Frank Hayes, who was born on the 4th July 1958 and passed away on the 27th August 2024 at 66 years old, was a much-respected figure at Kerry Group, even after he stepped down from his role as director of corporate affairs in 2018, and his departure from the company in 2020. His tenure at the company began back in 1991, when he accepted an offer from Denis Brosnan, the then CEO of Kerry Group who he had met whilst stationed at the Irish embassy in London as a food and agricultural attaché, to oversee corporate affairs.
The firm, initially established as a co-op in 1972, transitioned into a public limited entity, when it got listed on the Irish Stock Exchange as the Kerry Group in 1986. Over the years, Brothers had mapped out an ambitious strategy for global expansion, recruiting savvy leaders like Hayes for achieving that goal. Hayes, who eventually shifted base back to Tralee, Ireland, was a central figure in Kerry’s executive team, cultivating strong ties with Brosnan and serving as a trusted consultant to three succeeding CEOs – Hugh Friel, Stan McCarthy and Edmond Scanlon.
Known for his unshakeable steadiness under stressful conditions and as a generous and dependable professional, Hayes was instrumental in devising the international communications approach for Kerry Group. When he finally departed from the company in 2020, Kerry Group revealed a portfolio boasting a €7 billion turnover, operations in 23 nations, and a noteworthy team of 26,000 individuals, rising from its comparatively modest origins when Hayes first joined.
In response to the news of his passing, Edmond Scanlon, the CEO of Kerry Group, paid respects to Frank Hayes for his exceptional service to the company spanning nearly three decades (1991-2020). Scanlon mentioned Hayes’ pivotal role in establishing and advancing Kerry’s corporate image and expressed gratitude for his commitment as a native of Galway.
Frank Hayes, a previous executive of Kerry Group, has passed away at the age of 66. Interestingly, one of his first significant acts in 1991 was securing a sponsorship deal with Kerry GAA. Although a native of Galway, his unwavering support for Kerry GAA often left people taken aback when they first met him. Kerry GAA fondly remembered him as a true friend of the association, recognising his integrity, courtesy, and meticulous planning for the post All-Ireland events in their statement following his passing.
Frank was born to parents Tony and Una in a place near Loughrea in 1958 and was one of nine children. His sister Elizabeth tragically passed away during their early years. Frank attended a local primary school before going to Casltemartyr College in Cork for secondary education. After completing an agricultural science degree at UCD, his career started with the Department of Agriculture, which then led him to take up a secondment as an attaché at the London Embassy with the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Hayes found his second home in Tralee where he spent almost 30 years. His role in Kerry Group made him a prominent face in the local community and he strengthened the bond between the company and the residents. Kerry Group has a long history of supporting various charitable causes and organisations in the county, thanks to Hayes. Among them were the hugely popular Rose of Tralee festival, Listowel Writers’ Week and the Kerry Community Games.
One previous associate noted his adoption of corporate social responsibility well before most companies found it necessary. He gained popularity with both the local and national press. A journalist with whom he had regular interactions regarded him as a gentleman who held onto old-school values but was never out of touch, and a person who would go above and beyond to lend a helping hand.
Having ingrained himself into Tralee’s societal tapestry, he cultivated numerous tight-knit bonds, especially among legendary Kerry footballers such as Eoin Liston, Mikey Sheehy, and Ger Power. Known as an ex-director for An Bord Bia, Siamsa Tire, and the Cork-based Crawford Art Gallery, he also became a member of Coillte, the national forestry firm, in 2022.
However, the most cherished aspect of his life was his family. His beloved wife, Gráinne, and their six offspring were his joy and pride. In 2020, the couple decided to relocate to his birthplace, Galway. It was here where he was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. Despite his grim prognosis, he remained hopeful, fighting the disease with grit and without complaints, a testament highlighted during his funeral service. Regrettably, he was unfairly robbed of his anticipated retirement years, a full two decades prematurely.
Emblematic of his profound affection for the GAA, Galway and Kerry football jerseys were amongst the offerings placed on the altar during his funeral. He leaves behind his wife Gráinne, their progeny Tony, Anna, John, Joseph, Conor, and Emily, along with three sisters, three brothers, and a large group of family members and friends.