“Like anyone with ambition you’re always looking for the next move”. Michael Rice’s career has been punctuated by a series of very significant phone calls, each of them offering him the chance to work in a dynamic new company and environment. And, crucially, every role was a stepping stone to the one that Michael holds today – CFO of Glenveagh Properties. 

Having worked for some of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs and companies, including Dermot Desmond and Kingspan, Michael Rice was drawn to Glenveagh as it gave him the opportunity to put his own stamp on the role and direction of the business. At the time Glenveagh was a new entity but one that, like Michael, had great ambitions. There was also a potential IPO on the horizon. Looking back on the decision Michael describes it as “a calculated risk, but one that certainly paid off”.

In this episode of The EY CFO Outlook podcast, Michael Rice talks to host Vincent Wall about his journey to the position of CFO of publicly-listed Glenveagh Properties, his views on the future of the Irish housing market, and what drives him to succeed. They also discuss:

·         His experience of working directly with some of Ireland’s leading CEOs and CFOs

·         Executing an IPO and maintaining good investor relations. 

·         Why IT Security keeps him awake at night 

·         The CEO CFO relationship and why it is critical 

·         The advice he would give to other CFOs.