Conor Hayes

Conor Hayes is a seasoned business executive who currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Lionel Road Developments Ltd, a position he has held since May 2016.12 In this role, he has been instrumental in overseeing the development of Brentford Football Club's new stadium project.1

Background and Career

Conor Hayes, now in his mid-60s, began his career as an accountant in Ireland.1 He has built a reputation as a turnaround specialist, known for his ability to instill financial discipline in troubled companies and nurse them back to health.1

Notable Achievements::

1. Ryanair: In 1991, at the age of 35, Hayes became the Chief Executive of Ryanair when the airline was in a critical financial condition. He worked alongside Michael O'Leary to implement cost-cutting measures and improve the company's bottom line.1

2. Diverse Business Experience: Following his tenure at Ryanair, Hayes has held various roles across different industries, including private equity, mobile telecoms, and even the mushroom business.1

3. RTE: He spent eleven years at the Irish broadcaster RTE, further expanding his expertise in media and communications.1

Current Role and Responsibilities

As Executive Chairman of Lionel Road Developments Ltd, Conor Hayes has been at the forefront of Brentford Football Club's stadium project:

1. He was brought in by Matthew Benham, Brentford's owner, to reduce risk and ensure the project's success.1

2. Hayes has been responsible for reviewing and optimizing various aspects of the stadium plan, including its size, seating arrangements, technological considerations, and construction delivery.1

3. Under his leadership, key decisions were made, such as reducing the stadium capacity from 20,000 to 17,250 seats and relocating facilities for the Community Sports Trust.1

Conor Hayes's expertise in financial management and his experience in turning around challenging projects have made him a valuable asset in steering the Lionel Road Developments project towards successful completion.