By Business & Finance 
Karl Fitzpatrick is the CEO of Chevron College, a leading QQI-accredited e-learning provider of further and higher education programmes headquartered in Wexford town. Fitzpatrick is a 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalist in the Established category.
What inspired you to start your company?
When I saw the European Union introduce directives regarding sustainability, I realised Ireland would need a highly skilled workforce to keep pace. I wanted to be part of that movement — by building a college that would educate, empower, and prepare students for the opportunities that sustainability would bring.
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
My main priority is to ensure that Chevron College continues to grow sustainably while maintaining excellence in student outcomes. I focus on supporting my management team, employee recruitment and retention, embracing emerging technology, and ensuring that our culture remains student and quality centred as we scale.
How do you keep your team/staff motivated?
I believe motivation comes from purpose. Our team knows the real impact that they make on 15,000+ students’ lives each year, enabling them to shape their futures with confidence; that’s powerful. I also focus on creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Open communication and recognition go a long way.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both the greatest challenge and opportunity facing the further and higher education sector. Chevron has embraced AI in all its forms, and we encourage our students to do likewise, in an ethical manner. We have invested in developing a number of AI-powered management systems for the college, which have resulted in significant productivity gains.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
I believe students should have the freedom to choose the education pathway that best suits their needs, whether that’s through a public or private provider. I would like to see students being able to use their SUSI grants with private education providers, ensuring genuine equity of access and choice across the entire education system.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given in business?
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sir. Richard Branson on my business, Business Matters podcast and when I discussed my growth plans for Chevron College, his advice was to “always protect the downside”.
What advice would you give to others starting out in business?
Develop a network of businesspeople with complementary skills to yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for their advice. These people can easily be found through networking events in membership-based industry bodies or business-representative groups such as Ibec, ISME and Chambers of Commerce.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
Being recognised as a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme has been the honour of a lifetime. Other highlights include Chevron College securing a contract with the Higher Education Authority to deliver Springboard+ funded Artificial Intelligence and Offshore Wind programmes, a contract to deliver Dementia training to HSE staff and launching a new honours degree in Physiotherapy.
What does being part of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year community mean to you, and how important is networking and connection to your journey as a business leader?
From networking with thousands of entrepreneurs over the years, I have often thought that most Irish entrepreneurs don’t think big enough and maybe that’s because we live on a small island. But, when I entered the EOY community, I was astonished by the ambition and scale that permeates through the community, which is both infectious and inspiring.
What is the best book you’ve ever read (non-business) and why?
I have always been an admirer of Greek philosophy. How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life has helped me apply Greek philosophical thinking in everyday life.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
Global travel is my favourite hobby. I think it’s because of my love of learning and curiosity, each destination brings new connections, stories, cultures and ways of thinking. I enjoy learning through experiences, so travel is the ultimate classroom.
What is your mantra for life?
You make your living from what you get, but you make your life from what you give.
Read more CEO Q&As:
Susan Russell, CEO of the Retail Ireland division of Bank of Ireland
Derek Foley Butler, Executive Chairman and Founder of GRID Finance
