The IoD Ireland Bursary has been established in memory of Gary Kennedy to promote diversity, equality and inclusivity. Gary was a champion of inclusivity believing that, as in all areas of society, equity and fairness in business is vital. Please note applications for 2026 are not yet open.
The Bursary will offer one candidate the opportunity to receive a fully-funded place on the IoD Chartered Director Programme and a year's complimentary membership.
Gary Kennedy
Gary Kennedy was a long-standing member of IoD Ireland and a member of the IoD Ireland Council. Gary was central to the development of the current IoD Ireland strategic direction.
Gary was an accomplished businessman, respected leader, and valued adviser. He was widely acknowledged, by all who encountered him, as a true people-person.
Gary had an extensive board career as both a Chair and a Director. He was Chair of Norcros plc, Goodbody plc, Greencore plc, Green REIT plc and Connect Group plc. He also served on the boards of Elan plc, Allied Irish Bank and the IDA. He was a co-Chair of ‘Balance for Better Business’, the Irish Government sponsored gender balance initiative and was also a founding Chair of the 30% Club in Ireland.
His executive career was with Deloitte and Nortel Networks. He spent the latter part of his executive career with AIB, where he was Group Director of Finance & Enterprise Technology, and he was a member of AIB’s main board. Gary was a Chartered Accountant having trained with Deloitte & Touche.
IoD Ireland believes that strong business leadership is essential to secure and drive a truly inclusive organisation. We are committed to developing directors, and preparing them to positively transform their organisation, and the social communities they operate in. The Institute recognises that barriers can exist for some individuals, making access to opportunities more challenging.
In Gary’s memory, the Institute and the IoD Council wishes to develop an initiative to support inclusivity by identifying individuals with potential, and to foster within them the discipline of good governance. This initiative aims to cultivate a more diverse and equitable environment by recognising the immense value of representation and unique perspectives. Through this initiative, IoD Ireland will endeavour to provide opportunities to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, enabling them to access a professional development opportunity that might have otherwise been inaccessible.
By removing barriers, we aspire to unlock doors to success, empower untapped talents, and in doing so contribute to a richer tapestry of voices and experiences within the business leader and director community. This initiative not only signifies our and Gary’s commitment to inclusivity, but also underscores the belief that a diverse array of viewpoints fuels innovation and drives progress. As we bestow this in Gary’s memory, we eagerly anticipate the transformative impact on individuals' lives and the broader landscape of inclusion and diversity.
The Bursary
IoD Ireland is offering one candidate the opportunity to receive:
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A fully funded place on the Institute of Directors Ireland Chartered Director Programme commencing in 2026.
- The bursary would include full programme costs, including the cost of sitting the Certificate exam, Diploma Exam, and application for the CDir designation (if the candidate is eligible).
- A year's complimentary membership of the Institute of Directors Ireland.
The purpose of this bursary is to provide support to an individual in a leadership role, who demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion and diversity. The bursary aims to support an individual with potential and to foster the discipline of good governance through the acquisition of technical knowledge in addition to creating opportunities for networking via IoD Ireland events, activities and functions.
Please note applications for 2026 are not yet open.
For more information, read our FAQ section below.
John Reynolds CDir
former President, IoD IrelandIoD Ireland is honoured to establish the Gary Kennedy Chartered Director Programme Bursary. Gary was a champion of inclusivity believing that, as in all areas of society, equity and fairness in business is vital.
