By Business & Finance 
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School has announced Rory O’Sullivan as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Business & Finance Awards UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship.
Launched in 2021, this highly competitive scholarship provides one exceptional candidate each year with a 100% scholarship to pursue an MBA at Ireland’s leading business school. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for talented professionals to advance their careers through a world-class education while gaining access to one of Ireland’s most influential business networks through Business & Finance Media Group.
For Rory O’Sullivan, the award is both a personal and professional milestone. “I’m passionate about helping Irish businesses thrive internationally and want to continue to build on that,” he said. “The Executive MBA at UCD Smurfit School is already giving me the skills to take on more complex challenges — and just as importantly, it’s given me a remarkable network and a boost in confidence.”
“Working alongside such talented peers has sharpened my perspective and raised my performance.”
Rory’s career has taken him from leading Pernod Ricard’s operations in East Africa, to advancing Irish trade across Europe, and now to driving global growth in the agri-food sector with Dawn Meats. Across every role, his focus has remained consistent: building diverse teams, opening new markets, and connecting Irish enterprise with global opportunities.
His path into business began in an unexpected place — the arts. A graduate of The Lir Academy, Rory started his career as a playwright, a foundation that taught him to listen, use emotional intelligence, and tell stories that connect people. “Those skills translated surprisingly well into international trade,” he said. “But I wanted to sharpen my strategic toolkit. UCD Smurfit School’s reputation for developing leaders who drive Irish industry globally made it the ideal place to take the next step.”
Ian Hyland, Publisher of Business & Finance Media Group, added, “The Business & Finance UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship recognises individuals who embody leadership, ambition, and a global outlook — qualities that define Rory’s career to date. His passion for helping Irish businesses succeed internationally reflects the very spirit of this award, and we are proud to support his journey as he continues to make an impact in Ireland and beyond.”
Professor Federica Pazzaglia, Dean of UCD College of Business, said, “Rory exemplifies the values of the Business & Finance UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship — ambition, creativity, and leadership with purpose. His international experience and people-focused approach make him a standout recipient, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the Smurfit community.”
Now immersed in the Executive MBA, Rory says one of the most inspiring aspects of the programme is its emphasis on ESG and responsible leadership. “At UCD Smurfit School, ESG isn’t treated as an optional module — it’s woven into every discussion. The message is clear: leadership today means delivering results commercially while ensuring business has a positive impact on people and society.”
This reflects Rory’s hope to continue contributing to Irish business and community life. “When I look back on my career, I’d love to be able to say I contributed meaningfully to the people and society around me,” he reflected. “One mentor’s advice always stays with me- If you can look back and know you treated the teams you worked with well and helped them grow, that’s real success.”
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Rory said, “The Business & Finance Scholarship means a great deal to me and my family. It’s an honour to be part of a community that values leadership, creativity, and integrity. I’m genuinely grateful for the confidence shown by both the Business & Finance team and UCD Smurfit School.”
The Business & Finance Awards UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship continues to celebrate individuals who embody leadership, innovation, and the pursuit of the public good — values at the heart of both Business & Finance and UCD Smurfit School.
