AHBRA appoints new CEO Fergal O’Leary

The Board of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Fergal O’Leary as the new Chief Executive, following a public recruitment process.

Fergal has over 20 years of experience working in research and policy development, communications, regulation and enforcement. Prior to joining AHBRA, he led the development of a new statutory registration regime for short-term tourist accommodation with Fáilte Ireland as part of the Housing for All strategy.  Previously he was a Commissioner with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) where he provided strategic direction, governance, and oversight to the organisation as part of its Executive Board. Fergal also held the position of Director of Communications and Market Insights in the CCPC and Director of Research, Policy, Public Awareness and Financial Education in the National Consumer Agency.

AHBRA Chair, Eddie Lewis, said “The board welcomes Fergal’s appointment as CEO. We are at a pivotal stage for AHBRA as we launch our new strategic plan and scale up our oversight of the sector. As CEO Fergal will play a vital role in advancing AHBRA’s risk-based approach to regulation and delivering a significant programme of effective regulatory outcomes”.

Mr. Lewis also thanked AHBRA’s Head of Legal and Compliance, Leona McMahon, for her decisive leadership while acting as interim CEO.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. O’Leary said ”I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at such a crucial time for AHBRA. I look forward to working with the team to drive AHBRA’s strategic vision forward, collaborating closely with our stakeholders to ensure we deliver robust and effective regulatory outcomes that support the stability and growth of the sector”.