20: 20. Declan Doyle, CEO at Bidvest Noonan

Everyday Business with Aidan Donnelly

Much to his parents’ horror Declan Doyle dropped out of Trinity after one year and went full time managing 10 quick service retail stores in Dublin city centre, going to college by night to get a business degree. Realising accountancy might be a good skill to have, he trained with Grant Sugrue as a forensic accountant, before going into the facilities maintenance industry with Noonan Services Group.

Soon after he was involved in a management buyout – possibly not the best-timed transaction I think he would admit – but the company still managed to grow through the early years of the Financial Crisis with him in the role of CFO. The successful implementation of an ERP system was followed up by a large UK acquisition to bolster their position there.

In 2017 it was time for their private equity partners to say goodbye, as they found a new home with Bidvest PLC a South African headquartered services, trading and distribution group. The transition from PE to PLC ownership was easy. Then in 2019 the CEO retired from the business, and Declan stepped into the role – where he remains today.

The business has trebled in the last 6 years with revenues now north of €900M pa. and they now have a team of over 27,000 passionate and customer-focussed people. He may never have received his Theoretical Physics degree from Trinity, but he does have an MBA from there.

This is the 20th episode with guest Declan Doyle, CEO at Bidvest Noonan, in the Davy podcast series 'Everyday Business with Aidan Donnelly'.

This podcast brings you insightful conversation between Aidan Donnelly and entrepreneurs and business owners/management with their own unique story to tell. If you like what you hear, please like, share and subscribe.