Introduction

In this episode of The EY CFO Outlook Podcast, TJ Kelly, Group CFO of Origin Enterprises, tells host Vincent Wall the remarkable story of a career spent in the finance function of some of the world’s most iconic companies. He shares the lessons he has learned along the way, from people management and investor relations, to strategic international expansion and building a brand.

Growing up in the family business in Co Kilkenny, TJ Kelly learned the basics of commerce from a very young age. His favourite subjects in school were Business and Accounting and he went on to train as a chartered account immediately after completing the Leaving Cert. So began a career in finance that has spanned some of the best-known and most successful companies in Ireland and the US, including General Electric (GE), Microsoft, Glanbia and Hostelworld. 

With each role, TJ learned an invaluable lesson – from Treasury management and raising equity during highly turbulent times, to effective communication with investors and the power of branding. Each string added to his bow led Kelly closer to the senior role he holds today, as Group CFO and Executive Director of Origin Enterprises. 

Having spent many years in senior roles with Glanbia, joining Origin - another big player in the Agri sector - felt “like putting on an old pair of shoes”. Despite having a deep familiarity with the sector, it is one in a state of flux, and Kelly’s key priorities now centre on the sustainable use of land, yield optimisation, ensuring security of global food supply, and playing a key role in emerging Nature Economy.

TJ and Vincent also discuss:

·       Working in Microsoft at a time of incredible innovation, including the launch of the Xbox and Windows XP

·       GE’s Jack Welch and his infamous people management style 

·       The future of Farming and driving innovation in the sector. 

·       How he maintains contact and communication with the finance teams across the whole group

·       The experience of trying to raise capital for Hostelworld during Covid-related lockdowns

·       The leaders he most admires.