Cork woman who led Intel's global semiconductor manufacture honoured at tech awards

Diversity & Inclusion in Technology Awards recognise individuals and organisations championing inclusion, opportunity, innovation, and positive change

Ann Kelleher is one of Ireland’s most distinguished technology leaders, having served as senior vice president and general manager of technology development at Intel Corporation.

A Cork woman who has been a pioneering figure in the development of the global semiconductor industry has been recognised with a special award at the 2026 Diversity & Inclusion in Tech Awards. 

Ann Kelleher from Macroom was presented with the special honour at the awards at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin on Thursday night. Ms Kelleher is one of Ireland’s most distinguished technology leaders, having served as senior vice president and general manager of technology development at Intel Corporation. She was responsible for the research, development, and deployment of next-generation silicon logic, packaging, and test technologies that power the future of Intel’s innovation.

Ms Kelleher joined Intel in 1996 as a process engineer and has since held a succession of senior technology and manufacturing leadership positions internationally. The UCC graduate began her manufacturing leadership career as factory manager of the 'Fab 24' facility in Leixlip in Kildare. She subsequently served as site manager of Intel’s Fab 11X fabrication facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and as plant manager of its Fab 12 facility in Chandler, Arizona.

Later, she became general manager of Fab Sort Manufacturing, with responsibility for Intel’s high-volume silicon manufacturing, and subsequently general manager of manufacturing and operations, overseeing the company’s worldwide manufacturing operations. 

"Dr Kelleher’s recognition reflects her exceptional contribution to global technology and engineering, as well as the example she continues to set for the next generation of technology leaders," the award organisers said. She received the Kay McNulty award, which is named after of Irish computing pioneer Kathleen “Kay” McNulty, one of the original programmers of ENIAC, one of the world’s earliest general-purpose electronic digital computers.

Now in its ninth year, the Diversity & Inclusion in Technology Awards recognise leadership and achievement across areas including workplace equity, equal opportunities, social impact, STEM advocacy, talent acquisition, innovation, and inclusive workplace culture.

“The 2026 Diversity & Inclusion in Technology Awards celebrate people and organisations who are demonstrating what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice, creating opportunities, challenging barriers and ensuring that talent from different backgrounds has the opportunity to participate, progress and lead,” said Diversity in Tech Awards managing director Katie Molony.

Two further special honouree awards were presented. Abeba Birhane, principal investigator of the AI Accountability Lab (AIAL) and assistant professor of AI at Trinity, received the Inspiration Award, recognising her contribution to responsible and accountable artificial intelligence and her work examining the societal implications of emerging technologies.

The Diversity in Tech Impact Award was presented to An Cosán, the Tallaght-based community education organisation founded by Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan providing education and support to women, families, and communities experiencing disadvantage. 

• 2026 Diversity & Inclusion in Technology Award winners
• Culture of Belonging Award – HubSpot
• Equal Opportunities Employer of the Year – EPAM Systems 
• Inclusion Champion of the Year – ERG Program, Ericsson 
• Inspirational Diversity Role Model Award – Jennifer Cox, Tines 
• Social Impact & Digital Divide Award – ESB 
• The Talent Acquisition Innovation Award – Greenhouse 
• Workplace Equity Initiative Award – Datavant Galway
• Rising Star Award – Hannah Lormenyo, Microsoft 
• Startup Visionary Award – Rhona Togher, Lios based in Dublin 
• STEM Advocate Award – Claire MacNamee, TrailblazHER TU Dublin
• Tech Leader Award – Mel Good, JP Morgan Chase
• Technical Guru Award – Rachel Hadas Aharon, Fiserv 
• The AI & Data Innovator Award – Zhe Cui, UCD
• Kay McNulty Award – Ann B. Kelleher, Intel
• Inspiration Award – Dr Abeba Birhane, Artificial Intelligence Accountability Lab (AIAL), Trinity College 
• Diversity in Tech Impact Award – An Cosán – Jobstown, Dublin.