Who Is Michael O'Leary (businessman)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Michael O'Leary was born on March 20, 1961, in Mullingar, Ireland. As of 2025, he is 64 years old. Michael is best known for his role as the CEO of Ryanair, where he has been a significant force in revolutionizing the budget airline industry in Europe. His innovative strategies and sometimes controversial management style have garnered much attention, making him one of the most recognized figures in the aviation sector.
| Occupation | Executives |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 20, 1961 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Ireland |
Popularity
Michael O'Leary (businessman)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Michael O'Leary stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighs around 170 pounds (77 kg). While specific body measurements are less publicized, he maintains a fit and active lifestyle, reflecting his high-energy approach to business.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael O'Leary is married to a woman named Ann O'Leary. The couple has three children together. Despite his public persona as a business mogul, he tends to keep his family life private and does not frequently discuss personal relationships in the media. There have been occasional rumors regarding his dating life, but he has remained committed to his wife, emphasizing the importance of family in his life.
He grew up near Mullingar, County Westmeath. His father was the part-owner of a textile factory. He was educated at Clongowes Wood College near Clane, County Kildare, before studying business and economics at Trinity College Dublin.
After graduating in 1982, he worked as a trainee with Stokes Kennedy Crowley (later known as KPMG) and studied the Irish tax system. He left after two years in 1985, setting up profitable newsagents in the Terenure and Walkinstown areas of Dublin.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Michael O'Leary's net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his long tenure as CEO of Ryanair, where he has helped grow the company into one of Europe's largest low-cost airlines. O'Leary earns a salary that is reportedly in the millions, alongside substantial bonuses linked to the company's performance.
Michael Kevin O'Leary (born 20 March 1961) is an Irish businessman who is the Group CEO of Ryanair. With an estimated net worth of around $1.1 billion as of June 2018, he is one of Ireland's wealthiest businessmen.
Career, Business, and Investments
Michael O'Leary's business career began after he completed his education. He joined Ryanair in 1988 and became its CEO in 1994. Under his leadership, the airline has expanded dramatically, focusing on cost-cutting measures that have redefined the low-cost airline model. O'Leary is known for his no-frills approach, charging extra fees for services that other airlines may include in their ticket prices.
In addition to his role at Ryanair, O'Leary has invested in various business ventures both within and outside the aviation industry, always aiming to diversify his portfolio. His foresight in the travel market has made him a prominent figure, frequently called upon for commentary on industry trends and challenges.
As CEO of Ryanair, O'Leary developed a reputation for foul language and for making comments which he later contradicts. He is known for being outspoken in his public statements, and for sometimes resorting to personal attacks and foul language. He was reported to have been aggressive and hostile in dealings with a woman who was awarded free flights for life in 1988.
Social Network
Michael O'Leary is relatively active on social media, where he engages with followers and shares insights into the airline industry. His official Twitter account (@Michael_OLeary) boasts a significant following, providing a platform for his candid opinions and updates on Ryanair’s initiatives. However, he is known to maintain a controversial stance, often sparking discussions with his tweets.
Education
O'Leary attended University College Dublin, where he earned a degree in Commerce. His educational background laid the groundwork for his future in business, equipping him with essential financial and strategic skills that would later contribute to his success at Ryanair.
Throughout his career, O'Leary's approach to education emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, which he believes is vital to staying ahead in the competitive and ever-evolving airline industry.
Reacting to the decision to close European airspace in April 2010 over worries about the volcanic ash plume from an erupting Icelandic volcano, O'Leary falsely said, "There was no ash cloud. It was mythical.
It's become evident the airspace closure was completely unnecessary." One study concluded that serious structural damage to aircraft could have occurred if passenger planes had continued to fly.
