Thursday 27 November was a great night for Irish Life and our colleagues in Setanta Asset Management - we’re both part of the Great-West Lifeco family. Between us we picked up four prestigious awards at the Irish Pensions Awards 2013. The Awards aim to recognise companies who have consistently delivered excellence, professionalism and dedication in maintaining the highest standards in Irish pension provision.
- Irish Life Corporate Business won both the ‘Communication Award’ and ‘Innovation Award’
- Irish Life Investment Managers were awarded ‘Investment Manager of the Year’
- Setanta Asset Management won ‘Equities Manager of the year’
BOW TIES AND SPEECHES
This Black-Tie event was held in the new Double Tree Hilton Hotel (the Burlo!). As the evening kicked off, we nervously joked about acceptance speeches if we were honoured with a win. The nerves continued throughout the meal - similar I’m sure, to how members of a wedding party feel throughout their meal. We were relieved for a stint by MC, Neil Delamere, who’d make a great best man. His humour was as one person said was “on the right side of irreverent”.
DRUM ROLL
Before we knew it, winners of the first few categories were announced. Colleagues and competitors, applauded and cheered. No tears, thankfully.
Patrick Burke, Managing Director Irish Life Investment Managers graciously accepted the award for Irish Life Investment Manager of the Year, a massive win for the business. Equities Manager of the Year was announced, and we were thrilled to celebrate with our new colleagues in Setanta Asset Management.
Next up, Irish Life Corporate Business. We were announced as winners of the Communication Award. David Harney, Managing Director Irish Life Corporate Business and I made our way to the stage to collect the award. Thankfully collecting the award was all that was required - and no acceptance speeches were allowed (which was just as well - the nerves after facing Neil Delamere and the paparazzi would have got the better of me!) But that wasn’t all, we’d barely sat down again when David and Paula Martin, Senior Manager e-business Irish Life Corporate Business were called to the stage to accept the Innovation Award.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Four awards, what an honour - in a year of change for both Irish Life and Setanta Asset Management.
We hope that this success is further evidence of our winning combination of global expertise and strength backed by local insight and customer care.
“To receive industry recognition awards for our commitment to delivering innovative products, backed by the highest standards of communication and service excellence. In a year of major change for everyone in Irish Life, this is a real badge of honour for us. We’re delighted.”
Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Irish Life Investment Managers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Setanta Asset Management Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
