Gabriel Makhlouf Reappointed as Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland

The Irish government has reappointed Gabriel Makhlouf as Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland for a second seven-year term, effective September 1, 2026. The reappointment, announced on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, ensures continuity in Ireland’s representation on the European Central Bank’s governing council.

Makhlouf’s Background and Current Role

Gabriel Makhlouf has served as Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland since September 2019. In this role, he also chairs the Central Bank Commission, is a member of the European Systemic Risk Board, and serves as Ireland’s Alternate Governor at the International Monetary Fund .

Prior to his appointment in Ireland, Makhlouf held prominent positions in public service. He was Secretary to the New Zealand Treasury and its chief executive from 2011 to 2019. He also gained experience within the UK civil service, working at HM Revenue and Customs’ Debt Management & Banking Directorate .

Minister Harris’s Statement

Minister for Finance Simon Harris highlighted the positive impact of Makhlouf’s leadership during his first term. “During his first term, Mr Makhlouf introduced reforms and enhancements that have strengthened the Central Bank and will continue to positively impact its performance,” Harris stated .

Previous Roles and Controversies

Before leading the Central Bank of Ireland, Makhlouf was appointed following an international competition, emerging as the sole candidate presented to the Irish government . His appointment, however, faced some scrutiny. Concerns were raised by the European Central Bank regarding his lack of formal economics training and his British citizenship . A past incident in New Zealand, where he attributed a data breach to hacking when it was an accidental disclosure, also drew attention .

Reappointment Confirmed

The reappointment of Gabriel Makhlouf underscores the government’s confidence in his ability to continue steering the Central Bank of Ireland through evolving economic landscapes .