Interviews

Name: Keeva O'Connor
Degree/Masters: B.Sc

Tell us a little bit about your role with MATCH AG.
I work within the program management team and specifically for the World Cup I am one of three operations managers for our IT command center. I have to say this is far from my beginning as an accountant with Freemans Mail-Order Company in the UK! In the command center we have a senior operations management group of about 40 people from all companies together with our local venue teams who are responsible for delivering the IT infrastructure for the World Cup. The centre looks a bit like NASA mission control with close to 24/7 operations for a two month period over the World Cup, you forget what day of the week it is! All with one goal which is to deliver a great World Cup.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy working with different nationalities and cultures in different countries and having the opportunity to get first hand experience of how business is conducted. This can bring many challenges when we are delivering an event such as the World Cup, how we worked in Germany is very different to how we are working in Brazil and we have to adapt to the local ways. There is always something new to learn.

Match AG have worked on some of the biggest football tournaments of recent years. Does any tournament in particular stand out as your favourite and why?
Although I wasn’t working directly for MATCH AG at the time, my favourite would have to be the World Cup in Korea and Japan. I had never lived or worked in Asia or with the Asian culture and I was based in Korea for just over a year for the event. The people were wonderful and I enjoyed learning about their culture and social norms in business and everyday life. They refer to themselves as the Irish of Asia! The best part was Ireland making it through to play in Korea, even amid all the [Roy Keane-Mick McCarthy] controversy I have never experienced anything like the excitement, singing and general camaraderie. I don’t think that experience will ever be repeated.

What is the most useful piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My parents always said two things to me growing up, ‘the world is your Oyster’ and  ‘to thine own self be true’. I would like to think I have taken the opportunities presented to me and tried to stay grounded no matter what area of business or event I am working in.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend time catching up with family and friends and if I get a chance to go to live music shows whether a big concert or a small local bar. When I am home I always try to have at least one rugby day out, I miss the chilly days with beer in gloved hands shouting on the team and enjoying the banter.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Mary Robinson, Chris Hadfield, Russell Brand, Vanessa Redgrave, Mary Lou McDonald ,Graham Norton, George Hook, Billy Connolly, Jo Brand, Bono, and my husband!