DCU Graduate John Mulholland becomes editor of UK national newspaper, the Observer
Friday 14th December

John Mulholland

John Mulholland, 44, graduated from DCU in 1983 before crossing the Atlantic to complete a masters degree in media and communications studies at California State University in Sacramento.

Originally from Ranelagh, Dublin, Mulholland cycled everyday to DCU where he studied Communications.

Mulholland, who has been described as ‘Mr Modesty’ has been working at the Observer for 10 years and will take up his new position on January 1, succeeding Roger Alton.

He has been deputy editor of the newspaper since 1998.

Liz Forgan, chair of The Scott Trust, owner of the Guardian and Observer, said: "John Mulholland is an outstanding journalist and the Scott Trust is delighted he will become the Observer's next Editor. He played a key role in the Observer's successful move to the Berliner format, developed and launched the stable of award-winning monthly magazines, and is uniquely placed to lead the paper into an era of digital publishing."

John is very proud to be Irish and in charge of such a prestigious publication but professionally he said it is not a key driver of what he does.

“I don’t think being Irish is relevant. Being a journalist is relevant”.

He has very fond memories of his time at Dublin City University and has cleary carried them with him since his departure in 1983.

“We were the first intake and had the run of the place for a year or two. There was a terrific atmosphere at that time between students and lecturers. It was a brilliant exciting time. I loved it”.