Business

'An institution for the Irish in Britain' Leicester FC chief executive Susan Whelan honoured and humbled to receive Irish Post Award

AHEAD of picking up an Irish Post Award later this month, Leicester FC Chief Executive Susan Whelan has praised the inspirational Irish who fly the flag for Ireland abroad.

The Dublin woman, head of current Premiership football champions Leicester, said she was both honoured and humbled to be receiving the accolade in London at The Irish Post Awards on November 25.

“I’m truly honoured and humbled to receive this award and to be recognised by a publication as highly regarded as The Irish Post – an institution for the Irish community living in Britain,” she said.

“At both Leicester City and King Power, I have been fortunate enough to work with some extremely talented, driven, conscientious people that have helped both organisations achieve extraordinary feats.

She added: "It is a pleasure and a privilege to represent them, both independently and collectively under the King Power Group of Companies.

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to all this year’s Irish Post Awards winners, whose commitment and contribution to their individual fields should be an inspiration not only to the people of Ireland, but to people around the world.”

Susan will be honoured at the prestigious ceremony for her Outstanding Contribution to Business in Britain.

Having begun her career in Ireland working in her family’s city centre jewellery business, she grew her passion and astuteness for retail that saw her go on to develop a career as a global buyer – firstly for Aer Rianta and later with emerging Thai company King Power.

Of her 20 years in the industry, which has included appointments in Russia, Pakistan, China, the Middle East and Thailand, 17 have been spent with King Power, where she holds the position of Senior Executive Vice President helping to build one of the world’s leading duty free retailers.

You can read more about Susan Whelan's stellar career here

Susan Whelan will be among the guests of honour at this year’s Irish Post Awards – an annual gala dinner and awards evening hosted by The Irish Post, the biggest selling newspaper and daily news site for the Irish in Britain.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill

Martin O’Neill will attend on the evening to accept the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award and Shane Richie will attend to receive the Entertainment Legend Award for his contribution to the industry throughout his career.

The annual event will be held at The Great Room at the Grosvenor House on Park Lane on Friday, November 25 where over 1,000 guests will celebrate the many successes of the Irish in Britain across a range of industries.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan will deliver the keynote speech on the evening with Eamonn Holmes once again acting as the Master of Ceremonies.