Ray Shanks, GTTP Ireland
Educated at St. Andrews College in Dublin, and later at the Blackrock Academy, he commenced his career in Irish Banking at The Royal Bank of Ireland before transferring to Merchant banking in the City of London with American Express International Banking Corporation.
He joined the Card Division of American Express, pioneering the use of cards in Europe. Then, as a Director of American Express Ireland, he built the card business in Ireland to become a household recognised brand. He was also responsible for the development of Travel Related Services, which expanded his portfolio to include the business development of the Card, Business Travel and Travellers Cheques.
He was a founding member of the Travel & Tourism Programme in Ireland in 1989 and in his business capacity was elected and appointed Chairman of Hospitality Ireland, a Cooperation Ireland initiative. He is a member of the College of Fellows of the Irish Hospitality Institute and has been President of SKAL International, Dublin, Chairman of World Vision, and Ireland. He is Secretary of the Ferns Union of Parishes, Financial Advisor to the Diocese of Cashel & Ossory Orphans Society and Past President of his alma mater St. Andrews College Union.
