HR Directors Now Among Ireland’s Most Influential Leaders – But Leadership Gaps Remain, Says New Report. A comprehensive new survey lifts the lid on the changing role of HR Directors – and the urgent challenges they face at the top table.
A rising strategic role, increasing pressure from CEOs, and a looming leadership gap – these are just some of the key insights from the Principal Connections HR Directors Consensus 2025, a major study into the state of HR leadership across Ireland.
The research gathered input from more than 130 senior HR executives working in organisations of all sizes and sectors. What emerges is a picture of HR Directors as indispensable to corporate strategy – yet increasingly burdened, under-resourced, and in many cases, without a successor in sight.
The study reveals that today’s HR leaders are no longer confined to personnel and policy – they are now deeply involved in commercial planning, risk mitigation, and change leadership. In fact, 71 per cent of respondents said they are central to shaping business strategy, while CEOs expect them to serve as trusted advisors and architects of transformation.
Yet for all this responsibility, many feel they are facing into the future alone. A staggering 68 per cent said there is no “ready now” successor to step into their role. The implications of this for talent continuity and organisational resilience are significant.
These findings will be of interest not only to business leaders and boards, but also to investors and policymakers. The strategic influence of HR Directors has never been greater – but if organisations are to remain competitive, more must be done to support these leaders and invest in future talent pipelines.
The age group most represented in the survey was 45–54, reflecting a cohort of experienced professionals who have grown into senior HR leadership roles and now carry considerable influence at board level.
Working across sectors from financial services and healthcare to technology and manufacturing, respondents cited “transformation and change” as the most valuable experience in their careers to date. They also identified “opportunity to make an impact” and “organisational culture” as the most important factors when considering a future move.
But the job comes with pressure. Over 40 per cent say work volume and prioritisation keeps them awake at night. One in four say their role was secured through an executive search firm -reinforcing the need for strategic talent support in this space.
A growing number are opting for hybrid working models (69 per cent), and over a third earn in excess of €150,000, with bonuses ranging up to 50 per cent.
“The research confirms what we’ve long seen in practice – that HR Directors are no longer behind-the-scenes operators. They are leading from the front, but often without the resources or support they need,” says Pat O’Donnell, Managing Partner at Principal Connections – executive search.
“This is a pivotal moment. Organisations must act decisively to retain top HR talent, plan for succession, and recognise the strategic weight these leaders now carry.”
With increasing board-level visibility, rising demands, and growing influence across every aspect of business operations, Ireland’s HR Directors are now among the country’s most vital executive leaders. Supporting their development and succession isn’t just an HR issue – it’s a national competitiveness imperative.
*Conducted by executive search specialists Principal Connections
