Ray Hernan

Ray Hernan is CEO of ARI (Aer Rianta International) where, since 2018, he has successfully led the company’s global travel retail growth. As well as navigating the business through the challenging global pandemic, Ray has also overseen new business acquisitions, the extension and redevelopment of existing operations, and record commercial success across ARI’s key markets, solidifying ARI’s reputation as a leading, trusted and respected global operator.

He is a passionate retailer and an empowering leader, adopting a people-centric approach to business. When it comes to being a great retailer and business partner, his mantra is simple: treat the customer the way you would like to be treated.

Prior to joining ARI, Ray held various senior executive roles in public and private companies, primarily in the aviation and retail sectors. He worked as Director of Finance for Ryanair for ten years during a period of exponential growth for the airline.

In 2006, Ray joined the Irish luxury department store chain Brown Thomas and subsequently worked in London for its parent company Selfridges. He returned to Dublin to take up the role of CEO of Arnotts, Ireland’s largest department store, where he successful repositioned the business as a modern and customer-focused business.

Ray is a qualified chartered accountant with a proven track record in applying a dynamic style of leadership coupled with strong commercial acumen. Since January 2010, he has been Board Chairman of business representative organisation Dublin Town, as well as a board member of Retail Ireland. He is also a member of the Government Tourism 2025 Steering Committee in Ireland.