Generali expansion to create 50 new jobs at new Navan headquarters

Up to 50 new jobs are expected to be created at Generali PanEurope in Navan over the next 18 months following the announcement last week that the company has commissioned a new building in the Navan Business Park. The new premises will act as Generali PanEurope's headquarters and Generali International's Irish base. Generali PanEurope currently employs over 100 people in Navan and according to CEO, Paul Gillett, the company has grown rapidly in recent years and expects to expand further over the coming 18 months, increasing its workforce by up to 50 per cent. It is envisaged that the numbers employed will continue to increase over the coming years, solidifying Generali's long term commitment to Navan. The new two storey building will be located on a site adjacent to Athlumney House and construction is expected to start in August for occupation by Generali within 12 months. The project managers and architects, KMD Architecture, who have designed many notable landmark buildings including Dublin's George's Quay Towers and Park Place in Hatch St, will lead the design and project management team. Generali, a global insurer has had a presence in Navan since 1999 and since then its operations have grown significantly and employment has increased fivefold. Mr Gillett said that while Generali PanEurope is a relatively young organisation it plays an important role within the larger Generali Group acting as its Pan-European arm. Commenting on the new building Dick Brennan, Head of Ireland Operations for Generali International stated: "Our operation in Ireland has grown rapidly in recent years and we have outgrown our existing premises in the business park. Our intention is to develop a modern state-of-the-art premises that caters for our current and future needs." Welcoming the announcement by Generali, IDA Ireland CEO, Barry O'Leary commented "I am delighted that IDA is in a position to facilitate Generali, a leading global insurance operation, to expand its operations in Ireland. The company's decision to deepen their commitment to Ireland is a very welcome development, and demonstrates that Foreign Direct Investment clients, through their positive experiences here, are continuing to dedicate resources ensuring their operations and employees continue to play a strategic role in global markets". The Generali Group is one of the most significant participants in the global insurance and financial products market. It is one of the leading insurance groups in Europe with a 2008 total premium income of €69 billion, is present in 65 countries and has over 60 million clients worldwide.