By Business & Finance 
Dr Michael Smurfit, a leading business figure and the former chairman and CEO of Jefferson Smurfit Group, launched his autobiography ‘A Life Worth Living’, last night at the UCD Smurfit Graduate School of Business.
The launch was introduced by two of Ireland’s leading business figures, Dermot Desmond and Denis O’Brien.
“Michael is a truly iconic business figure,” Denis O’Brien, chairman, Digicel Group, said. Through skill, vision and passion, he built a business that is today the leading player in its chosen markets. From a country with no developed forest products industry, he built the leading global player in the corrugated business delivering average, annual shareholder returns of 24%.
“Michael is both a great friend and a continuing source of inspiration. Today, we celebrate Michael’s lifetime of achievement. We recognise Michael for what he is and, more importantly, for who he is.”
Dermot Desmond, chairman, IIU said he was honoured to launch the autobiography, ‘A Life Worth Living.” He is both a visionary and a contrarian. By buying when others were building, he created the world’s pre-eminent corrugated business. His business contribution and track record of value creation are well documented. I believe that his greatest legacy in life and in business is that he inspired a generation to successfully take risk.”
