Pat O’Donnell is Managing Partner and Executive Search Consultant at Principal Connections – executive search, with 20 years of experience. Before co-founding the firm, Mr O’Donnell served as an Executive Search Consultant at a London-headquartered professional services PLC. He is a trusted advisor on senior, executive, and board-level appointments across Private, Public, and Not-for-Profit sectors. Importantly, Mr O’Donnell combines deep boardroom insight with strong delivery of confidential and complex search mandates. Furthermore, he is known for transitioning elite global candidates into strategic leadership roles.
Under his leadership, Principal Connections has achieved several prestigious awards and industry recognitions, including:
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Top 10 Executive Search Firms in Europe 2024 by Manage HR Magazine
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Best in Executive Recruitment – Chambers Ireland InBUSINESS Recognition Awards
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Best in Practice – Executive Search – Employment & Recruitment Federation Awards
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Business All-Star Accreditation – All-Ireland Business Foundation
Mr O’Donnell also served as Voluntary Board Director of Galway Simon Community, supporting those facing homelessness in the West of Ireland. He holds an Honours Law Degree from NUI Galway, a Master’s in Commercial Law from UCD, and a Diploma in HR Management. Additionally, Mr O’Donnell is certified in psychometric assessment (Level A & B) by the British Psychological Society. He is also an accredited Hogan and EQi Assessments Practitioner, advising clients on senior leadership and executive team development.