In this episode of the EY CEO Outlook podcast, Shay Walsh, Manging Director of BT Ireland, joins host Richard Curran to reflect on a career at the cutting edge of telecoms and communications, the challenges of leading your people through major strategic change, and the future of data and connectivity.

Shay Walsh’s journey began in Cabra, Dublin, with Irish-speaking roots and a childhood immersed in technology - his grandfather a radio operator, and his parents civil servants in Posts & Telegraphs. After studying electronic engineering at DCU, he entered the world of telecoms just as the industry was being transformed.

Having joined Esat Telecom as a field engineer when the company was still in its very early days, Shay has spent almost 30 years helping to shape the evolution of communications in Ireland, rising to the highest ranks of the telecoms industry along the way. Today, as BT sells its Irish wholesale and enterprise business units, he reflects on a remarkable 29-year career with the company and looks ahead to his next chapter.

They also discuss:

• BT’s decision to sell its Irish domestic and data centre businesses to focus more on the UK, and what will remain of its presence in Ireland.
• The power of honesty and clear communication when trying to build trust during a period of big changes.
• Shay’s view on Data Centres, their economic importance, and their energy requirements.
• His pride about BT’s 20-year partnership with the Young Scientist Exhibition and its role in helping students grow in confidence.
• What Shay plans to do next, after he wraps up his 29-year career with Esat / BT Ireland.