Arthur Ryan

Arthur Ryan is the founder, chairman, and former chief executive of Primark. The company Primark trades under the name of Penneys in the Republic of Ireland.

Early life

Arthur Ryan was born the son of a Cork-born insurance clerk in 1930 and went to the Christian Brothers School on Synge Street. After emigrating to London, he entered the genteel world of gentlemen's tailoring as a tie buyer at Swan & Edgar. He also worked for London fashion wholesaler Carr & McDonald. From there it was back to Dublin, and a job at Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt.

He is currently married to former entertainer Alma Carroll and also has a daughter. He is an intensely private man, living in one of Dublin's best-protected houses, he never gives interviews and is rarely seen in public without bodyguards. His great fear is kidnap – a real enough threat for Irish retail magnates during The Troubles. In 1981, the IRA snatched department store boss Ben Dunne; two years later, they tried to kidnap Galen Weston, scion of the Canadian family behind Primark's owner, food and retail conglomerate Associated British Foods (ABF). Ryan still takes no chances. "His daily schedule is kept secret from all but his closest aides."

Arthur Ryan (footballer)

Arthur Ryan (1 October 1880 – 4 August 1947) was a former Australian rules footballer who played with Carlton in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

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