Ann Masterson

Ann's research focuses on SME–university engagement, particularly enhancing collaboration between Irish tourism SMEs and higher education institutions. Her work examines collaboration models and drivers of effective partnerships, with the goal of identifying best practices for sustainable, mutually beneficial engagement between higher education and industry. Ann’s research interests also include curriculum innovation, management education, academic quality assurance, and the development and evaluation of enterprise–education partnerships. She is particularly interested in national pathways for SME engagement with tertiary education and in formulating policy and practice recommendations to strengthen industry–academic collaboration.

Ann Masterson is a dynamic and visionary leader in higher education, currently serving as Head of Discipline for Human Resource Management at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), as well as Chair of the Academic Committee at EM Normandie Business School, Dublin. She brings over 20 years of experience in academic and industry leadership, with proven expertise in strategic development, programme management, curriculum design, and academic quality assurance across multi-campus operations in Ireland and New Zealand. Ann is widely recognized for creating innovative, industry-led programmes and for fostering a collaborative, student-centred learning environment. Her leadership aligns with TU Dublin’s Strategic Intent 2030, driving continuous advancement in business and management practice.

She has held significant roles as Academic Registrar and Senior Lecturer at Dublin Business School and is a highly experienced External Examiner with appointments at Coventry University, University of Plymouth, and across Ireland and the UK. Ann’s impact extends to national educational policy as a member of the National Skills Council Ireland and the QQI Enterprise Engagement External Expert Advisory Group, where she advises on future skills requirements and quality assurance policy development. Her dedication to excellence, impact, and inclusion has been recognized by awards such as Outstanding Faculty 2019.

1. Senior Lecturer, Dublin Business School (May 2003 – January 2021)
2. Academic Registrar, Dublin Business School (August 2007 – August 2008)
3. Programme Leader; Post Graduate Business Programmes, Dublin Business School (September 2008 – September 2012)
4. Owner/Director, Master Consultancy (January 2010 – Present)
5. Programme Director; Leadership Development, Dublin Business School (December 2016 – January 2021)
6. Acting Course Director (Business), Dublin Business School (March 2019 – October 2019)
7. ISME Coach, Dublin Business School (May 2019 – January 2021)
8. External Examiner, University of Plymouth (November 2020 – November 2021)
9. External Examiner, Coventry University (August 2020 – Present)
10. Chair of Academic Committee, EM Normandie Business School (October 2024 – Present)