Industry & Business

Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia, and Clare Gilmartin, CEO of Trainline, were both honoured at the recent UCD Business Alumni of the Year 2019 awards dinner at the InterContinental Hotel, Dublin.

Tara McCarthy (pictured left) has over 20 years of experience in the wider food industry. She was previously CEO of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, and has operated in overseas markets such as Germany, France and Belgium for over 10 years.

Trainline is Europe’s leading train and coach app, bringing together rail, coach and other travel services into one simple experience so customers are offered the best prices and smart, real-time travel info on the go. Since her 2014 appointment as CEO, Clare Gilmartin (pictured right) has led the company through a period of rapid growth and expansion across Europe and into Asia.

Tara McCarthy and Clare Gilmartin join a list of prominent business graduates of UCD’s Smurfit graduate and Quinn undergraduate schools  who have previously been honoured, including 2018 winners Padraic Ward, Head of Pharma, Region Europe at Roche Pharmaceuticals; and Michael Cullen, CEO of Investec Ireland; Stephen Kavanagh, CEO, Aer Lingus; and Rory Byrne, CEO, Total Produce; Breege O’Donoghue, former Director, Primark; Aidan Brady, former CEO, Citibank Europe plc and former Citi Country Officer, Ireland; Siobhan Talbot, Group CEO, Glanbia plc; amongst others.

The UCD Quinn and Smurfit Alumni Awards, which have been running since 1991, recognise alumni who have demonstrated proven leadership skills and notable achievements in business, whether in Ireland or abroad.

This year, Dr Laurence Crowley, CBE was recognised with the first Outstanding Contribution to Business Education Award for his leadership and vision as founding executive chairman of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. In addition, his sustained support through initiatives like the annual Laurence Crowley Lecture Series offers students new ways to engage with leaders in the international world of business.

Speaking of this year’s winners, Professor Anthony Brabazon, Dean, UCD College of Business, said: “We are delighted to honour Tara McCarthy and Clare Gilmartin as our 2019 Alumni of the Year. For over 100 years, UCD College of Business has educated leaders that have contributed immensely to business, political and social life both here in Ireland and around the world.  Since 1991, the School has celebrated and recognised the achievements and success of our graduates through the ‘Alumni of the Year’ awards. Both Tara and Clare are passionate about their careers in the food and technology sectors and clearly demonstrate strong leadership, an entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity on personal and professional levels, all characteristics we try to instil in our students. Tara and Clare deserve this recognition and we take the utmost pride in their success.”

On the presentation of Laurence Crowley’s award for Outstanding Contribution to Business Education, Professor Andrew Deeks, UCD President, said, “It is befitting that our inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Business Education Award is presented to Laurence Crowley. Laurence is an innovative business leader with exceptional vision. His drive to inspire excellence in others and build bridges has been evident throughout his distinguished career. From his contributions to the Peace Process to his role as founding executive chairman of the UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School, his altruistic contributions have greatly enhanced societal well-being and business education, not only here in Ireland but around the world.”

The Alumni of the Year Awards Dinner 2019 is sponsored by KPMG and all profits raised will be donated to the UCD College of Business Scholarship Fund, supporting the next generation of business leaders.