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Eileen Donnelly
Director at Ripple&Co, Award Winning Speaker
Professional Background
Eileen Donnelly is an accomplished senior leader and strategic advisor with impressive experience at the Director level across a variety of FTSE 250 companies. Over the span of 20 years, she has honed her exceptional commercial acumen by working closely with organizations in diverse sectors. Her deep understanding of business priorities, effective risk management, and corporate reputation makes her a pivotal asset in any organization seeking to enhance its corporate wellbeing.
Eileen's career path reflects a steadfast commitment to prioritizing people within the corporate structure. She has dedicated herself to developing purpose-driven business strategies that promote healthy workplace cultures. Eileen advocates for companies to respond proactively to pressing global issues such as climate change and mental health. Her focus on the significance of investing in human capital is particularly relevant in today’s dynamic corporate landscape where employee wellbeing is increasingly recognized as critical to organizational success.
Eileen embraces a holistic approach to improving workplace environments, striving to implement wellbeing programs that emphasize mental health. Her initial foray into the professional realm began with a solid foundation in marketing and communications, evolving into prominent senior roles in corporate responsibility. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with industry leaders to ensure their corporate responsibility strategies align seamlessly with commercial objectives, thereby enhancing their overall reputational strength.
With a proven record of successful influencing, Eileen has effectively engaged with individuals across all levels of organizations, including board members, C-suite executives, and specialized committees. Her ability to establish strong and trusted relationships has been instrumental in driving meaningful change within organizations, promoting a culture where both employees and the communities they belong to can thrive.
Education and Achievements
Eileen's academic credentials substantiate her expertise in marketing and communications. She completed her BA (Hons) with a 2:1 in Communications and Marketing at Coventry University, followed by postgraduate studies in marketing at London Guildhall University. This educational background has equipped her with a robust understanding of the principles of communications strategy, market engagement, and the importance of ethical marketing practices.
Throughout her career, Eileen has engaged with various professional organizations and has held numerous significant roles that reflect her depth of experience. Notably, she has served as the Business & Wellbeing Lead at the What Works Centre for Wellbeing, where she has been at the forefront of driving initiatives aimed at creating healthier workplaces. Her former position as Director at Ripple&Co allowed her to further the integration of corporate responsibility and commercial strategy, supporting businesses in aligning their missions with ethical practices.
Her various roles have also included serving as a licensed trainer for Mental Health First Aid in England, where she contributed to raising awareness and training for mental health issues in the workplace. As a former Non-Executive Director at IEMA, Eileen provided guidance in environmental management and sustainability best practices.
In addition to her corporate leadership roles, Eileen's passion extends to her work in sustainability and ethical governance, where she has made strides in fostering values-driven cultures. Her previous position as Global Director of Sustainability & External Affairs at PZ Cussons showcased her capabilities in managing relationships and promoting sustainable practices within a global framework.
Achievements
- Strategic Leadership: Eileen's extensive experience in senior corporate roles has led to the effective implementation of sustainable business strategies, positively influencing organizational cultures to prioritize employee and community wellbeing.
- Wellbeing Advocate: As the Business & Wellbeing Lead at the What Works Centre for Wellbeing, she has played a crucial role in promoting the importance of mental health in corporate settings, developing programs that foster healthy work environments.
- Trainer and Educator: Through her work as a licensed trainer for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), she has empowered numerous individuals and organizations with the tools and knowledge to address mental health in the workplace.
- Corporate Governance: Eileen has significantly contributed to various boards and committees, offering her expertise in corporate responsibility and sustainability, thereby shaping policies that reflect best practices in ethics and corporate governance.
- Diverse Experience: Eileen has worked at notable organizations such as The Co-operative Bank, PZ Cussons, Virgin Group, and John Lewis Partnership, gaining a wide-ranging understanding of various corporate environments and their unique challenges and opportunities in sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Eileen Donnelly's career embodies the intersection of corporate responsibility, mental health advocacy, and strategic leadership. A compassionate leader, she continues to inspire organizations to invest in their most valuable asset—their people, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future within the corporate world.