Former Enterprise Ireland head is new chairman of AIT

The former CEO of Enterprise Ireland has been appointed the new chairman of the governing body of Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan.

AIT president, Prof. Ciarán Ó Catháin, said that Frank Ryan’s selection was ‘an excellent appointment for the institute and the region’.

“Frank’s experience in working with industry will be of enormous value to AIT. His success in representing Brand Ireland and in supporting indigenous companies can only enhance what we do as an enterprise and innovation-oriented institution.

“I very much look forward to working with him and the members of the new governing body as we continue this exciting phase of our current development,” he said.

Mr Ryan retired as CEO of Enterprise Ireland in November 2013, having served two five-year terms. During his tenure, exports from Irish companies hit record levels, increasing from €9.6 billion in 2003 to €16.2 billion in 2012.

Having previously worked for 25 years with IDA Ireland, serving in North America from 1979 to 1983, Mr Ryan was a member of the team who successfully attracted Intel to Ireland in 1989, and was executive director of the agency at the conclusion of his service for IDA.

In December 2013, Mr Ryan was appointed chairperson of the board of IDA Ireland. He succeeds Paul Breen who held the post of governing body chair from 2006.