Tech industry veteran Ronan Kelly is to take over as chief executive of data centre lobby group Digital Infrastructure Ireland (DII) in coming weeks.
DII represents businesses involved in data-centre operation, construction and servicing, including those that work increasingly outside the Republic.
The organisation is expected to confirm on Friday it has appointed Kelly as its new chief executive to succeed founder Gary Connolly, who stepped down recently and has told the board of his intention to leave in September. Michelle Wallace has been working as interim chief executive.
Kelly is to take up the role on July 1st. He has worked in technology for 30 years and joins from Allpoints Fibre Networks, where he is managing director and previously served as chief technology officer.
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Dublin native Kelly was a three-time president of the Fibre to the Home Council of Europe. He has master of business administration and a master of science degrees from Technological University Dublin.
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Kelly takes up the role as the industry here grapples with challenges, including the introduction of rules demanding that new data centres getting connected to the national grid be capable of supplying electricity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) development is driving a boom in data centre construction globally, particularly in the US, where it is estimated that tech companies have borrowed more than $700 billion (€599 billion) to fund the new technology.
Kelly pledged that DII would focus on creating the conditions needed to allow the Republic compete for the “next wave of digital infrastructure investment”.
“We are seeing a more positive policy direction for digital infrastructure in Ireland and commend recent Government actions that help bring greater momentum and sense of clarity after years of uncertainty,” he said.
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“However, significant work remains if Ireland is to fully realise the opportunity ahead.”
The Republic has built a globally recognised industry that is building and designing projects around the world, Kelly said.
DII chairman Maurice Mortell said the State had an opportunity to regain its position as a leading destination for data centres.
“Ronan’s leadership will be critical as we work with our partners to realise that opportunity,” he said.
