Ted Smyth

A leader in government and public affairs, and brand management, Ted Smyth has been a senior executive at two Fortune 200 companies and an Irish diplomat. He is now President of the Advisory Board of Glucksman Ireland House NYU and is Chair of the Clinton Institute for American Studies in University College Dublin.

He retired from his role as EVP Corporate Affairs at McGraw Hill Financial in 2015, a company whose brands include Standard & Poor’s, S&P Dow Jones Indices and Platts Energy Benchmarks. He was a member of the Company’s Executive Committee and responsible for a wide portfolio, including government relations, corporate communications, public policy, crisis communications and social responsibility. He was a key member of the leadership team that managed the sale of McGraw Hill Education and the evolution of McGraw Hill Financial to S&P Global.

Ted was Chief Administrative Officer of the H.J. Heinz Company from 2003 to 2009 where he was responsible for Global Human Resources, Communications, Government Affairs and Crisis Management. He led the recruitment of senior talent as the company expanded rapidly in new markets such as India, China, Indonesia, South Africa and Philippines. While at Heinz, he championed the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign, the Weight Watchers’ focus on healthy weight metrics, the Dolphin-Safe policy of Star-Kist tuna and Heinz ketchup marketing initiatives

Ted was an Irish diplomat for 15 years, from 1972 to 1988, serving in Portugal, Geneva, the United States and the United Kingdom. He participated in the Northern Ireland peace process, seeking support amongst key stakeholders for a non-violent, just solution. Ted served in the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) as Deputy Director of Government Information Services and as an Advisor on Northern Ireland. He served in the Secretariat of the New Ireland Forum (1983-84) which forged a historic consensus for a political solution to the NI conflict and laid the groundwork for the 1986 Anglo-Irish Agreement. As Head of Press and Information in the United States from 1976 to 1981 he worked successfully with Irish government agencies, including IDA Ireland, to attract American companies to invest and create jobs in Ireland.

Ted has served on the boards of the Hain Celestial Food Company, the Africa America Institute and the Ireland Funds. He holds an Honors BA in History and Political Science from Trinity College Dublin and a Master of Arts from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at NYU. Ted publishes regularly on Irish and Irish American issues, including a chapter on the New Ireland Forum in Brokering the Good Friday Agreement: the untold story (ed; Mary Daly), Royal Irish Academy, 2019, and an article on Irish America in the 1980s in the Journal of American Ethnic HIstory, He lives in New York City and New Hampshire, is married to the writer, Mary Breasted and is a delighted grandfather of three granddaughters. Hobbies include jogging, hiking, politics, history and painting.

With Jimmy Galway at Glucksman Ireland House NYU annual gala.

Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Garret FitzGerald gives a media briefing in 1984 at the New Ireland Forum with Forum Press Secretary, Ted Smyth

Senator Edward Kennedy addressing the Hist Bicentenary in 1970 with Dr Frederick Boland, former President of the UN General Assembly. in the Chair.
L to R in foreground, Hist Committee members, Fergus O'Farrell, Ted Smyth, Donal Donovan, and Donnell Deeny.

More about Ted Smyth:

Irish Stew Podcast: Listen:

S2E2: Ted Smyth: Diplomat, Corporate Executive, Influencer

February 15, 2021

 

 

Irish Examiner:
Out & About
February 24, 2021 by Digital Desk

 

 

Ted Smyth interviewed in Libération:

 

email:  Ted Smyth or tweet to Ted Smyth

 

Interviews & Publications

IRISH CENTRAL November10, 2023 Book Review: Martin Doyle's Dirty Linen By Ted Smyth September 9, 2022 What’s next for the North as the tectonic plates shift? One of the great experts points the way A review of the new book "Making Sense of a United Ireland" January 18, 2022 Understanding Ireland through James Joyce’s “Ulysses” A review of the new book "Ulysses: A Reader's Odyssey," December 15, 2021 Ted Smyth to be honored by Irish Business Organization of New York October 23, 2020 How Joe Biden and his daughter helped save the dolphins September 18, 2020 Can you be both New York and Irish? Leading Irish writers reflect on heritage A collection of essays that reflects on being Irish in America. August 5, 2020 "Great peacemaker" John Hume remembered a by longtime friend July 30, 2020 Sixty Irish American leaders call for end to racism in honor of John Lewis Feb 25, 2020 Family friendly ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in NYC What are the best ways to spend St Patrick's Day in New York? April 26, 2019 The future for Irish America is more Irish Studies programs across the US December 13, 2019 Irish America has a vital role in North’s future and in US-Europe Relations. The “Bridging the Atlantic” conference
IRISH AMERICA January 7, 2023 U.S. Support for Ireland Should Not Be taken for Granted August 7, 2020 A GUIDE for the GOYIM, Pete Hamill
IRISH STAR March 30, 2023 New York University's Glucksman House marks 30 years of keeping connections between US and Ireland  Glucksman Ireland House has been a key cultural hub for Irish studies in the US as well as the New York Irish community
THE IRISH ECHO July 30 2020 Congressman John Lewis, whose funeral was taking place in Atlanta today.
JOURNAL OF AMERICAN ETHNIC HISTORY Winter, 2020  Irish American Organizations and the Northern Ireland Conflict in the 1980s: Heightened Political Agency and Ethnic Vitality
BROKERING THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT, excerpt September 2019 The New Ireland Forum: redefining Irish Nationalism and Setting the Agenda for the Anglo-Irish Agreement. edited by Mary E. Daly
THE IRISH TIMES November 26 2023 Two Books Reviewed by Ted Smyth "Foer’s study of Biden is highly readable and fast-paced; while Klein has written one of the best books about identity politics" March 1, 2023 Irish Americans’ connection to their heritage remains strong due to draw of Ireland’s history and culture Survey reveals that Irish Americans still largely progressive in their values and attracted to their Irish heritage January 3, 202 US support for Ireland should not be taken for granted Granting the right to vote in Irish presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State would deepen constructive engagement by Irish America September 17, 2022 The Storm is Here by Luke Mogelson: Beautiful America, where are you? Ted Smyth on a New Yorker journalist’s book on the threat to American democracy November 30, 2022 Homecoming by Rana Foroohar: Is the decline of globalization a disaster for Ireland? Ted Smyth reviews the Financial Times global business columnists new book June 20, 2022 Irish diaspora should be allowed a voice in the Oireachtas Seanad seats would provide limited but meaningful engagement without upsetting the domestic status quo December 24, 2020 Can Joe Biden unite America? The answer is Yes The president-elect can enact policies that manifestly help working Americans June 19, 2020 Irish-America must remain in step with political realities on island of Ireland America Letter: As Brexit talks intensify, the US should contribute to the Irish unity debate February 3, 2020 Untold histories of peace negotiations in the North New books include in-depth interviews with protagonists in 1998 October 8, 2019 The United States: A Government of Laws, or of Men? The ability of Congress to hold the president to account is being sorely tested June 22, 2018 Freedom and liberal democracy must return to States Trinity’s honouring of Hillary Clinton taps into desire to turn tide on Trump July 4, 2017 Time to tackle the emerging crisis in Irish American identity The effective absence of a new generation of Irish immigrants has raised important new questions January 18, 2017 Professor Ronan Fanning: A giant of Irish historiography Ted Smyth reflects on the incisive intellect and modern mind that was Prof Fanning December 31, 2016 Sir Robert Armstrong: ‘Nothing will ever be the same again in NI’ State papers 1986: UK secretary said Anglo-Irish Agreement resulted in ‘fundamental change’ written by John Bowman December 28, 2016 Democrats face eight hard steps to retake the White House Despite catastrophic loss to Donald Trump, the pulverised party can still pick itself up November 14, 2015 New Ireland Forum helped begin process of changing heartsand minds Shift in nationalist demands allowed forum to become launchpad for lobbying
THE HILL	March 16, 2022 A US special envoy to Northern Ireland would help preserve the peace
March 8, 2016 Opinion Op-Ed Brexit Vote Has High Stakes in Northern Ireland
Infrastructure Funding Converting a Daunting Gap Into a New Stimulus for Global Growth and Stability By Douglas L. Peterson and Ted Smyth
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY February 24, 2015 Speech by Ted Smyth on receiving: The Lew Glucksman Leadership Award at Glucksman Ireland House’s Gala Dinner
PITTSBURG GAZETTE May 6, 2014 Reconciliation still needed in Northern Ireland The Adams case is the result of unfinished business February 10, 2009 Mr. Ambassador January 7, 2007 Forum: Toward a safer world America faces a choice between two contrasting policies to make the world safer in the age of terrorism. September 2001 The (Successful) Irish Response to Terrorism Americans should reflect on what worked and what did not work to defeat 30 years of terror
Trinity Tales: Trinity College Dublin in the Seventies October 2011 These time-capsule recollections of Trinity College students in the seventies include those of U2 manager Paul McGuinness, director of the Gate Theatre Michael Colgan, novelist James Ryan, writer Robert O'Byrne, judge Fidelma Macken, publisher Antony Farrell, Dillie Keane of Fascinating Aida, Mary Harney, Liz O'Donnell, Ted Smyth and others, who have in different ways shaped the Ireland of today.
CMO 2.0 Conversation with Ted Smyth, EVP, Corporate Affairs at the McGraw-Hill Companies March 18, 2011 Written by Francois Gossieaux
NEW SCHOOL Spring 2005: World Policy Journal, Reconsiderations Ted Smyth took part in the Irish peace process as an Irish diplomat in the United States, Britain, and the secretariat of the New Ireland Forum. The Unsung Heroes of the Irish Peace Process Why did the Irish peace process eventually succeed in stopping the sectarian killing after centuries of violence in Ireland and when other sectarian conflicts still rage around the world? Might there be lessons the Irish could teach the world about reconciling bitter enemies?

November 15, 2022

Fourth Annual Bridging the Atlantic Conference, Royal Irish Academy, Dublin
An annual conference to discuss meaningful trilateral connections between the United States, Ireland and Europe on matters of mutual concern. Hosted by Clinton Institute, UCD, Queen’s University Belfast, and Georgetown University, Washington, DC in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in USA.

Closing Remarks, Ted Smyth, Chair, Advisory Board, Clinton Institute, Nov 15, 2022

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to thank the eloquent and distinguished policymakers, diplomats and scholars who joined us, especially those who have traveled from overseas. A special thanks to our organizers, Professors Liam Kennedy, Mary Daly, Scott Lucas and Catherine Carey from the Clinton institute, Prof Katy Hayward from Queens and Professors Coilin Parsons and Katrin Sieg from Georgetown. Thanks also to our invaluable partners in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Byrne Nason and Cathal Shannon.

So, why do we hold this annual Bridging the Atlantic conference? Some years ago, Deputy Prime Minister and Tanaiste Mary Harney said Ireland should look more to Boston than Berlin for its direction, preferring the US model to the European one.

This annual conference responded to that challenge with the proposition that Ireland need not make that binary choice, that Janus-like we can look both ways, discussing and seeking to resolve existential issues that threaten our world.

This afternoon, we have heard outstanding discussions on issues that must be addressed on a transatlantic basis, including military and energy security, and climate change

Above all, as the panel on Transatlantic Relations in Time of War affirmed, we must sustain democratic values at a time when part of Europe is enduring a cruel and brutal invasion by Russia. The unthinkable has happened in our time and as Alexander Stubb, stated, we cannot neglect our military security, or become over-dependent on US security in Europe.

Once again, the US has come to the aid of Europe, with massive investment and armaments from President Biden and Congress.

The distinguished Ambassadors Panel reminded us of the crucial importance of multilateral institutions such as the UN in protecting fundamental rights, combatting climate change, and promoting women’s coalitions.

The panel on the Future of Irish America highlighted the need to invest more in sustaining the Next Generation of Irish Americans through additional Irish studies courses in America and in Ireland.

The Chair and ranking member of the US Congressional sub-committee on Europe reiterated the unique bipartisan American support for the Good Friday Agreement. Rep Brian Fitzpatrick said it was in America’s best interests to ensure peace in Ireland to sustain a united front with the UK and EU in resisting Russian aggression and defending democracy and freedom.

In that context, it is worth noting that five times in the past 50 years, American support for peace and equal rights in Northern Ireland has proven crucial in persuading the British government to adopt a policy favoring equality between unionists and nationalists.

First, in 1972, Senate Hearings chaired by Senator Ted Kennedy propelled the British gov to end one-sided govt in NI and replace it with power sharing in the Sunningdale Agreement. Most regrettably, that major breakthrough was wrecked by Loyalist insurrection and IRA bombings.

Second, President Carter in 1977 called for a just solution in Northern Ireland involving the support of the Irish government, a condition that no previous US President had supported.

Third, in 1985 when Prime Minister Thatcher was refusing to sign the Anglo-Irish Agreement, President Reagan, at the instigation of Speaker Tip O’Neill, persuaded Thatcher to sign.

Fourth, President Clinton and his envoy, Senator Mitchell played a crucial role in the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998

Finally, fast forward to today, as Dr Sloat stated, President Biden, the most Irish of US Presidents, is 100 percent supportive of a negotiated settlement between London and Brussels that guarantees the integrity of the Belfast Agreement.

Speaker Pelosi and the Congressional Friends of Ireland have also made that abunabundantly clear. We are indeed indebted to President Biden and the Congressional Friends of Ireland and the many Irish Americans who lobby for support of the Good Friday Agreement.

Critically, the European Union has also stood up for Irish peace with Jacques Delors stating that the Good Friday Agreement was one of his proudest achievements.

And since Brexit, Ireland’s 26 partners in the EU have been firm allies in preventing a hard border in Ireland and in supporting the NI Protocol.

We are truly fortunate in Ireland to have such staunch friends in Europe and in America.

In closing, it is clear from today’s proceedings that the US, Europe and Ireland are determined to maintain strong and positive relations between the two continents to ensure democracy, economic growth, and human rights.

Please join me now in a resounding vote of thanks to all our participants Thank you, the Conference is ended.