A leading former European prime minister will advise Google and JP Morgan from Penta: “He will provide high-level strategic advice”

A former European leader is set to lend his expertise to some of the world’s biggest companies, including Google and JP Morgan, through an advisory role with a major U.S.-based public relations firm.

Leo Varadkar, who served as Ireland’s taoiseach across two terms, has been appointed to the advisory board of Penta, a global strategic communications and advisory firm. With a client list that includes Microsoft, OpenAI, and Bank of America, the company says Varadkar will provide “high-level strategic advice” across multiple markets.

What role will Varadkar play for Google and others?

Varadkar’s appointment, effective next month, comes less than a year after he stepped down as Ireland’s prime minister in April 2024. Penta has emphasized that his role will not involve lobbying – although cynics have there own view on that – but will focus on helping clients navigate complex geopolitical and economic landscapes.

“As taoiseach, Mr Varadkar spearheaded major policy reforms and crisis management efforts that have strengthened Ireland’s global standing,” the company said in a statement. “His expertise in economic development, international affairs, and progressive social change will be invaluable as Penta continues its expansion in 2025 and beyond.”

Here’s a flashback to when he was mingling with the Google execs in 2018.

The move has been cleared by Ireland’s ethics watchdog, the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo), which reviewed the appointment before approving Varadkar’s start date.

It’s worth noting that alongside his new corporate advisory position, Varadkar recently took on a part-time teaching and mentoring role at Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership.

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