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Our President & Chair

Susan Russell, Chief Executive of the Retail Ireland division of Bank of Ireland Group is the President of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland and Davinia Conlan, Citi Country Officer Ireland is the Chair of the Federation of International Banks in Ireland, the international banking division of Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.

BPFI President – Susan Russell

Susan Russell, Chief Executive of the Retail Ireland division of Bank of Ireland Group

Susan has more than 20 years’ experience in Financial Services both in Ireland and the UK. As CEO of the Retail Ireland division of Bank of Ireland Group, Susan is responsible for over 2.2 million active customers across all segments including mass market, premier, youth and vulnerable customers. Bank of Ireland’s Retail Ireland’s distribution channels encompass the branch network and contact centres along with a wide range of digital banking options. A full suite of retail banking products and services are offered through these channels including mortgages, loans and everyday banking.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Masters in Business Studies from University College Dublin. She is a Group NED of New Ireland Assurance Company and a Director of the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland.

Speaking on her appointment Susan Russell said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the President of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland.  A key priority for me over the next two years will be to focus on ensuring that the importance of the banking sector is well understood in Ireland. The sector is critical to the achievement of many of Ireland’s priorities including economic growth and job creation through business development and expansion. It plays a central role in the lives of consumers across the full range of their financial requirements, while prioritising trust, service, and understanding their needs.”

Susan added: “The sector is core to Ireland’s response to some of the most pressing challenges it faces today such as the development of housing, investment in infrastructure, and the response to climate change. All of these – and many more – point to the banking sector being a critically important partner for its customers, and Ireland’s economy, prosperity and progress.”

FIBI Chair– Davinia Conlan

Davinia Conlan, Citi Country Officer Ireland is the Chair of the Federation of International Banks in Ireland, the international banking division of Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.

Davinia is a qualified lawyer in Ireland and New York, holds a Degree of Corporate Law and a Bachelor of Laws from National University of Ireland Galway and a Masters of Laws from Duke University, North Carolina. Davinia sits on the global Citi Diversity Steering Council and is also a board member of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ireland.

On taking up her new role, Davinia said: “As I start my term as FIBI Chair, we are entering a new political cycle with a new Government in Ireland, a new EU Commission with an ambitious new mission and, of course, a new administration in the US. I look forward to working with FIBI members to respond to the opportunities and challenges that this complex geopolitical landscape presents. We welcome the commitment by the incoming Irish Government to increase employment in the international services sector and FIBI members are ready to play their part in helping to deliver on this.”

“The EU is currently at a pivotal juncture in terms of positioning the region for growth. As part of this, the EU Commission is focused on simplifying the regulatory regime. I believe that our industry, through FIBI, can be a clear voice on how this can be achieved while maintaining a strong, safe and robust regulatory environment. I look forward to building on the open dialogue between the international banks and the local regulator to continue our strong relationship.”

She continued: “I am passionate about supporting the well-established diversity agenda here in Ireland and building on the work that outgoing Chair Fernando Vicario, CEO of Bank of America Europe DAC, achieved during his term. I believe it offers a means of ensuring different perspectives are given an opportunity to shape narratives thereby leading to more balanced and improved outcomes for all.”

FIBI represents over 30 member organisations, comprising many of the world’s leading global banks and investment firms. Collectively they employ over 14,200 people in Ireland.

Interested in joining us?

Let’s talk. For more information about BPFI membership please contact Ann Smith, Director, Corporate Services via the button below.