Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork, one of Europe’s leading ICT research institutes, has announced the appointment of Dr Kieran Drain as its Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Drain will join Tyndall in January 2013 from his role as Vice President and General Manager of the Lighting and Display Technology Division of Rambus Inc, Ohio. Commenting on this appointment, Tyndall Chairman Dr Alastair Glass said, “We are delighted to have someone of Kieran’s stature to lead Tyndall in its next phase. Kieran has extensive international experience in the management of research and development at a senior level in industry, and in the commercialisation and introduction of new technologies to market over the past thirty years.” He added, “Kieran has held senior positions in both small-scale and large blue chip organisations and has an excellent track record in aligning R&D capabilities to industry needs. His experience will be vital in Tyndall’s future development, and in helping to maximise economic value for Ireland”.
A proven leader and technology sector executive, Dr. Drain has delivered significant successes in major US and international business roles. He has over thirty years industrial experience in technology and business management in diverse industrial segments including solid state lighting, photovoltaics, nanomaterials, rechargeable batteries, LCD displays, electronic interconnect, automotive, and composites.
Prior to Rambus Dr. Drain served as President & CEO of venture funded NanoGram Corporation, a developer of nanomaterials process technology enabling the manufacture of unique nanostructured materials for optical, electronic and energy applications.
Prior to this he was Vice President and General Manager for the Global Performance Polymers Division of Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE.AVY).
Dr. Drain has also managed Ciba Specialty Chemical’s business in photopolymers and electronics in North America, where he led a strong business turnaround. While at Ciba, Dr. Drain managed polymer division corporate technology developments for almost a decade in both the USA and Europe.
Earlier in his career Dr. Drain led electronics product development for Loctite Corporation in the US, and began his career with Loctite Ireland as a Research Chemist.
Dr. Drain holds a PhD in Industrial Chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and holds an MBA (Finance and Accounting) from Regis University, Colorado. He has served as a prior board member of the Adhesive and Sealant Council, US.
Dr. Drain was born in Northern Ireland and is a dual national of Ireland and the United States. He is married to Frances and they have four adult children. The family currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio.