Alan Kelly is feeling fortunate - and it s not just because he landed a new job. The 62-year-old Dubliner was recently named the chief executive of Metamo, a 50:50 joint venture between 16 of Ireland s largest credit unions and fintech company Fexco.
While the role is one reason Kelly feels grateful, he has also been blessed with a bout of good fortune that began in September 2019. Back then, he sold his hotel business, The Maples House Hotel in Glasnevin, just months before the Covid-19 pandemic hit Ireland and devastated the sector. You know what they say; it s better to be born lucky than rich, he says. The decision was all about luck, nothing to do with foresight.