Jay Ireland

Background

About Jay Ireland

Global executive, senior advisor and board director with deep operational, financial and cultural expertise who has had leadership positions in financial services, media, materials, project development and energy and has deep experience in emerging markets. Leverages global experience and growth strategies to develop and support diverse business opportunities. I have deep experience in strategic growth, operating management, operational excellence and talent development. I am a voracious and agile learner with the ability to understand and adapt to a broad spectrum of industries. A multi-industry executive with the unique expertise of growing businesses across various platforms. I spent 38 years with GE, serving as a Corporate Officer driving financial, operational, and cultural change at a wide variety of businesses within GE, culminating in my last role as CEO of GE Africa. In this role, I expanded the company’s presence in 30 countries and grew revenue at a compounded annual rate of 18% to nearly $4 billion, while the employee base more than tripled. I was twice named Business Leader of the Year by Africa Investor (Ai) magazine. Prior to this, I led GE Asset Management, a global investment firm with $120B in assets under management and successfully guided the company through the 2008 financial crisis. As President of NBC Universal Stations, I led the operations of NBCU’s 10 Television stations, network operations and syndication business, as well as the Telemundo network and TV stations. I am a frequent speaker on leadership as well as policy and investment opportunities in emerging markets.