Richard Hooper, often recognised as the stalwart of Irish business finance, was born amidst the global economic depression in Dublin on August 7th, 1936. His upbringing in challenging times moulded him to suitably meet the rigors of the banking and financial world. Acclaimed for his formidable, sharp-witted temperament in his professional and personal life – particularly in sailing – Hooper was well-regarded for his sagacity, emotional intellect, meticulousness, and energy.
As the oldest of seven siblings, Richard was born and raised in Donnybrook, Dublin. His father, Larry Hooper, an economist at Bank of Ireland, instilled a powerful moral compass in his children based on a biblical rule, “Treat others as you wish to be treated”.
Richard Hooper received his preliminary education at the Catholic University School in Leeson Street. In 1954, he proceeded to UCD to pursue engineering, earning a first-class honours degree – an uncommon achievement during that era. It was in 1956 when he met his future wife, Kathleen, the daughter of the esteemed Derry lawyer, Patrick Macwell. Four daughters and 60 years of matrimony later, the couple marked their diamond anniversary in February 2020.
After his University education, Richard embarked on his professional journey with ESB and Unidare. However, the true catalyst of his illustrious corporate finance career was his shift to the Investment Bank of Ireland (IBI) in 1966. It was the same year he accomplished the esteemed MBA course at UCD. Quickly rising to the position of managing director of IBI, Richard gained a stellar reputation, with most Irish public companies eager to avail of his services.
During the 1980s, one particular deal stole the limelight – the attempted £200 million takeover of Irish Distillers by Grand Met plc (now known as Diageo), in May 1988. Grand Met, boasting a substantial asset base and substantial cash resources, massively overshadowed the rather feeble share valuation of Distillers. However, under the strategic supervision of Richard, a vigorous defensive operation was conducted, which resulted in the introduction of Pernod Ricard as a saviour. This concluded one of the most contentious chapters in Irish business history. In January 1989, Grand Met was compelled to offload their 29.9% share to Pernod for a sum of £85 million.
After retiring from IBI in 1993, the same year Richard was recognised with the ‘Business Alumnus of the Year’ award from UCD. His career remained prosperous as he took up significant roles including chairmanships of Jurys plc, National Toll Roads, and Glencar, as well as director positions at Green Property and Irish Life & Permanent. He was then asked by a friend to scrutinise Mozambique’s foreign aid, an assignment they undertook together, and responded with Richard’s characteristic efficiency and thoroughness.
Richard was a truly knowledgeable individual who had a keen interest in a plethora of areas, from literature, art, gardening, genealogy, and history, to sailing, in addition to his fervour for food and wine. He possessed an exhaustive knowledge of the novel Ulysses and could be seen every Bloomsday, with white gloves on, reading from his original 1922 edition.
On top of that, Richard was an avid sailor, earning him many victories and paving the way for numerous exploratory trips around Ireland, France, Britain, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. Galicia in Spain was particularly dear to him. He also took up esteemed roles at the prestigious Royal St George Yacht Club (RSGYC) in Dun Laoghaire and Dublin Bay Sailing Club, where he made his business savviness and commitment to best practices count. Notably, he held a pivotal role in the extensive development and expansion of the RSGYC, turning it into Ireland’s flagship yacht club, leaving an impact to be felt for generations.
Richard held a deep passion for international journeys and frequently embarked on trips with loved ones to Cape Town. In one particularly adventurous travel, he ventured into neighbouring Namibia and the vastness of the Kalahari Desert, unearthing fascinating narratives about the region’s indigenous communities. He felt a profound sorrow on learning about the trials thrust upon the local San population by early settlers.
Richard departed this life in tranquillity on the 20th of May, 2023. His legacy of love and kindness endures in the memories of all who had the pleasure of knowing him, a legacy seemingly impossible to replicate. Above all else, his unwavering dedication to his family was a central theme throughout his lifetime.
He leaves behind his cherished spouse, Kathleen, an unshakeable pillar of support especially during his final years, and their adoring children, Maeve, Derval, Ashling, and Orla. He also eternally resides in the hearts of his beloved grandchildren, Philip, Alex, Finn, and Charlie, his siblings, the extended family and companions.