Zeus Group appoints non-executive directors

Zeus Group, a global provider of packaging, appointed Brian O’Kelly and Paul Hogan as non-executive directors of its board. The additions strengthen the company’s governance and strategic capability as Zeus pursues growth, M&A and sustainability objectives.

O’Kelly brings extensive experience in investment banking, corporate finance and company strategy, having advised many of Ireland’s leading public and private companies on major M&A and capital markets transactions throughout his career. He has a deep knowledge of financial markets having spent 24 years at Goodbody Stockbrokers where he was co-head of investment banking. He was previously managing director of Goodbody Corporate Finance, during which time he was a board member for many years.

O’Kelly is currently chairman of Bellingham Capital, a private equity firm specializing in the food sector and is a non-executive director of H&K International, a global kitchen equipment supplier. He is also chairman of EIIS Management Limited, a joint venture between Goodbody and Azets, specializing in providing EIIS capital to SME’s across Ireland. He was previously the chairman of Gresham House Ireland Investment Management and was the senior independent director of Irish Continental Group.

He began his career qualifying as a chartered accountant with KPMG, after which he joined ABN AMRO Corporate Finance, gaining deep analytical and financial expertise.

O’Kelly will bring to Zeus a strong focus on strategy, financial oversight and board-level advisory, supporting long-term growth and value creation.

O’Kelly commented: 'I am delighted to join the Zeus Board at an exciting time in the company’s development. I look forward to applying my experience in corporate finance and strategic governance to support the board and management in delivering sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value.'

Paul Hogan is a finance executive and board member with more than 30 years of experience in global packaging, corporate development, M&A and financial leadership. He began his career at Price Waterhouse and spent 24 years at Clondalkin Group, rising to chief financial officer and leading global corporate development and M&A activity across flexible, specialty and healthcare packaging. In 2014, he became CFO of Nelipak Healthcare Packaging Corporation, overseeing North American finance across multi-site healthcare operations in a private equity-backed environment, and in 2020, he was appointed CFO of Brook & Whittle Holdings.

Hogan has been recognized for his financial leadership, including Plastics News 'CFO of the Year' (2016). He also serves as senior independent no-executive director of Uniphar (since June 2019), where he chairs the Nominations Committee and contributes to governance, risk and sustainability oversight.

Hogan will bring to Zeus deep sector knowledge, proven M&A and growth strategy experience, and strong financial stewardship and board governance capabilities.

Hogan commented: 'I am excited to join the Zeus Board and to contribute my experience in finance, M&A and governance as the company grows and pursues new market opportunities.'

Brian O’Sullivan, founder and owner, Zeus, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Brian O’Kelly and Paul Hogan to the Zeus board. Their combined strengths in strategic governance, corporate finance and the packaging sector will be instrumental as we scale our business, execute on M&A opportunities and continue to build sustainable value for our customers and shareholders.'