Interview  •  The Chamber  •  Testimonials

BNP Paribas Ireland CEO - Derek Kehoe - Interview

"The France Ireland Chamber of Commerce is the primary vehicle to ensure that the ever growing and strengthening relationship between Ireland and France from both a trade and indeed a political perspective, is well represented. It is incredible how much the Chamber has grown over the past three years and I believe it can only get bigger.” Derek Kehoe, BNP Paribas Ireland CEO

In a recent interview with Mark Kenna, BNP Paribas CEO Derek Kehoe expressed his admiration for the FICC and the sterling work it does in fostering stronger and longer lasting business relationships from within its membership base and how the chamber has reached out to other sectors to learn, develop and experience.

As a large French company established in Ireland for 45 years Derek Kehoe is confident that BNP Paribas has brought a level of connectivity, sponsorship and engagement to the chamber. But just as importantly, he feels they have shared the benefit of their extensive business and financial experience with members new and old but have also been active in their support for French companies coming to Ireland and to Dublin.

He believes Dublin punches way above its weight from a financial services perspective and will serve as an essential financial services hub post Brexit. Our highly skilled, well educated English speaking work force is the foundation on which the future strength of the industry will be built, he says and although Brexit is not a good news story for Europe as a whole, he feels that in the financial and Insurance sectors Dublin may see more benefits than other European Cities.

All in all it would appear that both the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce and BNP Paribas share a mutually beneficial and vibrant relationship. May it continue to flourish and embrace the challenges, of a post Brexit Europe, with confidence and enthusiasm.

Many thanks to Derek Kehoe for an insightful and honest appraisal.