University of Galway Business Summit 2025
The Business of AI
Navigating Tomorrow: Leadership, Cybersecurity & AI in the Future of Work
THIS EVENT HAS NOW CONCLUDED - Friday, 4 April 2025
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at University of Galway was proud to host Business Summit 2025, centred on the theme “Navigating Tomorrow: Leadership, Cybersecurity & AI in the Future of Work.”
This flagship University of Galway event featured insights from national and international business leaders, alongside research-driven perspectives from leading academics at University of Galway.
It forms part of the School’s signature series, Thinking Beyond: Thought Leadership for the Public Good, reflecting our commitment to shaping a responsible, innovative, and future-focused society.
Over 400 business and thought leaders attended, with strong representation from senior decision-makers across industry.
Event Details
Now in its third year, the University of Galway Business Summit 2025 explored how organisations can navigate the future of work through leadership, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Business leaders from organisations including Deloitte, Centripetal, SecureAI, CybSafe, Medtronic, Davy, and ISS World Services shared practical insights, case studies, and expertise on the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s business landscape.
These perspectives were complemented by current research insights from leading professors at University of Galway.
The summit also provided a valuable platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among business leaders and professionals.
DATE:
Friday, 4, April, 2025
TIME:
8:30am - 14:00pm (included light breakfast & lunch)
LOCATION:
Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway, H91 R6T6
Keynote Speaker
Harry Hughes
CEO, Portwest
Portwest is an international safety products company specialising in the design and manufacture of protective clothing, safety footwear, work gloves, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The company was founded in 1904 by Charles Hughes, Harry’s grand uncle.
Harry Hughes was awarded EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017, represented Ireland at EY’s World Entrepreneur of the Year in Monaco in 2018, and now serves as Chairperson of the Entrepreneur of the Year Judging Panel.
Recognised as a visionary business leader, Harry has helped build Portwest into a truly global organisation alongside his brothers Cathal and Owen. Today, Portwest trades in over 130 countries, employs more than 5,800 people worldwide, and continues to achieve annual growth exceeding 20%.
Future Impacts of AI on Business
Generative AI tools are revolutionising the modern workplace and reshaping the knowledge economy. This session will explore how organisations can practically integrate AI into business operations, unlock new opportunities, support innovation, and navigate the risks associated with this rapidly evolving landscape.
Mairead Dooley-ffrench
Ecosystem Leader for Ireland, IBM
Mairead Dooley-ffrench is Ecosystem Leader for Ireland at IBM, where she works closely with organisations to drive digital transformation, innovation, and the strategic adoption of emerging technologies. With significant experience across technology partnerships and business ecosystems, she brings valuable insight into how AI is shaping the future of business and enterprise operations.
Prof. Michael Madden
Professor of Computer Science, University of Galway
Professor Michael Madden is an Established Professor of Computer Science at University of Galway, with extensive expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and digital innovation. His research and industry collaborations focus on the practical application of AI technologies to solve real-world challenges and support organisational transformation across sectors.o €15m.
Cybersecurity in the Dawn of AI: What to Know, What to Do
Chaired by: Prof. Tom Acton
Professor in Business Information Systems, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway
This panel will outline the best starting points for businesses implementing cyber regulations and explore how AI relates to cybersecurity. Delegates will leave the event with practical steps to strengthen their security measures and better prepare for emerging digital threats.
Annick O'Brien
General Counsel, CybSafe
Rafah Knight
CEO & Founder, SecureAI
Vaibhav Malik
Partner – Cybersecurity, Deloitte
Rebecca Lindley
Data & Compliance Analyst, Centripetal
Leadership for the Future of Work – A C-Suite Perspective
Chaired by: Dr Majella Giblin
Senior Lecturer in the Management Discipline, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway
What is required from leadership to navigate how the workplace is changing? This panel will explore how an increasingly digitalised work environment is impacting people and the response required from leaders. Discussions will also focus on fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace, and how to cultivate an organisational culture that engages and inspires people.
Orla Graham
Chief People Officer, at Davy Group
Robert O'Brien
Vice President HR, Global Manufacturing & Ireland Country Leader, Medtronic
Margot Slattery
Global Group Head of Social Sustainability, ISS World Services
Bernard Birkett
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, West Pharmaceutical Services
Closing Remarks
Prof. Alma McCarthy
Dean of College of Business, Public Policy and Law
Professor Alma McCarthy, Executive Dean of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, will deliver the closing remarks, reflecting on the key insights from the day and the future opportunities and challenges shaping leadership, cybersecurity, and AI in the world of work.
Event Schedule
|
Time |
Session |
|---|---|
|
08:30 – 09:00 |
Registration & Networking (including light breakfast) |
|
09:00 – 09:50 |
Welcome Addresses & Keynote Speech by Harry Hughes, CEO, Portwest |
|
09:50 – 10:20 |
Presentation: Future Impacts of AI on Business |
|
10:20 – 11:15 |
Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity in the Dawn of AI: What to Know, What to Do |
|
11:15 – 11:45 |
Tea/Coffee Break & Networking |
|
11:45 – 12:40 |
Panel Discussion: Leadership for the Future of Work – A C-Suite Perspective |
|
12:45 – 13:00 |
Reflection Points & Closing Remarks |
|
13:00 – 14:00 |
Lunch & Networking |
Look back at University of Galway Business Summit 2025
"Attending Business Summit 2025 was a refreshing and inspiring experience. The quality of the panels and speakers was truly impressive. Thank you for organising such an enjoyable learning experience"
Attendee - Business Summit 2025
Arrival & Parking
How to find us: Please click here for information on getting to campus by car or public transport.
Parking: If you are driving to campus, the following are the parking options available;
Free parking is available to visitors who register and apply for a ‘University of Galway Business Summit’ conference permit in the P&R Car Park only, located in the north campus. Simply log-in or create an account and select ‘University of Galway Business Summit permit’.
Click here for directions to the P&R Car Park, please enter the campus at the Corrib Village Entrance, take an immediate left and drive approximately 100m to the car park. There is a shuttle service to the main campus, click here for times, take the shuttle to the last stop at the Orbsen Building and the Bailey Allen is a 2 minute walk. Please allow transfer time. The event venue is approximately a 15 minute walk from the P&R Car Park.
(Please note: The conference permit is only valid for the P&R car park and parking elsewhere will be subject to rules and regulations).
Paid parking is available for visitors to the campus in Pay And Display (blue lined spaces), click here for map of parking locations. Paid parking is also available in the Cathedral Car Park.
Cycling: If you are cycling to campus, the following are the options available;
Bicycle racks are available on campus if you are cycling to campus.
Galway TFI Bikes have a station at either end of the campus including at the Park and Ride and at the O’Shaughnessy Bridge (beside the Bailey Allen Hall), click here for map.
Should you have any queries ahead of the event, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing businessalumni@universityofgalway.ie
We look forward to welcoming you to University of Galway.