Ryanair secures Michael O’Leary as Group CEO until 2032

Ryanair Holdings has confirmed that Group CEO Michael O’Leary will remain at the helm of the airline group until April 2032, ending months of negotiations with both the executive and the company’s major shareholders.

Under the new six-year agreement, O’Leary will continue to receive what Ryanair described as a modest annual salary and a capped annual bonus. The contract also grants him a one-off option to purchase 10 million Ryanair shares at a strike price of €26.70 per share (or $65 per ADR), equivalent to the market price in February 2026.

The share options will vest only if O’Leary remains with the company until April 2032 and Ryanair achieves ambitious performance targets. These include generating annual net profits exceeding €4 billion or maintaining a share price above €42 (or $102 per ADR) for 28 consecutive days before March 2032.

Chairman Stan McCarthy said the agreement followed extensive discussions with O’Leary and consultations with the airline’s largest shareholders. He described the extension as being in the best interests of shareholders and providing leadership continuity for the group.

The revised remuneration package will be presented to shareholders for an advisory vote at Ryanair’s 2026 Annual General Meeting. The agreement ensures that one of Europe’s longest-serving and most influential airline executives will continue leading the low-cost carrier into the next decade.