The appointments come during the Business School’s 50th anniversary year – marking half a century of supporting business growth, innovation and leadership in Northern Ireland and beyond.
The diverse group represents the School’s local, national, and international outlook, spanning private, public, and social enterprise sectors. Together, they bring expertise in finance, hospitality, food and drink, professional services, human resources, and business strategy.
The new Professors will contribute their time and expertise across teaching, mentoring, research collaborations, international partnership opportunities, and the development of management and leadership skills – ensuring Ulster students are equipped to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world.
Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said:
“Ulster University Business School has played a central role in supporting the business community in Northern Ireland for 50 years. As we look to the future, these new Visiting Professors bring both international outlook and deep local knowledge. Their appointments underline our commitment to ensuring that Ulster continues to be a place where business, education and society come together for impact.”
Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School, added:
“Our new Visiting Professors reflect exactly what the Business School is about today: working hand-in-hand with business, relevant to every sector and every region, and preparing our students to thrive on a global stage.
"From food and hospitality to finance and professional services, they bring real insight and fresh thinking that will directly shape our teaching, research, and engagement with employers. It is a privilege to welcome them during this special anniversary year as we look to the next 50 years of innovation and partnership.”
The new Visiting Professors are:
- Caroline McGroary, Chartered Accountant, Fulbright Scholar, and lecturer at DCU, who serves on the Council and Education board of Chartered Accountants Ireland, as well as a number of public sector and not for profit governance boards. Caroline is also the Education Lead on Enterprise Ireland’s Advisory Panel in Saudi Arabia.
- Lynne Rainey, executive coach and former PwC Partner, with 25 years’ experience leading talent development and transformational change in professional services. Lynne also chairs the Business School’s Strategic Employers’ Forum.
- Michelle Shirlow MBE, founder of FoodNI and Ulster University alumna, who championed the internationally acclaimed 2016 Year of Food and Drink which led to Northern Ireland winning World's Best Food destination and is now implementing the Food Strategy Framework focusing on transforming our food system for future generations.
- Caroline van der Feltz, HR Director at Danske Bank, brings award-winning experience across the Banking, Financial Services and FMCG sectors. A board member on the NI Skills Council and the UK Financial Services Skills Commission, Trustee on the Board of Campbell College Belfast, and Chair of the CBI NI People and Skills Committee, Caroline is deeply committed to shaping future skills and driving inclusive growth.
- Maeve Monaghan MBE, Chief Executive of NOW Group, a social enterprise supporting people with learning difficulties and disabilities into sustainable employment. She has overseen the growth of initiatives such as the JAM Card and Loaf Catering and also chairs Clanmil Housing Association.
- Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, the world’s largest professional body for hospitality, representing more than 16,000 members worldwide. Robert has been globally recognised for his commitment to professional recognition, inclusivity, and the development of future leaders across the hospitality sector.
- Daniel Broby, Professor of Financial Technology at the Asian Institute of Management, former Chair of FinTech at Ulster University, and a leading researcher on innovation and financial markets.
We look forward to the fresh perspectives and invaluable experience they will bring to our Business School community.
