Cameron O'Reilly
Cameron O'Reilly | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 28, 1964 Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish, Australian |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | Mid-1980s–present |
| Known for | Managing director of Landis+Gyr, founder of Bayard Capital |
| Spouse | Ilse O'Reilly |
| Children | 4 |
Anthony Cameron O'Reilly, commonly referred to as Cameron O'Reilly, was born on 28 April 1964 in Dublin and holds both Irish and Australian citizenship. He is the son of Irish media tycoon Tony O'Reilly and Australian Susan Cameron. Cameron has overseen one of Australia's prominent press organizations and currently serves as managing director of Landis+Gyr, previously known as Bayard Group, which stands as the world's leading supplier of electricity metering solutions, generating revenues surpassing US$1.2 billion.
Early life
O'Reilly spent his early years between Dublin and Kilcullen until the age of five, after which he lived in London and Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh. He completed his secondary education at Clongowes Wood, near his family’s estate in County Kildare. In 1983, he obtained his Irish Leaving Certificate and subsequently graduated with honours in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Worcester College, Oxford. During his time at Oxford, he engaged in tennis, rugby, punting activities, and led a motorcycle journey to China. Additionally, he was active in debating circles and held the position of treasurer at the Oxford Union.
Early career
O'Reilly began his professional journey at investment bank Goldman Sachs in the mid-1980s until 1988 before joining Independent News & Media, a company led by his father. He then relocated to Australia to work with APN News & Media—a well-established press entity with family interests—starting in sales roles and advancing to general manager of the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin (1991–1992), followed by appointment as deputy CEO of APN.
In May 1996, he was appointed CEO of APN, where he spearheaded acquisitions and broadened the company’s reach into radio and other media sectors while cautiously venturing into internet-based opportunities. Alongside his wife Ilse—whom he met in 1992 and married soon thereafter—he participated in numerous philanthropic endeavors. In October 1999, O'Reilly declared his intention to leave APN’s executive team to focus on private business ventures; he officially departed in July 2000 and moved to Grenoble, France. Despite stepping down from executive duties, he maintained non-executive positions at APN and Independent News & Media until early 2009 and also serves on the board of IRESS Market Technology.
Later career
Returning to Australia in 2002, O'Reilly was honored with the Governor Peace Award. Between 2002 and 2005, he held a directorship at Gazal Corporation Limited, a leading Australian apparel company.
In May 2003, he founded Bayard Capital with an initial investment of A$100 million from shareholders including John Fairfax and the Singapore government. Early in 2004, O'Reilly divested two-thirds of his APN shares to channel funds into Bayard, which invested over US$200 million during its first year. The company employed approximately 3,500 staff across 27 countries and generated annual sales exceeding US$600 million.
Bayard targeted investments aimed at mitigating energy and water scarcity through technologies such as metering systems. By 2008, the enterprise had expanded to more than 5,000 employees in 30 countries with revenues topping US$1.2 billion and EBITDA exceeding US$200 million. A key asset was Landis + Gyr, recognized as the largest global electrical metering firm; the corporate group adopted the name Landis+Gyr in early 2008.
In June 2008, O'Reilly was awarded the International Irish Business Person of the Year by Business & Finance magazine. The previous month, he announced intentions for a partial public offering.
By July 2008, O'Reilly had secured refinancing arrangements worth US$1.1 billion covering borrowings and credit facilities for five years. He revealed plans for a public listing anticipated by 2010 with an equity valuation exceeding US$2 billion. His personal stake was projected around 7%, matching that held by his father. The flotation was expected to occur on the New York Stock Exchange alongside the inauguration of a new office there on 18 July 2008.
In May 2011, O'Reilly completed the sale of Landis+Gyr to Toshiba Corporation for $2.3 billion; the transaction finalized on 29 July 2011.
Following this sale, O'Reilly resumed his role as CEO of Bayard Capital AG.
Personal life
Cameron O'Reilly and his spouse Ilse are parents to four children. Since 2010, they have made their home in Zug, Switzerland, where both Landis+Gyr and Bayard Capital AG are headquartered. Among his leisure activities, he enjoys hiking and ski touring.
He has provided substantial financial support to the Australian Republic Movement, donating $250,000 in 2015 and $125,000 in 2022.
See also
- Siblings Gavin O'Reilly, Tony O'Reilly, Junior
- Stepmother Chryss Goulandris
Sources
- Dublin, Ireland, 31 October 2004: The Sunday Business Post, "The Son That Got Away", Gavin Daly.
- Sydney, Australia, 12 August 2003: The Sydney Morning Herald, "O'Reilly clocks up first asset for Bayard", Ian Porter
- Dublin, Ireland, Friday 18 July 2008: The Irish Times, Business, The Friday Interview: "Measuring up Cameron O'Reilly, Landis+Gyr"