Dublin City University appoints new Chancellor Cathal Marley
Mr Cathal Marley has been appointed as Dublin City University’s new Chancellor. Mr Marley, a Donegal native and DCU graduate, was appointed Chief Executive of EirGrid Group in April 2025 where he is overseeing the transformation of the national electricity network to deliver on Ireland’s Climate Change targets on renewable energy. He has over 25 years’ experience in the utilities and infrastructure sectors having worked in senior roles across the electricity, water and gas sectors including as Chief Executive of Ervia (2019-2025) and Chairperson of Irish Water (2019-2023).
He is passionate about renewable energy and sustainability and delivering a cleaner energy landscape for future generations. He is also keenly interested in promoting the development of education and sport and this is underlined by the voluntary work he undertakes. He was Deputy Chairperson of the DCU Governing Authority and Chairperson of its Audit Committee from July 2021 to July 2025 and has been a member of the DCU Audit Committee since December 2016. He is also currently Chairperson of Swim Ireland.
DCU President Professor Dáire Keogh said:
“Cathal will bring invaluable insight, energy, and experience to the leadership of DCU. As a graduate, he understands the unique character, contribution, and responsibilities of DCU to Irish society. He has a distinguished record of leadership, governance, and service, while his commitment to sustainable and renewable energy at a pivotal time for the country is exemplary.
“I am delighted to welcome Cathal as Chancellor as we drive our mission to transform lives and societies.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cathal’s predecessor, Brid Horan, for her outstanding commitment as Chancellor over the last four years.”
The Chancellor leads DCU’s Governing Authority to ensure good governance, integrity and accountability across the University, exercising oversight of the university’s strategic direction and ensuring its successful implementation. The role also includes ceremonial and ambassadorial duties, including the conferring of degrees at graduation ceremonies.
DCU Chancellor Cathal Marley said:
“Even as Ireland's higher education sector faces a set of challenging circumstances, it continues to make a significant contribution to the country's success, domestically and abroad, both socially and economically. I have seen first-hand over the past four years as a member of the Governing Authority the impact of DCU's teaching and research on our stakeholders and on issues of global concern.
“I would like to thank the President and Governing Authority of DCU for this honour of being appointed Chancellor, and I look forward to working with the DCU community as we strive to be a leading innovative European University.”
The Chancellor's appointment was made at the first meeting of DCU's new Governing Authority. The full list of members can be viewed here.
Chancellor Cathal Marley succeeds Brid Horan who has served two terms on the Authority DCU and as Chancellor since 2021.