Risteard Sheridan appointed chair of Aircraft Leasing Ireland

Aircraft Leasing Ireland (ALI) has announced the appointment of Risteard Sheridan, Company Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer at AerCap, as Chair of Aircraft Leasing Ireland.

Risteard takes over the role from Karl Griffin, Chief Executive Officer at GENESIS after his successful two-year term as Chairperson. Claire Walsh, SVP and Head of Operations at Skyworks has been appointed Vice-Chair of ALI and will assume the role of Chair in 2028. Formed in July 2018, ALI is the group representing the aircraft leasing industry in Ireland. It is a constituent part of Financial Services Ireland (Ibec), the only trade association that represents the totality of the financial services sector in Ireland.

Speaking upon his appointment, Risteard said: “It is an honour to be appointed Chair of Aircraft Leasing Ireland, representing our members in a global industry that is based here in Ireland. I would like to thank Karl Griffin for his excellent stewardship during the past two years, particularly his leadership in advocating for our sector during the recent EU-US tariff negotiation process. His insights and engagement with the Irish government and the EU ensured that the leasing sector's perspective was expertly represented. I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to Jennifer Creevey as she steps down as Vice-Chair for her excellent work in supporting ALI’s initiatives over the past number of years. I am delighted to welcome Claire Walsh, SVP and Head of Operations, SkyWorks Leasing to the role of Vice-Chair and look forward to working with her, the ALI Steering Committee, and all member companies over this two-year term.”

Risteard was appointed AerCap’s Company Secretary in May 2020 and Chief Compliance Officer in 2019. He joined AerCap in April 2017 as Head of Internal Audit. Prior to joining AerCap, he gained extensive experience advising companies on governance, financial reporting and control/process matters while working with the professional services firms KPMG and EY. Mr. Sheridan holds a Bachelor's degree in Business & Legal Studies and a Master's degree in Accounting from University College Dublin and is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Risteard is also the senior independent director at daa plc, chairs its Audit & Risk Committee and is a member of its Finance Committee. He was previously a non-executive director of the Abbey Theatre.

Elizabeth Bowen, ALI Director said: “Ireland is the leading centre for aircraft leasing globally and is one of the fastest-growing areas of international financial services, representing $315 billion of assets and supports 8,543 local jobs. ALI works collaboratively with our member firms, the Irish Government, state agencies, and stakeholders across the globe. Working at both an EU and national level, we help shape policy and foster an environment where the sector can thrive sustainably. We are extremely grateful to Karl Griffin for his commitment and leadership over the past two years”.