Ryanair extends CEO O'Leary's tenure to April 2032

19th Jun 2026 13:45

(Sharecast News) - Budget airline Ryanair said on Friday that it has extended Michael O'Leary's tenure as chief executive following months of discussions and "extensive" engagement with the group's largest shareholder.

The outspoken billionaire will remain as group CEO until April 2032. His new contract includes a "modest" annual salary and a capped annual bonus and O'Leary will qualify for a new one-off purchase option over 10 million ordinary shares.

This option is exercisable at a strike price of €26.70/$65.00 - equal to the prevailing market share price before the war in Iran - but only if Ryanair's full year profit after tax grows to more than €4bn or if the price of either the ordinary shares or ADRs exceeds €42 or $102 respectively for 28 consecutive days.

Chairman Stan McCarthy said: "As previously announced, this Spring the board commenced discussions with MOL on his contract. I am pleased to report that this process, which included extensive engagement with Ryanair's largest shareholders, has successfully concluded with Michael agreeing to extend his leadership of the Ryanair Group for the next 6-years to April 2032, for the benefit of all shareholders."

An amended remuneration policy will be tabled for an advisory vote at Ryanair's 2026 annual general meeting.

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