Jacqueline O’Donovan

Jacqueline O’Donovan is a business leader, entrepreneur and sustainability advocate who is widely recognised for driving positive change across the transport, logistics and construction sectors. Jacqueline is the founder of ODPR, a consultancy focused on responsible business practices, sustainability and regulatory improvement. Through her work, she helps organisations understand how sustainable practices can strengthen performance, reduce environmental impact and improve industry standards. Jacqueline is frequently invited to speak at conferences, industry events and leadership forums because she combines practical business experience with a strong commitment to responsible leadership. Her talks focus on sustainability, ethical business, innovation and the role of leaders in shaping more sustainable industries. She is also known for her work campaigning to improve driver regulations and industry conditions, demonstrating how sustainability must include social responsibility alongside environmental progress.

Jacqueline has built an impressive career over many years in sectors that play a critical role in the UK economy. She has held senior leadership positions and founded successful businesses while consistently championing innovation and better industry practices. In 2023 she launched ODPR, expanding her work into consultancy and advisory services that help organisations navigate sustainability challenges and regulatory change. Jacqueline has also been an active campaigner for positive reform within the transport sector, serving as Campaign Director for Change Driver Regulations for the Better in 2024. Her ability to bring together business leaders, policy makers and industry bodies has helped drive important conversations about safety, sustainability and long term improvement.

Throughout her career Jacqueline has received significant recognition for her leadership and achievements. In 2023 she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours for her contribution to business and industry. The same year she was named Business Leader of the Year at the Global Irish Diaspora Awards. She was previously a National Finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards in 2020 and won Mentor of the Year at the Forward Ladies Awards in 2019. That year she also received Entrepreneur of the Year at the Growing Business Awards. Earlier honours include Businesswoman of the Year at the SME National Business Awards and the Female Leadership Award from Building Magazine in 2018, as well as UK Private Businesswoman of the Year from PwC National Private. In 2017 she was recognised as Women in Logistics Leader of the Year and received the FTA Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Industry Champion award. Her earlier accolades include Outstanding Woman in Construction, Achiever of the Year in Constructing Excellence and several business leadership awards recognising innovation and inspiration.

Jacqueline’s depth of leadership experience, combined with her long standing commitment to improving industries that are essential to the economy, makes her a highly credible and influential sustainability speaker. Having spent many years working within sectors such as transport, logistics and construction, Jacqueline understands the real operational challenges that businesses face when attempting to balance growth, regulation and environmental responsibility. This practical experience allows her to speak with authority about how organisations can move beyond theory and implement meaningful, measurable change. Hire Jacqueline with The Sustainability Speakers Agency today!