Quick Fire: Ed O'Connell

UK CEO Ed O'Connell is responsible for Eames Consulting and ECMS in the UK. Joining us in June 2024, he’s headed up a variety of recruitment and managed services businesses during more than 20 years in the talent industry. Now he shares some of the highlights and lessons from an eventful career journey.

Something about Eames people would be surprised to know?

“That it’s all hard work,” he says.

What keeps you in the industry?

“The challenge. Ultimately, competition.”

Describe the culture of Eames in three words?

“Hard-working, accountable, fun.”

What did you spend your first commission cheque on?

“A car.”

First coffee of the day or the first beer after work?

“First coffee of the day.”

Most rewarding part of your job?

“Now it’s seeing people’s development, progression.”

Proudest moment of your career?

“Honestly, it’s being here.”

What value resonates the most with you, and why?

“Ingrained drive. I think our industry, the people with ingrained drive go all the way. They have the opportunity to do some really, really brilliant things and that’s inherent in everyone.”

Best career advice you’ve ever been given?

“Don’t shortcut anything. Be willing to go slower to do something right, to build it properly so that in the long term, ultimately, you get the right result. Don’t shortcut.”

What are you most excited about for the future?

“I’m really excited to see the size at which we become as an organisation. I can’t wait to see the careers that develop, the pace at which we do it, the fun that we have, the challenge. I’m excited by all of it.”

If you want to find out more about Ed’s career journey and the life of a recruiter, please get in touch with him. For more on what it’s like working for Eames Group, check out our careers page.