Central Bank appoints Capital Markets and CIO Directors
The Central Bank of Ireland has appointed Gavin Curran as Director of Capital Markets and Funds and Max Patanella as Chief Information Officer. Governor Gabriel Makhlouf announced the leadership changes on July 7, 2026.
Strengthening Key Functions
Gavin Curran, who joined the Central Bank in September 2022 and has led the Funds Supervision Division since January 2025, brings over 20 years of experience in capital markets and funds from both industry and regulatory environments.
He will now lead the capital markets and funds teams, focusing on protecting consumer and investor interests, ensuring firm safety and soundness, maintaining system integrity, and promoting financial stability.
Max Patanella joins as Chief Information Officer from Virgin Media O2, where he was CIO for Consumer and Wholesale.
He contributes more than 30 years of experience in leading complex IT and digital transformation within large-scale, highly regulated settings, overseeing critical technology estates.
Leadership for Stability and Innovation
Governor Gabriel Makhlouf emphasized the strategic importance of these appointments, noting Ireland's role as a global hub for capital markets and funds.
He highlighted that effective supervision of this sector is central to the Central Bank's mandate.
Makhlouf stated that Curran's expertise would be crucial in delivering the Bank's four safeguarding outcomes.
For Patanella, the Governor underscored the necessity of overseeing the security and resilience of IT systems, which are vital to the Bank's operations, and driving its technology strategy to meet evolving needs and foster in-house innovation and adaptation.
Strategic Moves for Critical Areas
These appointments underscore the Central Bank's focus on critical operational resilience and robust financial sector oversight.
Bringing in seasoned external talent for IT and promoting internal expertise in capital markets signals a proactive approach to evolving challenges.
The emphasis on safeguarding outcomes and driving innovation is a clear message to both the industry and the public regarding the CBI's priorities.
Source: Leadership appointments at Central Bank
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