Advocacy needs to move at the speed of an agency, says new CEO of Belong To

Former  Thinkhouse executive Kieran O’Donnovan takes on new role with  Belong To, the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people

Kieran O’Donnovan, CEO of Belong To.

Kieran O’Donnovan has been appointed as CEO of Belong To, the national organisation for LGBTQ+ young people.

Originally from West Cork, O’Donovan brings 18 years of experience working in creative and youth-culture spheres to his new role. His most recent position was as head of client service at Thinkhouse, which is a B Corp-certified, youth-culture agency.

He brings 18 years of experience to the role from the commercial creative and youth culture industry. He is a recognised leader in youth culture and strategic innovation. In his new role, he will mainly focus on modernising advocacy and strengthening support systems for LGBTQ+ youth across Ireland.

Kieran O’Donnovan says that after 18 years of helping brands navigate youth culture, he has seen how quickly narratives can shift.

“I’m moving to the NGO sector because I believe advocacy needs to move at the speed of an agency," he said. “By bringing the same strategic rigour and digital-first thinking we use in the commercial world, we can strengthen how we protect and empower LGBTQ+ youth in an increasingly complex environment.” 

Since 2003, Belong To has grown from a youth project into a unique national services and advocacy organisation with and for LGBTQ+ children and young people. It works directly with LGBTQ+ young people aged 14-23.