Bringing expertise across artificial intelligence, digital transformation and people leadership, Dr Kathryn Harkin, Gordon Parkes and Thom Kenney will strengthen the University's teaching, research and collaboration with industry
Ulster University is strengthening its connections with industry through the appointment of three distinguished professionals as Visiting Professors, bringing expertise in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, organisational leadership and workforce development to students, staff and researchers across the University.
The appointments include Dr Kathryn Harkin, Head of AI Northern Ireland at NTT DATA, who joins the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment; Thom Kenney, former Director of AI and Digital Transformation at Google; and Gordon Parkes, Executive Director of People & Culture at NIE Networks, who both join Ulster University Business School.
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As Visiting Professors, they will share their extensive professional expertise with students and staff, contribute to curriculum development, support research and innovation activity, and help strengthen partnerships between academia, industry and government.
Professor Gillian Armstrong, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School said:
“The appointments of Kathryn, Thom and Gordon as Visiting Professors bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic leadership experience to Ulster University, reflecting our ambition to provide a transformative educational experience that is informed by real-world expertise and shaped by the needs of industry and society. Through their engagement with our students, researchers and academic teams, they will help strengthen the University's impact regionally and internationally while inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators."
Dr Kathryn Harkin
An AI and technology leader with more than 30 years’ experience, Kathryn is Head of AI Northern Ireland at NTT DATA and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre. Her career spans software engineering, data science, AI strategy and executive leadership, including senior roles at FinTrU and Allstate Northern Ireland, where she established and led the company's Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence.
In her Visiting Professor role, Kathryn will support research, teaching and industry engagement activities linked to AIPlus, a research centre of excellence within the CADRIC Derry~Londonderry and Strabane Region City Deal innovation project. She will help connect academic innovation with practical business and societal challenges.
Dr Kathryn Harkin said:
“I am delighted to take up this Visiting Professorship at Ulster University. I have worked with colleagues in the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems for well over a decade and have always valued their collaborative approach, their support and their commitment to ensuring that teaching and research remain closely connected to industry needs.
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to give something back by sharing the experience I have gained from building AI teams and applying new technologies to deliver practical outcomes at scale in regulated industries. I hope this experience will further strengthen the connection between research, innovation and real-world application at Ulster, while supporting students, researchers and the wider work of AIPlus and CARL. We share a strong commitment to the responsible and sustainable use of AI and a belief in the potential of the North West to create opportunities through education, innovation and emerging technologies. I would be delighted to contribute to that ambition in whatever way I can.”
Thom Kenney
Thom Kenney is an accomplished technology, artificial intelligence and business transformation leader with more than 25 years' experience across global enterprises, government agencies and national security organisations. Previously Director of AI and Digital Transformation at Google Public Sector, he has led major AI adoption, cloud modernisation and digital transformation programmes throughout his career. Thom is also a former Chief Data Officer and Head of AI for US Special Operations Command and brings expertise spanning artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, strategic leadership and organisational transformation. He is a trusted advisor and board member, Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, and Executive in Residence at the University of Notre Dame.
In his Visiting Professor role, Thom will contribute strategic guidance and specialist expertise to the Executive MBA and Executive Leadership programmes. Drawing on his experience leading AI adoption in high-stakes environments, from global technology companies to national security, he will explore how leaders can combine human judgement with AI to make faster, better-informed and more accountable decisions. A founder himself, Thom will also champion entrepreneurship across the University, mentoring student and staff ventures, sharing practical insights on building and scaling technology companies, and helping connect Ulster’s innovators with investors and industry partners in the US and beyond.
Thom Kenney said:
"I am honoured to join Ulster University Business School as a Visiting Professor and look forward to working with students and academic colleagues to explore how emerging technologies can create sustainable value, strengthen leadership capability and equip organisations to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Ulster University's strong commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning make it an exciting community to join at this time of massive technological transformation."
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Gordon Parkes
Gordon Parkes is a highly accomplished people and culture leader with more than 45 years of senior HR and organisational leadership experience. For the past 26 years he has been Executive Director of People & Culture and a Board member at NIE Networks. Gordon is a Chartered Companion of the CIPD, the highest honour awarded by the profession, and has played a prominent role in shaping skills and workforce development across Northern Ireland through a range of board and advisory appointments, including the Northern Ireland Skills Council and Green Skills Delivery Group. He is a Chartered Director and holds an MBA from Ulster University.
Within the Ulster University Business School, Gordon’s expertise will help shape the learning experience for the first cohort of Higher-Level Apprentices undertaking the BSc Human Resource Management programme.
Gordon Parkes said:
"I am delighted to be appointed as a Visiting Professor at Ulster University Business School. I am passionate about supporting future leaders as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing workplace and look forward to sharing practical insights from industry, contributing to leadership and management education, and helping students understand how organisations can create environments where people and performance can flourish together."
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