Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor, who receives an honorary degree at this afternoon’s ceremony, was born in Belfast 58 years ago.

After beginning his career in the travel business, he left Northern Ireland in 1974 for the Isle of Man.

Using the island as a base, he has developed his career as a consultant, manager and/or investor in both private and public companies.

He has worked in the UK, the US and lived in Hong Kong for eleven years.

Brian has gained experience as a company doctor in a variety of industries and professions, and has raised significant sums for companies through both private equity structures and stock exchange listings.

He has founded a number of companies in the healthcare services area in the UK, Hong Kong and most recently in Ireland. Belfast-born Mr O'Connor is best-known as founder of the CrestaCare nursing and healthcare group, which was launched in 1987 and grew into the country's third-largest provider of care for the elderly with 4500 beds in 60 homes.

A decade later he enjoyed similar success in Hong Kong after bringing together doctors, dentists and surgeons under the banner of Quality Healthcare Asia, which now has around 1.7 million patients.

Formerly chairman of the University of Ulster Foundation, Mr O’Connor is now chairman of UUTECH, the University’s technology and knowledge transfer arm.

He is to be conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of the University (DUniv) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University.


Winter Graduation News 2005

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young