Michael O'Leary (businessman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael O'Leary
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O'Leary in April 2015
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Michael Kevin O'Leary
20 March 1961 Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland
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| Education | Clongowes Wood College |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | CEO of Ryanair |
| Spouse(s) |
Anita Farrell
(m. 2003) |
| Children | 4 |
Michael Kevin O'Leary, born on March 20, 1961, is a well-known Irish businessman. He is the main leader, or Group CEO, of Ryanair, a very popular airline. He is known as one of Ireland's richest business people.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael Kevin O'Leary was born in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland. He grew up near Mullingar, in County Westmeath. His father was a part-owner of a factory that made textiles.
Michael went to school at Clongowes Wood College. After that, he studied business and economics at Trinity College Dublin. He finished his studies in 1982.
Starting His Career
After college, Michael worked as a trainee at a company called Stokes Kennedy Crowley. This company later became known as KPMG. He learned a lot about the Irish tax system there.
In 1985, after two years, he left to start his own businesses. He opened several successful newsagents in Dublin.
Meeting Tony Ryan
While working at Stokes Kennedy Crowley, Michael met Tony Ryan. Tony Ryan was the head of Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA), a company that leased airplanes. Michael helped Tony Ryan with his personal taxes. In 1988, Tony Ryan hired Michael to be his personal financial advisor.
Leading Ryanair
Michael O'Leary became the chief financial officer of Ryanair in 1988. Then, in 1994, he became the chief executive officer, or CEO. This means he was in charge of the whole company.
Ryanair's Low-Cost Model
Under Michael O'Leary's leadership, Ryanair became very good at the "low-cost" airline model. This idea was first used by Southwest Airlines. Ryanair focused on making flights as cheap as possible.
Michael O'Leary once said that other airlines were trying to raise prices, but Ryanair was trying to get rid of them. Ryanair makes money not just from tickets, but also from things like shopping on the plane, car rentals, and hotel bookings. They also save money by getting discounts from airports for landing fees. Some smaller airports even let Ryanair land for free to bring more visitors and money to their area.
Public Statements and Controversies
Michael O'Leary is known for being very direct and sometimes controversial in his public comments. He has often made strong statements.
In 2002, he said that Ryanair would not offer long flights across oceans. He believed the low-cost model only worked for shorter flights. However, in 2013, he changed his mind. He said he wanted to sell very cheap flights from the U.S. to Europe. He explained that he would need many large airplanes and access to major airports for this to work.
In 2003, Michael O'Leary bought a taxi license plate for his car. This allowed him to use Dublin's special bus lanes, which helped him get around the city faster.
In 2007, he had to correct a statement about Ryanair's carbon dioxide emissions. He had said the company cut emissions by half, but it was actually emissions "per passenger" that had been cut by half.
In April 2010, European airspace was closed because of ash from an erupting volcano in Iceland. Michael O'Leary said there was no ash cloud and that the closure was unnecessary. However, studies showed that flying through the ash could have seriously damaged airplanes.
In May 2014, he strongly criticized a strike by cabin crew at Aer Lingus. Ryanair was a major shareholder in Aer Lingus at the time. The strike caused many flights to be canceled.
In February 2020, Michael O'Leary made comments about airport security and passengers that caused controversy. In June 2022, he defended Ryanair's use of an Afrikaans language test for South African travelers, but later withdrew his comments after many people criticized the policy.
Tax Disputes
In June 2022, the Hungarian government announced a new 'extra profit tax' for large companies, including airlines. Ryanair decided to add this tax to ticket prices for passengers. Michael O'Leary strongly criticized this tax and the Hungarian ministers involved. He called the tax "beyond stupid" and used strong words to describe the ministers.
Personal Life
Michael O'Leary married Anita Farrell on September 5, 2003. They have four children and live in Gigginstown House in County Westmeath.
Horses and Farming
Michael O'Leary breeds Aberdeen Angus cattle and horses at his Gigginstown House Stud. His horses have won many important races. For example, his horses War of Attrition, Don Cossack, Rule the World, and Tiger Roll have won famous races like the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.
Sports Interests
Michael O'Leary has supported the English football team Manchester City F.C. since he was young. In 2003, he had a chance to buy a part of the club, but he decided not to. He still enjoys going to watch their matches. In 2011, he even wore a Manchester City shirt when announcing new Ryanair flights to Manchester Airport.
See also
In Spanish: Michael O'Leary para niños
