PEOPLE
Prof. Lewis on Geraldine Ruane’s appointment as the new Chief Executive of the RDS
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE:
GERALDINE RUANE THE CURRENT COO OF TRINITY COLLEGE TO TAKE UP POSITION IN THE NEW YEAR.
G
eraldine Ruane has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the RDS and will take up this role in early 2021. Ms Ruane will oversee RDS commercial interests, as well as the significant work undertaken by the RDS Foundation and of course, RDS Membership. She takes over from former Chief Executive Michael Duffy who recently announced his retirement. Chief Operating Officer of Trinity College since 2013, Ms Ruane has responsibility for the overall strategic leadership, management and organisation of the university’s professional service functions. She was previously CEO of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI), transitioning it from a Government-funded organisation to a self-financing business. Prior to this appointment Ms Ruane worked extensively across the pharmaceutical industry holding senior financial positions with brands such as Mallinckrodt and Novartis, before taking up the role of General Manager with Chanelle Pharmaceuticals. During his time as CEO, Michael Duffy oversaw major expansions of the RDS Foundation work programme; diversified
income streams through the development of office accommodation, the introduction of Leinster Rugby and other new ancillary revenues; significantly expanded the number and type of events held in the RDS; successfully implemented major facilities and IT capital expenditure programmes; introduced new Members’ programmes and, in conjunction with the Equestrian Committee, developed the Dublin Horse Show to its current position of being one of the very best equestrian shows in the world. Acknowledging the contribution of Michael Duffy, Prof. Lewis said: ‘’Michael made an immense contribution to all aspects of the Society over his years as Chief Executive, successfully developing and implementing programmes and initiatives that have proved critically important to us. During that time he guided the Society through a period of considerable change and development culminating in significant annual impact for our Foundation work programme and in a record financial performance in 2019. On behalf of the Council, Boards and Committees of the Society I would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to Michael for all he has achieved during his tenure.’’
“We are delighted to appoint someone of Geraldine’s calibre and experience to the role. Geraldine has shown she can lead with innovation, demonstrated by her track record of transforming complex, high performance organisations. Not only will her natural people skills be so valuable, but her financial and operational experience will directly translate to the RDS. As importantly, her time spent in the private sector, in tertiary education and on boards such as Science Foundation Ireland, will be of distinct value to the work we do as RDS Foundation.”
ELECTIONS
Results of the RDS Annual Election will be made available on our website after December 3. Members will also receive communications on this.
4 | MINERVA | WINTER 2020
004_Minerva December 2020_CEO_V2_converted.indd 4
06/11/2020 10:15