Where did Ciarán Devane work previously?

Earlier roles include British Council (CEO, until 2021).

Where was Ciarán Devane educated?

Ciarán Devane studied at George Washington University, University College Dublin.

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Foreign and Commonwealth Office · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Ciarán Devane

Former Chief Executive, British Council (2015-2020), British Council · United Kingdom

PreviouslyBritish Council· CEO· until 2021

Ciarán Devane is the Former Chief Executive, British Council (2015-2020) of British Council. Devane is based in the United Kingdom. Earlier roles include positions at British Council. Devane was born in 1962 in Dublin and educated at George Washington University and University College Dublin.

Sir Ciarán Devane was Chief Executive of the British Council from January 2015 to 2020. Previously, he was CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support from 2007-2014, where he transformed the charity's scale and impact. He has a background in engineering and consulting, with degrees from University College Dublin and George Washington University.

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Recent developments

AI summary of recent coverage

Recent coverage has focused on Ciarán Devane's appointment as Chair of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a new leadership role announced in 2026. Earlier reporting documented Devane's tenure as Chief Executive of the British Council, during which commentary touched on themes including soft power, international values, and the organization's global mission. Coverage has also included scrutiny of executive compensation practices at the British Council.

Summarized from the headlines below; see each source for the full story.

Key Facts

Source: Wikidata ↗

Born: October 25, 1962 · Dublin
Citizenship: Ireland
Education: George Washington University, University College Dublin
Awards: Knight Bachelor

Our coverage

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Ciarán Devane: FAQ

Who is Ciarán Devane?: Ciarán Devane is the Former Chief Executive, British Council (2015-2020) of British Council, based in United Kingdom.
Where did Ciarán Devane work previously?: Earlier roles include British Council (CEO, until 2021).
Where was Ciarán Devane educated?: Ciarán Devane studied at George Washington University, University College Dublin.