As Kirby Group Engineering welcomes four new board members, we explore the career of Ruairí Ryan, Group Director of Operations. With nearly three decades of service at Kirby, Ruairí’s rise through the ranks is a testament to the company’s commitment to apprenticeships and its people-first culture.
In our People First series of interviews, we explore the people who have shaped Kirby’s past and are forging its future. In this interview, Ruairí Ryan shares his journey from starting an Electrical Apprenticeship in 1996 to joining the Board in January 2025.
Four members of the new Board, including Ruairí, have risen through the ranks from apprenticeship backgrounds, demonstrating the company’s deep commitment to nurturing talent from within.
From Apprentice to Board Member
“I’ve come a long way with Kirby,” Ruairí says. At 17, he realised college wasn’t for him, so he took matters into his own hands- cycling around Limerick knocking on doors in search of an apprenticeship in electrical engineering. Tom Kirby answered the door, and his career began. “Tom offered me a three-month trial to test my work ethic,” Ruairí recalls. “During those 12 weeks, I delivered goods to sites, cleaned the office, and did everything I could to prove myself.”
Ruairí worked his way up through the company, gaining invaluable experience across Europe and in varied sectors. In 2022 he took up the role of Operations Director for the Munster region at a pivotal moment, as Kirby expanded its Limerick office and saw significant growth in its Irish operations across the life sciences and data centre sectors.
“I have worked with exceptional leaders -leaders who made the right decisions at pivotal moments. The Board has always been ahead of the market in terms of its progression planning and the future proofing of the business, identifying the right people to run Kirby well ahead of time to ensure leadership development,” he adds.
Today, as Group Director of Operations, he oversees quality and operations, ensuring the successful delivery of some of the company’s largest and most complex engineering projects, and with almost 30 years of experience in the industry, Ruairí’s role is crucial in supporting our clients and people, as we manage projects from planning through to handover. His expertise and hands-on experience ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality.
International engineering success
Throughout his career, Ruairí has witnessed the significant transformation of the company, which has grown substantially since it was founded in 1964. From Thomondgate in Limerick, to delivering multi-million-euro projects for international blue-chip clients, “The company’s growth has been driven by the dedication and loyalty of both its staff and leadership team.” Ruairí reflects, “Kirby is a family business, and that family ethos is what sets us apart.”
Dedication to engineering apprenticeships
Ruairí believes that his apprenticeship provided him with the practical knowledge and skills that were crucial for his career. “Kirby’s commitment to nurturing talent and investing in apprenticeships is integral to its success. At Kirby, we have some of the smartest and most dedicated people in the industry. Our talent programmes are designed to identify the right people, giving them the opportunities to grow, and accelerate their careers to ensure they excel.”
Ruairí’s dedication is matched by his passion for supporting the next generation. As a strong advocate of apprenticeships, he is keen to ensure that young talent continues to future-proof leadership in the company.
“We currently have 250 apprentices across the business, and they are the lifeblood of Kirby,” he says. “Alongside a number of my peers, I started as an Apprentice, and now we are ensuring we offer the same opportunity to others, offering the chance to grow and progress in a vibrant and buoyant sector.”
Ruairí also emphasises the importance of looking ahead and planning for the future. “In our day-to-day work, we are constantly thinking about the next project, where the talent is coming from, and how we can innovate to stay ahead. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and it’s important to adapt to change. For example, the shift towards off-site manufacturing (OSM) has enabled our clients to ensure speed to market, while enhancing quality, reducing safety risks and improving sustainability outcomes.”
Looking ahead
“The opportunities in the construction industry are stronger than ever, and there’s a real demand for skilled professionals. As a company, we will continue to build on our strong foundations and adapt to the needs of the market,” says Ruairí.
Reflecting on his long career at Kirby, Ruairí’s main goal remains: to leave the jersey in a better condition than he received it. “I’ve had incredible opportunities throughout my career, and now it’s my responsibility to help strengthen the business and cultivate the next generation of leaders. Together as a Board, we will ensure that Kirby continues to thrive through its people and deliver real value for our customers.”
