October   University of Galway announces new Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics

University of Galway has appointed Professor Karena Yan as Dean of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics.  

 Professor Yan joins the University from Durham University Business School, where she served as Professor and Associate Dean, leading the Doctor of Business Administration programmes. 

  Commenting on her appointment, Professor Yan said: “I am honoured to be joining the University of Galway and to steward the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics in service of our students, industry and communities in Ireland and beyond. Galway’s spirit is extraordinary – creative, welcoming, and outward-looking. Together we will grow our research power and visibility, deliver transformative education, and enrich the student experience in a thriving, globally connected community.” 

 Professor Yan succeeds Professor Jonathan Levie, who has served as an Interim Dean since January 2025. 

 Executive Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy and Law, Professor Alma McCarthy, said: “We are delighted that Professor Yan is joining University of Galway to lead J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics. Professor Yan brings extensive experience to the role having led significant international developments and partnerships in previous business school leadership roles. We are also grateful to Professor Jonathan Levie for his remarkable leadership and the depth of insight he brought to his role as Interim Dean throughout this transition.” 

 Professor Yan has extensive experience in research and academic leadership. Her research has been published in leading journals including Research Policy and Organization Studies and has been supported by major funding bodies such as the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Charles Wilson fund. At Durham University, she also served as Co-director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology Management and Chair of the Board of Examiners for the MSc Marketing programme. 

 She has advised the UK All Party Parliament Group’s report on the Metaverse and Web 3.0, and has been featured in The Economist, The Sunday Times and the BBC.

 In addition to her role as School Dean, Professor Yan will serve as Established Professor of Innovation and Strategic Management, contributing to the School’s teaching and research initiatives. 

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