MetLife has officially celebrated the opening of a new Global Technology Campus in Galway. With plans to employ approximately 200 skilled IT professionals when at full capacity, the new campus represents a major investment in the digital initiatives that will help MetLife transform its customers’ experience around the globe.

The opening of a further Global Technology Campus also continues MetLife’s broader strategic effort of transforming the workplace experience by bringing employees together in state-of-the-art, collaborative environments, while reducing its geographic footprint and significantly lowering operating costs. 

Today’s celebration saw MetLife joined by the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD; Michael D’Arcy, Minister of State with Responsibility for Financial Services & Insurance and other dignitaries. MetLife executive leaders from around the world were also present at the facility in Galway to mark this historic occasion. 

“Digital innovation continues to reshape our lives and the way we view the future, and it reinforces the reality that every company needs to become a technology company in order to survive,” said Marty Lippert, Executive Vice President and Head of MetLife Global Technology and Operations. “Our new Global Technology Campus in Galway will be a dynamic center of change, and it will be at the heart of creating the digital solutions that will transform how our customers interact with us every day around the globe. We look forward to deepening our roots in Galway and Ireland, where we have found a business-friendly environment and a deep talent pool of skilled workers.” 

Including its existing office in Dublin, MetLife’s presence in Ireland will grow to more than 500 employees once recruitment at the new Global Technology Campus is complete.

Speaking at the opening, Michel Khalaf, President of MetLife US and EMEA also noted, “MetLife’s new Global Technology Campus builds on our significant presence in Ireland which is the hub of our European insurance businesses. Just as we have done in Dublin, we look forward to growing our workforce here in Galway in the coming years and contributing fully to the local community. Today is confirmation of our strong and successful link with Ireland and represents a vote of confidence in that relationship into the future.” 

An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said “I am delighted to be here today with MetLife to help launch this wonderful new Global Technology Campus in Galway. This is an extremely exciting project, and the Irish Government is very pleased that our ongoing work in driving competitiveness and providing quality skills is paying dividends in attracting cutting-edge projects like this.  This development will see a further 200 people employed in Ireland and we look forward to our continued fruitful relationship with MetLife in both its Galway and Dublin operations, well into the future.” 

CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan said: “The opening of this new Global Technology Campus is a significant step for MetLife, represents a substantial investment by the company and demonstrates very clear commitment to Galway and the West Region. MetLife announced last year that it was establishing this campus with the creation of 200 jobs and this state-of-the-art permanent premises will allow them to continue to recruit up to that capacity. It shows too that Galway has both the required skills for global companies such as MetLife to establish and grow here and the property solutions they need. I wish MetLife all future success in Galway.” 

Who built the facility: Base building construction by O’Malley Partners;  MetLife tenant construction by StructureTone, Ltd based in Dublin but servicing many projects for MetLife through their global network.  HJ Lyons Architect of Record (Dublin).

A Collaborative, Green Work Environment

MetLife’s new Global Technology Campus in Galway integrates design and technology, creating an energetic and human experience that blends Silicon Valley technologies with the Burren landscape to the south of Galway. 

The office is an open environment focused on productivity, connectivity, diversity and wellness. The Galway Global Technology Campus features work and collaboration spaces throughout the facility, informal meeting rooms which promote innovation, writable walls and integrated video conferencing which connects employees worldwide. Other amenities available onsite include: 

• Adjustable sit-stand desks
• A meditation room
• Two outdoor atria provide access to nature and allow natural light to permeate the workspace
• Games room
• Outdoor bicycle racks.

A Community Presence Beyond the Campus

MetLife is committed to supporting the communities it serves through both corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception in Dublin in 2006, MetLife has grown into an integral part of the Irish business community. Employees have contributed thousands of volunteer hours supporting local service projects, including Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement’s MetLife LifeChanger and a MetLife Community Week in partnership with the Special Olympics. Additionally, since 2014, MetLife and MetLife Foundation have contributed approximately $800,000 (U.S.) to support a wide range of community initiatives in Ireland. 

Since its founding through the end of 2014, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $670 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments globally to organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million to help build a secure future for individuals and communities around the world.

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.