Ryan
McKernon

WHO I HELP

Partners. BU leaders. Managers.

HOW I HELP

Talent development. Culture enhancement. Leadership capability. Performance improvement.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Corporate Tax. Corporate Finance. Finance.

“CHANGE IS CONSTANT—HOW WE MANAGE IT DEFINES OUR SUCCESS.”

Ryan McKernon is a People & Culture Business Partner based in our Belfast office. His role involves supporting and developing the talent within AAB by working closely with business unit leaders across corporate tax, corporate finance, and finance. He ensures that our people strategies align with business goals, helping leaders enhance their management capabilities and drive performance.

Ryan plays a key role in fostering a positive, high-performance culture across AAB’s UK and Ireland teams. His work focuses on talent development, leadership coaching, and ensuring that the right people are in the right roles with the right skills to thrive.

GROWING AND DEVELOPING TALENT

“The most satisfying part of my job is seeing people develop, grow, and reach their potential. Coaching and mentoring team members to enhance their performance is a huge part of what I do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals progress in their careers.

Talent development is critical for any business, but especially for a company like AAB, which is on a significant growth journey. Investing in our people, improving their capabilities, and helping them build confidence ensures that we’re not just supporting individuals but strengthening the entire business. I take pride in knowing that the work I do contributes to the long-term success of both our team members and the company.”

CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO

“In a growing and ambitious business like AAB, HR plays a crucial role in setting the standard for challenging outdated ways of working. My role isn’t just about maintaining processes—it’s about continuously improving them.

I don’t believe in doing things a certain way just because that’s how they’ve always been done. Change is inevitable, and embracing it is key to success. That means questioning existing practices, having direct and honest conversations, and ensuring we are always delivering the best outcomes for our people and the business. My approach is to be transparent, proactive, and willing to ask the difficult questions that drive real improvement.”

BUILDING A CULTURE OF TRUST AND RESPECT

“I strongly believe that a successful business is built on a culture of trust and respect. When we work cross-functionally and truly value each other’s contributions, we create a stronger, more successful organisation.

At AAB, we celebrate the skills, knowledge, and unique perspectives that every team member brings. This approach not only improves the quality of our work but also makes us more efficient and effective. It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered, valued, and motivated to do their best work. When we trust and respect each other, we achieve more, learn more, and create a positive workplace culture that benefits everyone.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

“The continued growth of AAB presents exciting opportunities—not just for the business, but for every individual within it. My goal is to help shape the future leaders of the company by continuously improving our People & Culture function, developing our management teams, and ensuring we have a strong foundation for long-term success.

We already have incredible talent within AAB, and I see huge potential to build on that. As the company grows, so too do the opportunities for our people. I’m excited to be part of this journey and to contribute to the ongoing success of both the business and the individuals who make it what it is.”

BRINGING A FRESH PERSPECTIVE TO AAB

“My greatest strength is the breadth of experience I bring to AAB. Having worked across the UK, Ireland, and North America in a variety of sectors, I’ve gained a wide-ranging perspective on HR and People & Culture strategies.

This experience allows me to bring fresh ideas and insights on how we can continue to improve as a business. I work closely with senior leadership to enhance performance, drive engagement, and ensure that our people strategy aligns with the company’s long-term goals. It’s about constantly evolving, learning, and finding new ways to make AAB an even better place to work.”