Michael O'Leary

Michael O'Leary is an accomplished Irish businessman, best known as the CEO of Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline. Born on March 20, 1961, in County Westmeath, Ireland, O'Leary attended Clongowes Wood College and later studied economics and social studies at Trinity College Dublin.

O'Leary began his career as a tax consultant at KPMG before joining Ryanair in 1988 as an advisor to the airline's founder, Tony Ryan. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company's CEO in 1994. Under his leadership, Ryanair revolutionized the airline industry by pioneering the low-cost model, making air travel more accessible to millions of people across Europe. His no-frills approach, coupled with aggressive cost-cutting strategies, transformed Ryanair into one of the most profitable airlines in the world.

Known for his outspoken and often controversial style, O'Leary has been a polarizing figure in the aviation industry. Despite criticism for his hard-nosed business tactics and sometimes provocative public statements, he is widely credited with democratizing air travel and driving significant growth in the European aviation sector.

Beyond his role at Ryanair, O'Leary is a prominent figure in Irish business circles and has been involved in various ventures, including agriculture and real estate. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and rural development in Ireland.

O'Leary is married with four children and maintains a relatively private personal life despite his high-profile career. His leadership style and business acumen continue to shape the future of Ryanair and the broader airline industry.