Derek O'donnell
About Derek O'donnell
Derek O'Donnell serves as the Senior Vice President of Strategy, Transformation, CX, Marketing & Innovation for CHEP Europe, bringing extensive experience in the FMCG and logistics sectors. He has held various leadership roles at Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd and Goodman Fielder, and is recognized for his ability to drive sustainable change and foster high-performing teams.
Work at Brambles
Derek O'Donnell currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Strategy, Transformation, CX, Marketing & Innovation for CHEP Europe at Brambles. He has held this position since 2021, operating from the London Area, United Kingdom. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives that enhance customer experience and drive innovation within the organization. Prior to this position, he was the Senior Vice President of Global Business Transformation & Optimisation at Brambles from 2018 to 2021.
Previous Experience at Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd
Derek O'Donnell has extensive experience with Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd, where he held various roles over several years. He began as a Management Accountant in 2001 for six months and later served as the National Business Performance Manager, Supply Chain from 2004 to 2005. He progressed to the National Logistics & Planning Manager, Supply Chain from 2007 to 2010, and then as the National Logistics Manager from 2010 to 2011. He also worked as the National Commercial Manager, Supply Chain from 2005 to 2007 and as the General Manager: Supply Chain - Victoria/Tasmania from 2011 to 2013.
Education and Expertise
Derek O'Donnell studied at the University of Limerick, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Studies with a focus on Finance and Economics from 1990 to 1994. He furthered his education at CIMA, achieving the Chartered Management Accountant designation from 1995 to 1997. His academic background supports his extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational execution across various sectors, including FMCG and logistics.
Background in Accounting and Finance
Derek O'Donnell began his career in accounting and finance with roles at several organizations. He worked as a Trainee Accountant at Kerry Group in 1992 and as an Assistant Tax Accountant at Intel in 1993. He later served as a Management Accountant at LEO Pharma from 1999 to 2001. His diverse background in finance has contributed to his commercial acumen and ability to identify efficiencies that drive business growth.
Achievements in Transformation and Team Culture
Derek O'Donnell is known for leading a major transformation initiative at CHEP Europe, focusing on enhancing customer experience and driving innovation. He has a proven track record of delivering sustainable change and growth in the FMCG and logistics sectors. Additionally, he is recognized for fostering a high-performing team culture that motivates individuals, particularly during challenging circumstances.