EirGrid Chief Executive Cathal Marley appointed Chancellor of DCU

EirGrid Chief Executive Cathal Marley has been appointed as the new Chancellor of Dublin City University (DCU). 

Mr Marley, a Donegal native and DCU graduate, was appointed Chief Executive of EirGrid Group in April 2025, where he is overseeing the organisation as it delivers its key role of balancing electricity supply and demand every minute of the day from the National Control Centre, while also strategically planning for Ireland’s long-term electricity needs.

He is passionate about renewable energy and sustainability and delivering a cleaner energy future.

Mr Marley has over 25 years’ experience in utilities and infrastructure, having worked in senior roles across the electricity, water and gas sectors.

He took up the position of Chief Executive of EirGrid at a pivotal time for the company, which is progressing the most ambitious programme of work ever undertaken on the transmission system, which will see upgrades and new infrastructure right across the country. 

He was Deputy Chairperson of the DCU Governing Authority and Chairperson of its Audit Committee from July 2021 to July 2025 and has been a member of the DCU Audit Committee since December 2016. He is also currently Chairperson of Swim Ireland.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Marley said: "It’s an honour to take up the position of Chancellor at Dublin City University and I look forward to working with the DCU community. 

"I have seen first-hand over the past four years as a member of the Governing Authority the impact of DCU's teaching and research on stakeholders and on issues of global concern. 

"In the context of my role in EirGrid, I’m acutely aware of the importance of a strong pool of talent coming from third-level institutions like DCU to support the growth of Ireland’s energy sector and the delivery of new infrastructure." 

The Chancellor leads DCU’s Governing Authority to ensure good governance, integrity and accountability across the University, exercising oversight of the university’s strategic direction and ensuring its successful implementation. 

The role also includes ceremonial and ambassadorial duties, including the conferring of degrees at graduation ceremonies.