Limerick university announces creation of new leadership roles

THE TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Shannon (TUS) has announced the creation of two new senior leadership positions: chief operations officer (COO) and chief academic officer (CAO). 

These newly established roles have already been appointed, with Clare native Jimmy Browne has been appointed as COO and Professor Raphaela Kane as CAO.

Formerly vice president of Campus Services and Capital Development at TUS, Mr Browne has over 25 years’ management experience across a variety of areas such as governance, financial management, commercial operations and infrastructure development within the Higher Education sector. 

He has also played a “central role” in the expansion of TUS facilities across the Midlands and Midwest campuses. 

Professor Kane will be making the move to TUS to begin her new role later this month from Liverpool John Moores University, where she held the position of pro-vice-chancellor at the Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science.  

Professor Kane is “an internationally recognised academic leader with a distinguished career in healthcare and higher education,” a spokesperson for TUS confirmed. 

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She has held senior executive roles across both sectors in the UK and Ireland. Professor Kane drives innovation in education, research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.  

Commenting on the appointments, Professor Vincent Cunnane, president of TUS, said: 

“The creation of these roles marks a significant milestone in the development of TUS. Both positions will be central in shaping the future direction of the university, ensuring that we are well placed to meet the needs of our students, staff, and the wider region we serve. As a young university, we have already achieved a great deal, and these appointments will further enhance our ability to build a vibrant, innovative, and impactful institution.” 

Josephine Feehily, chair of the TUS Governing Body, also welcomed the appointments: 

“These new senior leadership roles greatly strengthen the governance and leadership of TUS. They bring the expertise and vision required to drive the university’s next phase of growth and to realise its ambition as a catalyst for innovation, opportunity, and regional development.” 

The reconfiguration of TUS’s executive leadership structure followed an independent review of governance and executive functions.