Mr Kent takes up the role for a seven-year term following what CIÉ described as an extensive and competitive recruitment process.

He succeeds Lorcan O’Connor, who has moved to take up the role of chief executive officer at Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

CIÉ is one of Ireland’s largest public transport providers, overseeing nationwide bus and rail services used by millions of passengers each year through its operating companies, which also include Rosslare Europort and its travel agency CIÉ Tours.

Mr Kent previously served as chief executive office at Bus Éireann from 2018 to 2025, where he led a wide-ranging organisational transformation programme within the publicly owned operator, it said.

During the period, the National Transport Authority and the Department of Transport worked on a number of initiatives, including the introduction of Ireland’s first fully electric regional city bus network.

Before becoming CEO of Bus Éireann, Mr Kent was appointed chief commercial officer at the company in 2013.

He previously worked in the private sector with Waterford Crystal and drinks group C&C – which owns well-known brands such as Bulmers and Tennents.

I am delighted to join and lead CIÉ at such an exciting period of growth

Aidan Murphy, chair of the CIÉ Group board, said Mr Kent’s experience across the group would be central to delivering its future plans.

“Stephen contributed significantly to the CIÉ Group during his time in Bus Éireann and I know he will use that experience and his undoubted skillset to advance the ambitious plans in the CIÉ Group and the public transport sector more broadly,” Mr Murphy said.

Speaking following his appointment, Mr Kent said he was taking on the role at a key moment for public transport in Ireland.

“I am delighted to join and lead CIÉ at such an exciting period of growth for public transport in Ireland,” he said.

He said CIÉ’s new strategic plan would be very citizen-focused and would prioritise climate action, sustainability, property asset development and shared services, alongside strengthening the group’s financial position to support future investment.