Explore UCD

UCD Home >

UCD alumnus Berber features on inaugural list of 100 influential leaders

Berber main body pic

Posted 02 November 2015

A philanthropist and University College Dublin alumnus has been recognised for his international impact in entrepreneurship through his inclusion on the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) list of (opens in a new window)100 Influential Leaders.

Dublin-born Philip Berber joins other notable alumni from business schools accredited by global accrediting body and membership association for business schools, (opens in a new window)AACSB International.

The 100 leaders nominated by AACSB are making an international impact through their business acumen, leadership or entrepreneurial success.

The Irish Texas-based technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, who graduated from the UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business, sold CyBerCorp, his online brokerage for financial traders, for $488m in 2000.

His latest venture (opens in a new window)Enable Impact is developing an online platform aimed at connecting professionals and entrepreneurs in the social venture and impact investing community.

Now engaged in philanthropy, international aid, social entrepreneurship and impact investing, he is co-founder and chairman of (opens in a new window)A Glimmer of Hope Foundation.

Since 2000, A Glimmer of Hope has constructed more than 9,000 projects and distributed more than 44,000 microfinance loans to help those living in rural Ethiopia.

The model focuses on integrating four areas of development: water, health, education, and microfinance to provide those living in extreme poverty with the best chance of improving their lives.

Pictured above: UCD Lochlann Quinn Business School alumnus Philip Berber has been recognised for his international impact in entrepreneurship through his inclusion on the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) list of 100 Influential Leaders

Philip Berber said: “The lessons learnt, both academically, and in terms of ethics and leadership, have served me well over the many years since I graduated.

“When I revisit UCD Business School these days, I see the progress and the changes – yet the underlying values, and the engaging and bright students, remain. May this award inspire others on their journey.”

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Dean of Business at UCD said: “We are proud that Philip has been selected among the first 100 AACSB Influential Leaders.

“Philip’s accomplishments are a shining example of the extraordinary contribution UCD Business alumni make daily in the fields to which they have devoted their lives, and he provides incredible inspiration for our current students.”

For the nomination process, AACSB developed a shortlist of open-ended questions that provided a framework for expectations for nominees.

From the submitted nominations, AACSB’s selection committee reviewed and chose stories that showed the positive impact that business school graduates have made on society.

Thomas R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International, said: “It is my honour to recognise Philip Berber for his contributions as an influential leader, and to thank UCD College of Business for its dedication to providing a business education environment based on engagement, innovation, and impact.”

AACSB International is an association of more than 1,450 educational institutions, businesses and other organisations in 90 countries and territories.

AACSB's mission is to advance quality management education worldwide through accreditation, thought leadership, and value-added services.

For the full list of recipients, visit (opens in a new window)www.aacsb.edu/Influential-Leaders

By: Jamie Deasy, digital journalist, UCD University Relations