HEA announces the appointment of Dr. Graham Love as Chief Executive

Michael Horgan, Chairperson of the Higher Education Authority announced that the Authority has approved the appointment of Dr Graham Love as its new Chief Executive.

Dr Love, who is from Dublin, is a graduate of UCD. He holds a PhD in cell biology. He is currently the Chief Executive of the Health Research Board, an agency of the Department of Health. The HRB oversees clinical, population and health services research, manages key health information systems and provides evidence-based policy to support the development of the health system.

Previously Graham worked in senior roles in Science Foundation Ireland including Head of Strategy, Director of Policy and Interim Director General. Prior to taking on leadership roles in the public sector, Graham worked with Accenture on a range of projects including IT system implementations, strategic reviews and transformational change.

In making the announcement, Mr. Horgan emphasised the significance of the appointment for the HEA and for the higher education system in Ireland; Given the challenges faced by Ireland’s higher education institutions, and the importance of the system for social and economic development, the Authority was acutely aware of the significance of this appointment to such a strategically significant role. Dr Love has extensive experience in leading organisations and in supporting change. In his current role he has led important and highly-regarded work on how best to support research, and how to make the most of research findings. I look forward to working with him over the coming years.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Love stated, “I’m delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive and I look forward to working with the executive team at the HEA, and with the members of the Authority. These are challenging times for higher education, but there are also exciting opportunities. A quality higher education system plays a critical role in Ireland’s development, social and economic; it is an honour to be tasked with a leading role in shaping the future of that system.”

Dr Love’s appointment follows the retirement of Tom Boland in August 2016. Since then Dr Anne Looney has been interim CEO. Dr Love will take up his new post in March 2017.