Liam FitzGerald to Chair UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School’s Irish Advisory Board
Liam FitzGerald, former Chief Executive of United Drug Group plc, will assume the role of Chair of the Irish Advisory Board of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in January of 2019, succeeding Niall FitzGerald. Following a four-year term as Chair, Niall FitzGerald will join the Emeritus Board after leading the School through a transformative period since 2014.
Under Niall’s leadership, the Board set an ambitious vision for UCD Smurfit School and launched a new strategy and €65 million non-exchequer funded investment programme to achieve Top 50 Global status by 2020. Within three years already, a number of the School’s academic programmes have been recognized in the Top 50 globally, most recently the Masters in Management programme ranked 7th in the highly respected Financial Times, published last month. In addition, the School welcomed new academic leadership, including the appointment of Professor Anthony Brabazon to Dean of the College.
Appointed by the University President in consultation with Dean Brabazon, Liam FitzGerald has been an active member of UCD Smurfit School’s Irish Advisory Board since 2006. Liam brings his leadership experience and broad network throughout Europe and the U.S. to deepen industry ties and connect students with the world’s most successful companies. Liam graduated from UCD with a BComm in 1986 and MBS degree in 1987 and in 2006 was recognized as UCD Smurfit School’s Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Irish business and his leadership of an international diversified quoted company.
Assuming the role of Deputy Chair is Orna Ni Chionna. Orna is the Senior Independent Director at Royal Mail plc and Saga plc, and is Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Burberry plc. This strategic appointment is designed to strengthen the presence of the College in the UK market.
Niall FitzGerald, Outgoing Chair of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Irish Advisory Board, said: “Serving on the Board for UCD Smurfit School, along with industry and academic leaders, has been a distinct honour and I am extremely proud of the advances we have made towards Top 50 Global status. The transformative vision set by the Board is part of a culture that celebrates innovative thinking, and I believe this will continue and that the greatest accomplishments lie ahead. I have full confidence in Liam who is an inspirational leader and repeatedly shares his talent in taking organisations to new levels.”
Liam FitzGerald, Incoming Chair of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Irish Advisory Board, added: “I want to thank Niall for his tremendous contributions in establishing UCD Smurfit School as one of the world’s leaders in business education. Under Niall’s leadership, we have set ambitious goals and clear direction for the future. I am excited to lead this dynamic group as we contribute to programmes that equip students to solve global challenges and create resources that positively impact teaching and learning at the highest levels.”