Liz Shanahan: Inspiring Journey, Achievements, and Lasting Legacy
Early Life and Education
Liz Shanahan (often known as Elizabeth Shanahan) is originally from County Kerry, Ireland, and splits her time between Kerry and London. She holds a degree in Computer Programming & Mathematics from University College Cork. She also attended the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
Professional Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Move
Her career in healthcare, life sciences, and consulting grew steadily. She founded her own communications business, Santé Communications, in 1995, which was acquired by FTI Consulting in 2007. After the acquisition, Liz became Global Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at FTI Consulting.
Board Roles, Non-Executive Positions, and Impact
Liz Shanahan serves as a Non-Executive Director of multiple companies, including Inspiration Healthcare Group plc, Advanced Medical Solutions plc, and Celadon Pharmaceuticals plc. She is also Chair of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Audit Committee at Inspiration Healthcare. She holds directorship and trustee roles at CWPlus, the charitable arm of the Chelsea & Westminster Foundation Trust.
Entrepreneurial Ventures & Investments
Besides corporate governance roles, Liz is a serial investor and entrepreneur in the health sciences arena. She co-founded Kingdom Therapeutics, a business focused on autism. She chairs the Akusus Group in Waterford, which includes RelateCare and Rigneydolphin—companies that deliver consulting and outsourcing services in healthcare and other sectors.
Thought Leadership and Global Advisory Roles
Liz Shanahan is known for advising major global pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations, including working with the World Economic Forum, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, and the NHS. She is also an Adjunct Professor and Entrepreneur in Residence at University College Cork. Her expertise spans M&A, risk management, public policy, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, communications, international markets, and investor relations.
Achievements and Recognition
Liz Shanahan has been recognized in her field for her leadership and innovation. The Irish Times has named her among Ireland’s most significant global leaders in healthcare and life sciences. She’s also been acknowledged by Silicon Republic as a sci-tech leader worldwide. Her successful leadership in founding, advising, and growing healthcare‐oriented businesses has contributed to improved healthcare services and policy influence.
Challenges and Resilience
While public documents do not detail deeply personal hardships, the path of entrepreneurship, board governance across different regulatory environments, and scaling health science ventures is demanding. Liz Shanahan’s ability to navigate acquisitions, high-stakes consulting, and balance roles in both private enterprise and charities speaks to her resilience and adaptability.
Lasting Legacy and Influence
Liz Shanahan’s legacy is multifaceted: she has helped shape healthcare communications, contributed to policy advisory, and supported innovation in healthcare through her entrepreneurial and investment efforts. Her mentorship roles, academic appointments, and non-executive board work foster ongoing influence, helping the next generation in life sciences and health tech. She is also helping set standards in ESG and responsible governance in the healthcare industry.
What Makes Her Inspirational
- Interdisciplinary expertise: Bridging math/computer science, business, healthcare, and public policy gives her a rare skill mix.
- Global perspective: Working with international organizations and companies demonstrates that her impact isn’t local, but global.
- Combining purpose with profit: Her ventures aren’t only commercially successful but also driven by meaningful healthcare outcomes.
- Leadership through influence: She leads not just by title but by being involved in charitable work, advising, and teaching.
