Siobhán Talbot
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
HONORARY CONFERRING
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 at 5 pm
TEXT OF THE INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS DELIVERED BY PROFESSOR ANTHONY BRABAZON, Principal College of Business on 2 December 2025 on the occasion of the conferring of the Degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa on SIOBHAN TALBOT
President, Graduates, Colleagues, and Guests, it is my honor this afternoon to introduce Siobhán Talbot.
Hailing from a farming background in Kilmoganny in County Kilkenny, on completion of her second level schooling in Carrick-on-Suir Siobhán attended UCD where she graduated with a B Comm and a Diploma in Professional Accounting. Having initially considered a career as a teacher, Siobhán was drawn to accountancy during her B Comm studies and she began her professional career with PwC training as a Chartered Accountant, before working with the firm in various roles in Ireland and later Australia.
In 1992 Siobhán joined Waterford Foods to set up its internal audit function quickly progressing to become financial controller of the company. In this role she was deeply involved in the merger with Avonmore in 1997 which resulted in the formation of Avonmore Waterford Group, rebranded as Glanbia two years later. Siobhán advanced to become Group Secretary in 2000, Group Finance Director in 2009 and Group Managing Director in 2013, being only the second-ever woman to head an Irish listed company.
During her tenure as CEO, she was instrumental in Glanbia's transformation from a traditional Irish-based dairy co-operative into a multi-national company based in Ireland which is a leader in performance nutrition and high-value food ingredients. Siobhán Talbot is celebrated for her collaborative and pragmatic leadership style, her deep understanding of global markets, and her ability to navigate complex challenges. She has been commended for fostering innovation and driving growth while maintaining a focus on corporate responsibility and sustainability. Under her leadership, Glanbia achieved significant growth with revenues now exceeding €4 billion across 32 markets. The group employs over 6,000 staff globally.
In addition to her leadership of Glanbia, Siobhán has made a significant contribution to the wider business community through her service on a variety of industry bodies and boards including CRH and IBEC. Her achievements and impact as a business leader have also been recognised though multiple awards and honours.
In connection with UCD, despite her busy schedule Siobhán has given generously of her time over the years to speak at UCD events and to meet with students and alumni. Siobhán is known for her enduring advocacy concerning the importance of diversity in leadership and her commitment to. mentoring the next generation of business leaders. Her oft-repeated mantra in this context is ‘if you can see it, you can be it’.
In honouring Siobhán today, we recognise a career of achievement at the very highest level of business, we recognise the impact of someone who has reshaped their sector at both a national and a global level, and we recognise a leader who provides an inspirational and empowering role model for UCD’s student and alumni community.
Praehonorabilis Praeses, totaque Universitas,
Praesento vobis hanc meam filiam, quam scio tam moribus quam doctrina habilem et idoneam esse quae admittatur, honoris causa, ad Gradum Doctoratus Scientiae; idque tibi fide mea testor ac spondeo, totique Academiae.