DCU National Centre for Family Business to host Irish family business paint experts Colourtrend at Annual Conference
Current CEO Kevin O’Connor & next gen Director Rachel O’Connor to provide succession insights
The DCU National Centre for Family Business has today (10th March 2020) announced Irish family business leaders, Kevin and Rachel O’Connor of General Paints and Colourtrend, as the Irish family business headliners for their annual conference (April 2nd 2020, The Helix DCU). The O’Connor’s are set to provide critical insights into successful succession planning and intergenerational transition at this free-to-attend half-day event.
Rachel O'Connor, Managing Director of General Paints Group (est. 1953) to speak to next generation success in family business
General Paints was founded in 1953 by Ronan O’Connor, Kevin’s father and Rachel’s grandfather. The General Paints group is best known for its global brand Colourtrend. The company was founded after Ronan O’Connor returned from living in the United States, working for a paint company, and decided to set up his own firm. General Paints was set up in an old Famine Workhouse in Celbridge, where the company headquarters still operates from today.
When Kevin O’Connor joined the company 33 years ago, it was a much smaller business. He has focused on professionalizing the company and set up the Board of Directors, most of whom are non-family members. Although he himself comes from a technical background, he also brought a much greater focus on marketing to the business. Incoming CEO and next generation leader, Rachel O’Connor, will present her key succession and future planning lessons in conversation with her father, Kevin O’Connor. This timely discussion takes place during Rachel’s first year succeeding into her new role at Colourtrend.
Announcing the Irish headlining speakers, Director of DCU National Centre for Family Business, Eric Clinton said; ‘We are delighted to announce Rachel and Kevin O’Connor as our headliner Irish family business speakers for our 2020 Annual Conference – Family Business for the Future. They are an innovative and dynamic family business with a unique story and key insights into successful succession planning. We believe their journey will resonate with our family business attendees.’
Sponsored by PwC, AIB and Beauchamps, and MC’d by entrepreneur and Dragons Den star, Gavin Duffy, the free-to-attend half-day event is the Centre’s largest annual gathering. Attracting 450 participants from family businesses big and small, representative organisations, development agencies and anyone with an interest in family-run enterprises.
You can register for this free event at: https://ncfbconference.eventbrite.ie/
About General Paints & Colourtrend
General Paints was the first European company to manufacture water-based paint in the 1960s, using a pure acrylic resin. The company’s innovative beginnings are very much attributed to the knowledge founder Ronan O’Connor gained while working in the USA. While the family firm initially specialised in the production of industrial coatings, the company has gradually moved towards a greater focus on decorative paints and interior design. Today, Colourtrend is well known for their colour palettes that are inspired by Irish landscapes and the environment. Colourtrend colours have been used on some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, including the Ha’penny Bridge and The Turner Greenhouse in the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.