Dr Ann Kelleher has been honoured with an Irish Management Institute Lifetime Fellowship Award. Executive vice-president at Intel, Dr Kelleher has an outstanding scientific and technical career. Originally, from Macroom, Co Cork, she achieved first class honours in engineering in 1987 and a MEng in 1989 from University College Cork.

In 1993, Dr Kelleher became the first woman to receive a PhD from the National Microelectronics Research Centre, the forerunner of Tyndall National Institute. She was the first Irish woman in the history of Intel to be named as a vice-president, and she maintains strong links to Ireland, making significant contributions across several areas.  

'Outstanding career'

“Tyndall are very proud of Ann's success and are grateful for her significant contribution as a Tyndall board member from 2012-2022. Ann is an accomplished international technology executive, well known for driving globally competitive advanced manufacturing, research and innovation. We are very pleased she’s been recognised once again for her outstanding career and significant contributions to academia, research and industry,” said Prof William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall National Institute.

In 2020 she was awarded the Science Foundation Ireland St Patrick’s Day Science Medal, having been nominated for her excellence in the field and contributions to Ireland by Tyndall. 

Chair of the IMI board Terence O’Rourke presented the award to Dr Kelleher. Dr Sally Cudmore, director of innovation at UCC and representing Professor John O' Halloran, president of UCC, said: “As Ann has risen through the ranks at Intel, UCC has followed her progress with pride – as we consider her one of our own.

"She has blazed a trail and empowered women working in STEM roles, providing leadership to women in science and engineering. She has broken through so many glass ceilings. She is a true leader and inspirational role model and a wonderful ambassador for UCC.”