"Golf's fundamental power is the adjacent wealth - the real wealth is outside the ropes" - with Donal Casey, former CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc.
The Renatus PodcastShow Notes
In 2013, when Rory McIlroy, one of the best golfers of all time, parted company with his agent Horizon Sports, there would have been no shortage of high-calibre candidates for the CEO role in his new Dublin-based management company - Rory McIlroy Inc. The fact that Rory turned to a low-profile but well-respected Athy-born actuary called Donal Casey says it all. Donal, who was a decent amateur golfer and a self-confessed golf nerd, was an inspired choice, and he thrived in the role. He always believed that longer-term thinking, which was a fundamental pillar of his actuarial background, was a big advantage in the world of corporate sponsorship, image rights, and endorsements. Donal (now 56) stepped down from RMI last year after 11 enjoyable years in the role. In this podcast, Donal talks about his early life in Co. Kildare, his career as an actuary in Irish Life, and his time working with Rory McIlroy. He talks about his interest in and passion for women’s sports - particularly golf and athletics. Hosted by Greg Dilger of Renatus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from The Renatus Podcast
Donal Casey, actuary, former senior executive at Irish Life, and CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc. - returns to the Renatus Podcast to discuss his superb new book, Reflections on a Golden Ball. From small-town beginnings in Athy, Co. Kildare, to the corporate boardroom and the global stage of elite professional golf, Donal reflects on talent, leadership, self-confidence, wealth, sport, and the formative narratives that shape each of our journeys. Part memoir, part philosophical reflection, and part mentoring conversation, Reflections on a Golden Ball invites us not to chase perfection, but to better understand the forces already at work in our own lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of the Renatus Podcast, Greg Dilger speaks with Sean O’Driscoll, former CEO and Chairman of Glen Dimplex and one of Ireland’s most respected business leaders. Now Chair of the ESRI and a member of the Government’s 2025 Accelerating Infrastructure Task Force, Sean discusses the structural challenges slowing Ireland’s infrastructure delivery — from planning and housing to energy and grid capacity — and what must change to unlock growth. A candid discussion on leadership, accountability and delivering at scale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In our latest Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger chats with Luke Mackey, the 31-year-old Co-founder and CEO of employee-benefits platform Kota. We dig into Luke’s early life and the entrepreneurial streak that drove him. He talks about the creation and scaling of Kota and how the backing of some top-end international VC firms (including Ireland’s Frontline Ventures) has made him think even bigger. Luke’s relentless focus on product quality and customer experience is obvious throughout. It’s a big part of what sets him apart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the latest Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Steve Tennant, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Ireland and Head of Grant Thornton Advisors EMEA. Charismatic and highly engaging, 47-year-old Steve Tennant brings a fresh perspective and energy to the world of professional services. His natural ability to connect with people, communicate big ideas simply, and inspire confidence has made a significant impact within Grant Thornton Ireland. Following the recent private-equity-driven merger of Grant Thornton Ireland and Grant Thornton Advisors USA, Steve was appointed to lead their fast-growing EMEA business — a strong endorsement of both Steve and the Irish firm. In this podcast, he talks about his early days in Aberdeen and Leeds, and how he ultimately ended up working for Grant Thornton in Dublin. He discusses Grant Thornton’s phenomenal growth in recent years, the hows and whys behind the merger with the US business, and, of course, his exciting new role building out the EMEA organisation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Renatus Podcast, host Greg Dilger speaks with Julie Sinnamon, the hugely influential former CEO of Enterprise Ireland (EI). Julie shares her insights on starting and scaling companies, as well as the evolving role of EI. Drawing on decades of experience at both EI and the IDA, she offers her perspective on issues ranging from female entrepreneurship to the critical role of leadership in driving business success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.