Donal Smith

Donal Smith has a diverse work experience spanning several industries. Donal has most recently worked as the Director of Analytics at The AA (Ireland) since November 2023. Prior to this, they served as the Head of Analytics & Insights at Hostelworld Group from May 2020 to November 2023, and as an Analytics & Insights Manager from February 2018 to May 2020.

Before entering the analytics field, Donal worked in the aviation industry. Donal was the Group Manager - User Charges and Regulation at International Airlines Group (IAG) from January 2017 to February 2018. In this role, they were responsible for financial planning and analysis of airport user charges across the group. Additionally, they managed relationships and led commercial negotiations with airports in Ireland, the UK, and Northern Europe.

Prior to IAG, Donal held multiple roles at Aer Lingus. Donal served as a Commercial Planning Manager from June 2016 to January 2017, where they were responsible for route profitability and business case approval. Donal also worked as a Resource Planning Manager - Operations from February 2016 to September 2016, overseeing budgets and reducing staff costs. Earlier in their career, they held the position of Business Operations Analyst from September 2014 to January 2016.

Donal's career began at Ernst & Young, where they worked as an Assistant Manager from September 2009 to February 2014. During their time at EY, they specialized in audits for various industries and gained experience in accounting, financial statements, and team management.

In addition to their professional experience, Donal also gained industry exposure as a Financial Assistant at IBM in 2008 and as an Audit Assistant at Deloitte Ireland in the same year.

Donal Smith's education history consists of obtaining a Professional Diploma in Analytics & AI from The Analytics Institute of Ireland, which will be completed in 2023. Prior to that, they attended the Irish Management Institute in 2019 for Leading Strategy Execution. From 2009 to 2011, Donal studied at Chartered Accountants Ireland and earned an ACA degree. Their undergraduate education took place from 2006 to 2009 at Dublin City University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting and Finance. Lastly, they attended Scoil Dara, Kilcock from 2001 to 2006, although no specific degree or field of study was provided for this period.