Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar is set to take up an advisory role with US-based public relations firm Penta Group next month.
According to a release from Penta, Mr. Varadkar will officially join the organisation April 10 with a position on its Global Advisory Board.
“We are thrilled to welcome Leo Varadkar to our team,” CEO of Penta Group, Matt McDonald said.
“His deep commitment to evidence-based policymaking and strategic leadership aligns seamlessly with Penta’s mission. His experience at the highest levels of government will enhance our ability to provide data-driven advice and solutions to help clients navigate today’s increasingly complex global environment,” he added.
Penta, which is headquartered in Washington DC but has offices across Europe and Asia, advises some of the world’s largest corporations, including Microsoft, Google and Open AI among others.
Alongside his two stints as taoiseach from 2017 to 2020 and then again from 2022 to 2024, Mr Varadkar held ministerial positions across a variety of departments during his political career, as well as being a qualified medical doctor.
“As a two-term Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) and a transformational leader on both national and international stages, Mr. Varadkar has spearheaded major policy reforms and crisis management efforts that have shaped Ireland’s strong global standing. His expertise in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, economic development, and progressive social change will be invaluable as Penta continues its rapid expansion in 2025 and beyond,” Penta said in its press release this morning.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, integrating data and evidence into decision-making is more critical than ever,” Mr Varadkar said, adding “Penta Group is at the forefront of using research and analytics to make a real impact, and I look forward to contributing to its innovative approach in helping global organisations navigate complexity with confidence.”
The company said that Mr Varadkar’s “extensive policy expertise and unwavering commitment to fact-based decision-making” will be a “major asset” to itself and its clients.