Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar becomes adviser for US public relations firm

Mr Varadkar will join the board of Penta, who advise clients including Google and Microsoft

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to become a global advisor for the US public relations firm Penta, whose clients include multinationals like Google and Microsoft. Picture: Brian Lawless

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to become a global adviser for the US public relations firm Penta, whose clients include multinationals like Google, JP Morgan, and Microsoft. 

Mr Varadkar was Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2024, when he stepped down as Fine Gael leader to be replaced by Simon Harris. He will join the board of Penta Group officially on April 10.

"We are thrilled to welcome Leo Varadkar to our team," said Penta Group chief executive Matt McDonald. "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 our clients navigate today’s increasingly complex global environment."

Penta Group acquired Irish firm Hume Brophy in 2022. It is headquartered in Washington but has offices worldwide, including Dublin. 

Mr Varadkar is a qualified medical doctor, and in government before being Taoiseach and Tánaiste his ministerial portfolios included health; enterprise, trade, and employment; transport, tourism, and sport; and social protection. 

"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," said Mr Varadkar.