DR LEONARD O’HAGAN APPOINTED TO PRO-CHANCELLOR ON QUEEN’S SENATE  

 

18 December 2019

Dr Leonard (Len) O'Hagan CBE DL, BSc (Econ) 1975, has been appointed as a new Pro-Chancellor, and member of Senate, for Queen’s University Belfast.

A leading business figure in Ireland – he has been at the head of 10 different companies – Dr O’Hagan has extensive national and international governance and directorial experience in both the private and public sectors. He will take up this position on 1 January 2020, joining existing Pro-Chancellors Stephen Prenter and Dr Stephen Kingon.

Dr O'Hagan, who graduated in Economics from Queen’s University, is currently Chair of Northern Ireland Water, Chair of Safeway Ireland, Chair of the All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network, a Director of Independent News & Media Ltd and a Director of the College of Anaesthesiologists.

A Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Dr O'Hagan’s previous appointments include Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners (where he completed two terms as Chairman), Chair of the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC), CEO of the Royal College of Physicians and Vice President of the Ireland US Council for Commerce & Industry, Inc.

He has held senior positions in a number of international public companies including Smurfit, Fitzwilton PLC and Reed International, and continues to be a director in a number of private companies. He is currently Chairman of business consultancy company OHC Corporate Advisers Ltd and Chairman of Rockingham Motor Circuit.

Welcoming Dr O’Hagan to the post, Stephen Prenter, Chair of Senate, the University’s governing body, said “Len O’Hagan brings with him a vast amount of experience in governance, strategic thinking and leadership. We warmly welcome him to Senate and know he will make a valuable contribution.”

Dr O’Hagan said, “I am delighted to be serving my Alma Mater as both Pro-Chancellor and member of Senate. Queen’s University’s global reach and impact continues to grow and I look forward to joining the Senate of an internationally recognised University that is deeply committed to world-leading research, teaching excellence and collaboration.”

In 2013, Dr Leonard O’Hagan was given an Honorary Doctorate by Queen’s for exceptional services to business and commerce.

Speaking at the time he said: “I have been very fortunate to work with some of the best business people on this island, be that as Chairman of Belfast Harbour or Resource Group, or in roles with firms such as Fitzwilton PLC, Jefferson Smurfit and Independent News & Media PLC. 

“I am delighted to receive this honorary doctorate from Queen’s which should be taken as a reflection of the major economic contribution these companies have made.”

Queen’s Senate is responsible for the ongoing strategic direction of the University and is made up of appointed external lay members, together with representatives of the staff and student bodies.

Pro-Chancellors are appointed by Senate for an initial period of four years and are eligible for re-appointment for one further period of four years. They play an essential role in the governance of the University, chairing a number of core Committees, including Senate itself. Pro-Chancellors are also important ambassadors for the University and participate in key ceremonial events throughout the academic year, including graduation.

There are currently two Pro-Chancellors – Mr Stephen Prenter and Dr Stephen Kingon. Mr Prenter is due to stand down as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate on 31 July 2020.

For media enquiries, please contact Queen’s Communications Office on telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 3091.

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