Fiona O'Donnell

I joined the family business in 1993 working alongside my father, John and his brothers Tom and Pat after graduating in Business and Finance. Starting out, I held a number of executive assistant, commercial and accounting roles gaining a broad and comprehensive knowledge across the Group.

In 2014 I was appointed as Group Company Secretary responsible for ensuring that the company complies with financial and legal practice and maintaining standards of corporate governance. The knowledge I have gained of the company assists me in promoting a culture of openness and communication between all departments and teams.

I coordinate all family office and family Board matters across the first and second generation and ensure all Board Committees run effectively along with reviewing their performance for improvements for the sustainability of the Group.

I was the lead for adopting the Wates Corporate Governance Code and the representative for the Carey Group membership to the Institute of Family Businesses and see myself as one of the guardians of the business for future generations.

I am not passionate about rules; I am passionate about rich conversation, meaningful decisions, and happy and engaged participants who have the freedom to get things done. All the best teams work to a system - good people and good governance makes progress possible.

Away from work I enjoy family time with my husband, three children and dogs in the countryside and like travelling to relaxed, sunny climes when possible.