Hi °C | Lo °C WE NOTE that Bank of Ireland corporate communications boss Dan Loughrey is moving on to pastures new.
Mr Loughrey isn't saying where he is going but it seems that he's had enough of spinning to investors after long periods with the bank during the banking crisis and Aer Lingus during a prolonged management crisis which saw the airline change chief executive 10 times in his 12 years at the flag carrier.
The Punt is a little concerned that London-based headhunter Zygos has been hired to replace the public relations guru.
While it is all very well putting in foreigners into the upper echelons of our banks, one can take a good thing too far and some of our banks are in danger of being run without enough Irish input.
Bank of Ireland's operations are now limited to this country and the bank's UK post office and this is not likely to change anytime soon.
It is important that whoever spins for the bank feels answerable to investors and the media here in Ireland where the public must still guarantee the bank's operations.
Perhaps the Punt is reading too much into the appointment of the curiously named Zygos, which has already advised in the recruitment of a finance director for an Irish bank and a HR chief for an Irish airline. No prizes for guessing who they might be.
Those fancying themselves in the race to replace Mr Loughrey (pictured right) might note that Zygos prides itself on being particularly strong on finding female candidates for top jobs.
Late starters should also be aware; the starter's gun might not have blown but The Punt hears that this race is well under way.
One thing that would be a disaster for the bank itself however, would be the appointment of a spinner with no feel for the Irish market or someone who has spent far too long in Blighty.
The Punt has ruled him/herself out of the running, clearing the way for the rest of the field. To all those, we say: "See you at the finishing post."
Irish Independent
