Institute of Hospitality CEO appointed Visiting Professor at Ulster University Business School
The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Chief Executive, Robert Richardson FIH MI, has been appointed a Visiting Professor at Ulster University Business School, Northern Ireland.
Robert’s appointment comes as the Business School celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades at the centre of Northern Ireland’s business and education landscape. He joins 6 other distinguished professionals named as Visiting Professors from across industry who will contribute to teaching, mentoring, research collaboration, and the development of leadership and management skills for Ulster students.
As CEO of the world’s largest professional body for hospitality, representing more than 16,000 members worldwide, Robert has been widely recognised for his commitment to professional recognition, inclusivity, and the development of future leaders across the hospitality sector. His leadership of the IoH has seen the organisation grow its global reach, strengthen its charitable mission, and champion professional standards through initiatives including the IoH Bursary Fund, DEIB Council, inception of the Youth Council and a wide range of mentoring and CPD opportunities for members.
Commenting on his appointment, Robert said: “It’s an honour to be invited to join Ulster University Business School as a Visiting Professor, particularly in this milestone anniversary year. Hospitality is one of the most dynamic, global, and people-centred industries, and I am passionate about helping the next generation of leaders to thrive. I look forward to working with Ulster’s staff and students, sharing professional insight from across our sector, and contributing to the School’s continued success.”
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: “These Visiting Professors reflect what the Business School stands for today: working hand-in-hand with business, relevant to every sector and every region, and preparing our students to thrive on a global stage. It is a privilege to welcome them during this special anniversary year as we look to the next 50 years of innovation and partnership. From food and hospitality to finance and professional services, they bring real insight and fresh thinking that will directly shape our teaching, research, and employer engagement.”
Robert’s Visiting Professorship reflects the Institute of Hospitality’s continuing role as a bridge between education and industry, and its mission to support and inspire hospitality professionals at every stage of their career.
The 6 other Visiting Professors appointed are:
- Caroline McGroary, Chartered Accountant, Fulbright Scholar, and lecturer at DCU, who serves on the Council of Chartered Accountants Ireland and governance boards including Tusla and The Arts Council. She also leads Enterprise Ireland’s Saudi Arabia Advisory Panel.
- Lynne Rainey, executive coach and former PwC Partner, with 25 years’ experience leading talent development and transformational change in professional services. She also chairs the Business School’s Strategic Employers’ Forum.
- Michelle Shirlow, founder of FoodNI and Ulster University alumna, who championed the internationally acclaimed 2016 Year of Food and Drink and continues to lead on Northern Ireland’s Food Strategy framework.
- Caroline van der Feltz, HR Director at Danske Bank and award-winning leader in people and skills, who sits on the NI Skills Committee and Financial Services Skills Commission.
- Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of NOW Group, Award-Winning Social Entrepreneur and Chair of Clanmil Housing Group
- 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.