Kenneth Byrne

Kenneth Byrne is the current Group Tax Director at Smurfit Kappa. Kenneth has held this position since December 2009. Prior to this, they were the VP Taxes at GE Capital -GE Money from September 1998 to December 2009. In this role, they were responsible for tax planning, controllership and compliance for financial businesses in 25 countries. Kenneth also led a team of over 30 tax professionals, including specialists in US and European tax systems as well as indirect taxes. Byrne was also the tax leader for the mergers, acquisitions and dispositions team at GE Money with specific responsibility for due diligence, deal negotiation and transaction structuring.

From January 1995 to December 1998, Byrne was the European Tax Director at Black & Decker. In this role, they were responsible for all aspects of European tax planning within an US tax environment. Kenneth also worked closely with treasury in the execution of cash repatriation and tax effective transaction financing and restructuring.

Byrne began their career in January 1982 as an International Tax Director at PwC. Kenneth held this position until December 1995.

Kenneth Byrne reports to Anthony Smurfit, Group Chief Executive Officer. They are on a team with Sharon Whitehead - Group Vice President Human Resources, Saverio Mayer - Chief Executive Officer, Europe, and Ray Murphy - Group Corporate Planner.