Generali confirms 30 more jobs in Navan

News that thirty new jobs are to be created by Generali PanEurope at its base in Navan has been welcomed as a major boost for the town. The 30 new jobs will include actuaries, technical product specialists and various other skilled roles, and are being created in response to growth and opportunities in European and international niche markets, as first reported in the Meath Chronicle earlier this year. As part of an ongoing expansion, Generali also announced that the group will construct a new headquarters building at the IDA Navan Business Park in Navan. On completion, the new building will accommodate Generali PanEurope's headquarters and Generali International's Irish base. Generali PanEurope also plans to expand its European variable annuity business, located at Smithfield, Dublin, with the addition of a number of new senior roles. The Generali Group currently employs 108 people in Navan and has had a presence in the town since 1999, with two subsidiaries, Generali PanEurope and Generali International. Paul Gillett, CEO of Generali PanEurope, said Generali PanEurope has grown rapidly in recent years and expects to expand further over the coming 18 months, increasing its workforce in Ireland by up to 50 per cent. Ireland remains a good location from which international financial services firms can expand into Europe and beyond, he added. "Our operation in Ireland has grown rapidly in recent years and we have outgrown our existing premises. Our intention is to develop a modern, state-of-the-art premises that caters for our current and future needs," said Dick Brennan, head of Ireland operations for Generali International. The new two-storey building will be located on a site adjacent to Athlumney House. It is planned that construction will commence in August and will be completed within 12 months. Meath County Council's director of economic development, Kevin Stewart, said he was delighted to hear of Generali's expansion at the Navan site and, in particular, the creation of 30 jobs. He assured the company that the council would give it its full support in implementing their plans. Navan Chamber Of Commerce also commended Generali PanEurope for its intention to create an additional 30 positions. "In a time of immense economic uncertainty, it is fantastic to see that a company such as Generali, which already employs approximately 108 staff, is prepared to expand and grow and we are pleased that this will result in increased employment opportunities in the Navan area. Furthermore, we welcome the news that Generali intends to build its new headquarters in Navan and view this as a statement of confidence both in the future of the company and in the town of Navan," said William O'Reilly, Navan Chamber vice-president. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey described the news as "a great boost for Navan and for the entire county". "This is great news for the many commuters from Meath who have the prospect of finding jobs in their home county and who can cut their travel distance to work. Construction on this project will begin in August and is expected to be completed in 12 months. This announcement puts a new focus on Meath as an attractive location in which to expand existing, and locate new companies and I warmly welcome this development," he said. The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Joe Reilly, welcomed the news and said he believed that more jobs may be created. "The announcement solidifies Generali's long-term commitment to Navan," he said. Generali is one of the leading insurance groups in Europe with a presence in 65 countries and has over 60 million clients worldwide. Generali PanEurope Ltd is a provider of sophisticated wealth management and employee benefit solutions to its European audience, while Generali International Ltd is a leading international insurance provider.