CEO & Founder of ODPR, Former Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste & a Fellow of the Chartered Institute
Jacqueline O’Donovan’s Biography:
Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, sustainability advocate and internationally recognised keynote speaker, best known as the Founder and CEO of ODPR and the former Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd. Widely regarded as one of the leading voices in waste management, logistics and environmental responsibility, Jacqueline has built a reputation for challenging outdated thinking and driving meaningful change across highly regulated industries. Her most notable honour came in 2023 when she was awarded an OBE for services to Recycling, Safety and Industry in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours. As a speaker, Jacqueline combines commercial expertise with practical leadership insight, inspiring organisations to prioritise sustainability, inclusion and long-term business resilience.
Jacqueline’s career journey began at just 19 years old when she took over the running of her family business following the death of her father. Stepping into the role of Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, she transformed the company from a small family-run operation into one of the UK’s most respected independent waste, recycling and logistics businesses. Over 36 years, Jacqueline led the organisation through sustained commercial growth while embedding a culture centred on safety, operational excellence and environmental responsibility. Her pioneering work included collaborating on the redesign of HGV cabs to improve road safety standards, helping influence safer transport practices across the industry. Jacqueline also became the only female CEO in the world to earn a Master’s Degree in Demolition Management, further strengthening her authority within construction and environmental services.
Alongside her commercial success, Jacqueline has earned widespread recognition for her leadership and advocacy work. She has studied sustainability leadership at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and continues to champion ESG-focused business practices through her current ventures and advisory roles. In 2023, Jacqueline launched ODPR, a strategic communications consultancy supporting businesses across construction, logistics and infrastructure sectors. She also serves as Campaign Director for Change Driver Regulations For The Better, advocating for improved HGV regulations and road safety standards. Her achievements include being named PwC UK Private Businesswoman of the Year, Women in Logistics Leader of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year at the Growing Business Awards, and receiving the Presidential Distinguished Service Award from the President of Ireland for her contribution to the Irish community in the UK. In 2025, Jacqueline was further recognised with a lifetime achievement honour celebrating her lasting impact on business and industry leadership.
Why Hire Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE?
Event organisers hire Jacqueline because she delivers authentic, practical and impactful insight drawn from decades of frontline leadership experience. She speaks on topics including sustainability, ESG, leadership, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, logistics, female entrepreneurship and the future of responsible business. Jacqueline’s presentations resonate with audiences because they are grounded in real-world experience, from scaling a multimillion-pound company to influencing national conversations around environmental standards and workplace safety. Her honest delivery style, combined with strategic expertise and infectious energy, leaves audiences informed, motivated and ready to create meaningful change within their own organisations.
Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Jacqueline O’Donovan’s remarkable career:
- 2026 – Delivered a workshop to BITA with ODPR
- 2025 – Received the London Irish Centre Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2024 – Became Campaign Director for Change Driver Regulations For The Better
- 2023 – Awarded an OBE for services to recycling, safety and industry
- 2023 – Won Business Leader of the Year at the Global Irish Diaspora Awards
- 2023 – Launched ODPR
- 2020 – Named a National Finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2019 – Won Growing Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2019 – Won Forward Ladies Mentor of the Year, London & Southeast
- 2018 – Won PwC UK Private Businesswoman of the Year
- 2017 – Won Women in Logistics Leader of the Year
- 2016 – Won Outstanding Woman in Construction
Videos
Jacqueline O’Donovan’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Thank you for sharing your experience and ultimately jumping in the deep end, managing and growing your family business as you didn’t have a choice. You’re an amazing entrepreneur and business figure with phenomenal leadership.” – Youth Business UK
“You are a breath of fresh air Jacqueline, saying it how it is. The Irish roots run deep” – Jennifer, Co Founder & CEO, Elemental Software
“This is the kind of clarity and confidence that serious founders need to hear. Love the distinction you made. Mentoring isn’t a casual chat; it’s a strategic investment, and when the right people show up with purpose, real transformation follows. “Make room for growth and results” isn’t just a line; it’s a mindset. You’re setting a powerful standard for what meaningful guidance should look like.” – Dr Agata K, Founder & CEO at SERI
Speaking Topics
Jacqueline O’Donovan’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Waste and Demolition
- Sustainability and ESG
- Reputation, PR and Brand Storytelling
- Logistics and Transport Safety
- Health and Safety
- Female Leadership
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Building and Scaling a Business
How Much Does Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE?
Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE’s speaking fee varies depending on event location, format, duration and preparation requirements. For an accurate quote, share the event date, audience size, venue and required presentation type.