Graduate Spotlight: Richard Shakespeare

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science graduate Richard Shakespeare has been appointed as the new Chief Executive, following a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

Mr Shakespeare, who has been acting chief executive since Mr Owen Keegan’s retirement in September, was selected following a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service, but his appointment had to be ratified by the councillors before he could officially take up the position.

Commenting on his appointment Mr Shakespeare said, “I am delighted to be the new Chief Executive of Dublin City Council. I am a proud Dubliner so to be appointed to this important position for the city is a great honour. I look forward to the next 7 years and to working with the Councillors to deliver for the citizens of Dublin and the City.”

Mr Shakespeare BAgrSc Landscape Horticulture, is a qualified Landscape Horticulturalist and Engineer with over 30 years’ experience in Local Government across a range of different strategic and operational functions.

Before taking up the position of Chief Executive he held the position of Assistant Chief Executive with responsibility for the Planning and Property Development Department and Culture, Recreation and Economic Services in Dublin City Council.

He also previously worked for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in a variety of senior roles including Director of Environment, Culture and Community, Parks Superintendent and Director of Municipal Services.