Laois woman takes big role at major Irish bank

An Abbeyleix woman is among new senior appointments made by Allied Irish Banks (AIB) to its Retail Banking team.

AIB says its Retail Banking section is its largest customer-facing division, offering mortgage, personal and SME lending, current accounts, payments, deposits, insurance and wealth across brands such as EBS, Haven, Payzone, Nifti and AIB Life.

The bank says in key customer areas, Elaine Downey, from Abbeyleix, has been appointed as Head of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Ray Alcock will serve as Head of Homes, while John Brennan assumes responsibility for AIB’s Products and Payment Strategy.

Elaine Downey has been appointed as Head of SME which includes AIB’s Finance and Leasing business. She will lead a team of business advisors across the country and manage the bank’s relationship with partners in the sector in support of SME customers’ lending and broader banking needs. AIB said Ms Downey has a wealth of banking experience, having held a variety of senior roles in strategy, transformation, FX and product management during her AIB career.

Elaine attended the Brigidine Convent primary and secondary schools in Abbeyleix. Her parents, John and Gemma, who were well known in the town, have passed away in recent years, and one of her sisters lives outside Stradbally, with her other two siblings living in Drogheda and Scotland.

She started her AIB career in the branch network, working in branches in Galway and Dublin followed by number of years in the Irish Financial Services Centre (IFSC), before progressing to other areas.

She commented on her appointment in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of our economy and local communities, driving growth, innovation, and job creation. The commitment and resilience of SMEs continue to inspire me at a time when they are facing increasing pressures and challenges.

“I am incredibly proud of the AIB team of Business Advisors and Finance and Leasing reps across the country, who support our customers in their local communities every day with dedication, expertise, and passion.

“Looking ahead, we want to empower SMEs through innovative financial solutions, which will allow them to harness new technologies and sustainable practices to help them thrive in an ever-changing world,” she said.

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AIB’s Managing Director of Retail Banking, Geraldine Casey said: “I am delighted to make these appointments, including Elaine to our key customer facing and strategic teams in our Retail Banking division”.

"In continuing to meet the needs of our growing customer base across all our brands we are committed to drive innovation and support our customers to bank when they want, how they want, and our people have a proven track record in providing strategies that facilitate just that,” she said.

AIB says its Retail Banking team supports over three million customers.