Thomas is a professor at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick where he specialises in both the research and teaching of Human Resource Development, Leadership Development and Vocational Training and Education. A graduate of the University of Limerick (BBS, 1982; MBS, 1985) and the University of Bristol (Doctor of Education, 1996), he has authored or co-authored 14 books and 100 refereed journal papers and book chapters.

Thomas is a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Training and Development (FIITD) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD). He is also a member of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (USA) and a board member of both the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) and the University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD). Thomas is currently Editor-in-Chief of Journal of European and Industrial Training and Associate Editor of Human Resource Development International. He is a member of the editorial board of Human Resource Development Review, Advances of Developing Human Resources, and Human Resource Development Quarterly. His most recent co-authored publication is Developing Managers and Leaders: Perspectives, Debates and Practices in Ireland, published by Gill & Macmillan.