A Cranberry Township man has been named director of recruiting for executive and professional programs at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

John Riley, who had previously served as Entrepreneur in Residence at Pitts’ Innovation Institute, was named to the position Monday, according to a news release from the university.

In his new position Riley will play a leading role in building awareness for programs at the school and identifying recruiting opportunities based on Katz’s network of alumni and faculty.

Riley, in a news release announcing his appointment, said he expects to lean heavily on that network as he works to promote the school’s programs.

“Because of the many innovators and thought leaders at the university, and in executive leadership positions around Pittsburgh, our region is becoming a global leader in fields like public health, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and many others,” said Riley. “That talent should be a great addition to candidates for our executive and professional programs.”

William T. Valenta, the assistant dean of Katz MBA and executive programs, called Riley’s experience in business invaluable to the school.

“John’s experience as an entrepreneur himself and his familiarity with the inner workings of various industries ... will enable him to develop relationships and expand on our already impressive network of faculty, alumni and corporate contacts.

Riley has spent 20 years working at companies including IBM Corp., Smith & Nephew and Genuity, and is a founding partner of DSK Equity. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Pitt and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.