Radio and television contributor, entrepreneur and award-winning business journalist Siobhan O’Connell is a relaxed, informed and experienced moderator and presenter who never fails to engage audiences and help them get the most out of any panel discussion, whether it’s on current affairs, business or media and marketing.
Involved in business journalism for three decades, first as a journalist and later as the founder of Ireland’s largest circulation business magazine, Business Plus, Siobhan has broad knowledge of business, current affairs and news, and strong interviewing skills that allow her to get to the heart of any story or issue.
She has also moderated multiple events for Business Plus and for private clients such as PwC, Women’s Executive Network (WXN) and The Reputations Agency. In her spare time, Siobhán chairs the Judging Panel to select Business Story of The Year at the annual NewsBrands Ireland Journalism Awards.
In 1989, aged just 20, Siobhán joined the launch team of The Sunday Business Post, where she was to establish her credentials as a leading business journalist and opinion writer. As the paper’s Media and Marketing Editor, Siobhán was named National Young Journalist of The Year in 1993 at the annual newspaper industry awards. In 1998 Siobhán co-founded Business Plus magazine, combining her journalism talent with a move into commercial sales and marketing, including social media across multiple channels.
Alongside her career in print journalism, Siobhán has carved a path in radio and television, with contributions to Newstalk’s Breakfast Show, Claire Byrne, Questions & Answers, The Today Show and The Business. Meanwhile, following the popularity of ‘Rich List’ which rated as the most watched programme on RTE 1 television in 2018, Siobhán has been invited back as a commentator for the 2019 broadcast.
"Siobhán did a super job for us, presenting our Budget video with Austin Hughes, Chief Economist, KBC Ireland, Joe Tynan, Tax Partner, PwC Ireland and Susan Kilty, Head of Tax, PwC Ireland. It was one of our most watched Budget videos with over 26,000 views.” Johanna Dehaene, Head of Corporate Communications, PWC Ireland.
“Siobhán facilitated the panel discussion at the 10 th anniversary of the Ireland RepTrak breakfast briefing. Her relaxed, engaging and informed approach with the panel -Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia, Vincent Harrison, Managing Director, Dublin Airport and Sean Doyle, CEO, Aer Lingus, made for a fantastic discussion. Her time management was excellent and her research into the speakers and topics really shone through.” Niamh Boyle, Managing Director, The Reputations Agency.