Susan Russell, chief executive of the Retail Ireland division of Bank of Ireland, has been appointed president of lobby group Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI).
BPFI represents the banking, payments and fintech sector in Ireland. Together with its affiliates, the Federation of International Banks in Ireland, and the Fintech and Payments Association of Ireland, BPFI has over 110 member institutions and associates.
“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,” said Ms Russell.
“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.
“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.”
Susan has more than 20 years’ experience in Financial Services both in Ireland and the UK.
Separately, Deloitte Ireland has appointed Kate English as chief economist. Deloitte said this newly created position reflected its commitment to strengthening its leadership and analysis in a rapidly evolving global and local economy.
Ms English joined Deloitte in December 2022, where she established and led the real estate research team.
The group said she had established herself as a “trusted authority and commentator in real estate analysis and has showcased her exceptional wider expertise during her time at Deloitte, translating complex economic data into practical strategies for clients”.
In her new role, Ms English and her team will conduct data-driven research across broader economic and policy areas, offering analysis and assessing macroeconomic trends within Ireland and its key trading markets.
Prior to joining Deloitte, she served as an economist with Cushman and Wakefield Ireland and held the position of senior economist with Sherry FitzGerald.
Deloitte Ireland chief executive Harry Goddard said: “At a time of heightened economic uncertainty, appointing a chief economist is a strategic investment in our clients and the wider market.”
Ms English said: “Now, more than ever, businesses and policymakers need accurate, data-driven insights to navigate an evolving economic landscape.
“I’m thrilled to take on the role. It offers an incredible opportunity to drill further into the details of complex and often conflicting economic data points and interpret what this data collectively means for consumers, households, businesses, policymakers and our clients.”
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