Pat O’Donnell is Managing Partner at Principal Connections – executive search. Previously, an Executive Search Consultant with a London headquartered professional services plc, Mr. O’Donnell has operated within the executive search industry since 2007.
Mr. O’Donnell holds extensive expertise in conducting Senior, Executive and Board search assignments across the Private, Public and Not-For-Profit sectors in Ireland and internationally. He is known as a leading authority and trusted advisor to domestic and international client organisations in all phases of development and change. Mr. O’Donnell is especially talented in conducting sensitive and confidential engagements as well as transitioning elite candidates from the global market. He is also noted for his exceptional understanding of boardroom dynamics.
During his tenure, Mr. O’Donnell has led Principal Connections to be named in the “Top 10 Executive Search firms in Europe for 2024” by Manage HR Magazine; “Best in Executive Recruitment” at the Chambers Ireland InBUSINESS Magazine Recognition awards; “Best in Practice” for executive search consulting services at the Employment & Recruitment Federation Awards (formally the National Recruitment Federation); as well as to achieve the award of “Business All-Star” accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation.
Mr. O’Donnell has also previously served as a Voluntary Board Director of Galway Simon Community, a registered charity dedicated to the provision of housing, support, and healthcare services to the homeless in the West of Ireland.
Mr. O’Donnell holds’ an Honours undergraduate Law Degree from the National University of Ireland Galway, a Master’s Degree in Commercial Law from University College Dublin’s School of Law and a Diploma in Human Resource Management from the National College of Ireland amongst other academic accolades. He is Certified Level A and B by the British Psychological Society as well as a Certified Hogan and EQi Assessments Practitioner which he utilises in the assessment of top line management and executive teams.