coming years,” he said.
IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said the company’s decision to establish the new centre in Mullingar demonstrates the company’s confidence in the highly skilled and talented workforce available in the midlands.
“Winning jobs and investment in regional locations is a key pillar of IDA Ireland’s strategy Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021 - 2024 and today’s announcement by The Ardonagh Group demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to that pillar,” he added.