The commercial arm of Queen’s University Belfast, QUBIS, has announced Marina Donohoe as its new CEO. She will be taking up the post on 2 February 2026.
QUBIS supports the creation and growth of companies emerging from Queen’s research, working with industry and investors to bring new technologies to market. Marina’s arrival signals the next phase for the organisation following the departure of long-serving CEO Brian McCaul earlier this year. During his decade in post, Brian oversaw significant growth in the number and scale of Queen’s spin-out companies and strengthened QUBIS’ role within Northern Ireland’s innovation landscape.
Marina joins QUBIS from Enterprise Ireland, an Irish Government agency responsible for the development of Irish enterprises in world markets. For the last three years, Marina has led the agency’s Research, Innovation and Infrastructure Division, working closely with universities and partners across the research and innovation ecosystem to drive and maximise the societal and economic impact from public investment.
Her career spans research, innovation and international business, with experience leading teams in Ireland, as well as 18 years overseas in the United States and Europe. Marina also brings extensive experience supporting high potential start-ups and helping businesses expand into international markets, further strengthening the pipeline from research to commercial success.
Welcoming the appointment, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's, said:
“Marina brings an exceptional blend of global experience, strategic vision and deep commitment to innovation. Her leadership at Enterprise Ireland, across research, investment and international markets, will be invaluable as QUBIS continues to scale Queen’s commercialisation ambitions and strengthen the University’s contribution to economic growth in Northern Ireland.
“As the first woman to lead QUBIS, Marina’s appointment marks an important moment for the organisation. We look forward to working closely with her as she builds on the strong foundation established by Brian McCaul over many years of dedicated service.”
Chair of QUBIS Board, Paul Terrington, added:
“I am delighted to welcome Marina to QUBIS. Her experience leading high-performing teams makes her ideally placed to guide QUBIS into its next phase of growth. I would also like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by Brian McCaul, whose leadership has been central to strengthening QUBIS’ reputation and impact. Marina will inherit a strong and committed team, and I am confident she will bring fresh energy and ambition as QUBIS continues to support Queen’s University and Northern Ireland’s wider innovation ecosystem.”
Incoming CEO, Marina Donohoe, said:
“It is an honour to be appointed CEO of QUBIS, an organisation with a proud history of delivering real impact for Queen’s University and for Northern Ireland. Queen’s has an outstanding reputation for research excellence, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to build on this legacy; helping translate research innovation into economic and societal benefit for Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to working with the talented QUBIS team and their partners to support the next generation of innovative companies emerging from the world leading research at Queen’s.”
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