Stephen Kavanagh, an experienced C-suite executive and former CEO of Aer Lingus, will make an appearance as part of the Florida State University College of Business’ Dean’s Speaker Series at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at Rovetta Business Building, 214.
The event is open to all FSU business, hospitality and sport management students. Kavanagh will expound on his business experience, advice and success that has led to a dynamic career.
Kavanagh retired as CEO of Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier airline, in 2019 following an accomplished 30-year career. He held several executive roles including chief strategy and planning officer and chief commercial officer. He retired as an independent board director in 2024.
While at Aer Lingus, he helped lead the development of a successful value model strategy that saw the company grow one-third to over 2 billion euros in revenue, doubling operating margin and delivering an industry-leading return on invested capital.
Kavanagh currently serves as a non-executive director of CDB Aviation Finance, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Oman Air and Oman Airports Company. He also co-chairs the College Football Classic Series in Dublin, Ireland, which FSU took part in during the 2024 season.
The College of Business was voted the No. 12 Best College for Business in America, according to Niche’s 2025 top public universities in America. Among the college’s many notable rankings, its real estate program is rated second nationally according to the Real Estate Academic Leadership (REAL) rankings in 2024.
The Dr. William T. Hold/The Alliances Program in Risk Management and Insurance earned a No. 4 ranking among the nation’s top public and private RMI programs, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2025” guidebook.
For more information, visit calendar.fsu.edu/event/deans-speaker-series.