James Kilbane, co-founder of Irish recruitment group Grafton, has passed away following a battle with illness.

Kilbane founded the Grafton Employment Group in 1982. He was joined one year later by Ken Belshaw and together they then opened their first office in Dublin. The company has since expanded into an international recruitment network spanning 70 offices in 16 countries. Kilbane retired last April.

Under Kilbane’s stewardship, Grafton Employment Group was recognised a number of times by the UK government, with Grafton receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise twice, in 2002 and 2006.

His work with the European Commission on behalf of CIETT (the European Confederation of Temporary Agencies) was also recognised in 2003 when he was named ‘Man of The Year’ by the NRF – Ireland’s National Recruitment Federation.

Jason Kennedy, group chief executive of The Grafton Employment Group, says: “James was an inspiring businessman and will be sorely missed by all staff across the Grafton Employment Group network. His strategic vision, commitment and focus shaped the company, building it to its current success.

“James was a respected and well loved entrepreneur with a keen eye for innovation and new business opportunities. He was among the first entrepreneurs to invest in Central and Eastern Europe following the fall of the Iron Curtain and opened branches in the former Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1994. Shortly after this, the Grafton Employment Group gained the number one market position in Central and Eastern Europe.

“James and his partner Ken then went on to expand the company as far as Russia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Chile, flying the flag for Irish business worldwide. James was also passionate about workers’ rights. He actively lobbied in Europe to create jobs for temporary workers. On behalf of everyone at the Grafton Employment Group, I’d like to express my sincere condolences to James’s family and friends on their loss.”

Ken Belshaw, Kilbane’s business partner, adds: “Since opening our first office, James and I worked side by side through good times and bad. James will be remembered for his professionalism and also the professionalism he introduced and instilled in the recruitment industry across the island of Ireland.

“Throughout all those years it was clear that our relationship was as much about friendship as it was about business. His drive to succeed was an inspiration to many and his contribution to the Grafton Employment Group is simply immeasurable. He has left us with many treasured memories. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends, and wish them every strength as they cope in this difficult time.”

John Callagher, Kelly Services general manager, adds: “I had the pleasure of working with and reporting to James for seven plus years. James’s passion, enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge of the staffing world was immense. We travelled the world together visiting numerous Grafton and SpenglerFox offices and James cared passionately about our staff and families.

“I have not only lost a mentor but someone I can call a true friend and I am immensely proud to have known him and look back fondly on all the times we spent together. Our industry has lost a true giant and gentleman and more importantly my thoughts are with his wife Paula and family.”

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)’s Tom Hadley, who worked with James Kilbane on the CIETT Council, says: “James was a pioneering advocate for the industry, establishing branches worldwide and helping new markets to develop.  He was passionate about enhancing the perception of recruiters and actively supported the work of CIETT and Eurociett as well as the REC and the NRF in Ireland.

“Above all, James was a hugely charismatic and engaging man. He will be sorely missed but remembered fondly by all those who had the privilege to spend time with him.”