Patrick O'Connell is the former interim director of program and strategy at London’s High Speed Rail 2, Ltd (HS2). Patrick O'Connell stepped away from HS2 in 2016 and took on the role of executive director and chief of naval personnel with the US Navy. In December 2016, the chief of naval operations approved a new operating model for the chief of naval personnel and all relevant departments. The new model can largely be attributed to Mr. O'Connell, who was recruited to the position of chief of naval personnel operations earlier in the year with orders to update the Navy’s existing operating model, which was described as asynchronous and piecemeal in design. The older mode of operations often had provided inaccurate analytics and generally functioned too inefficiently to maintain.The newer model assumes a more holistic attitude and relies heavily on modernized cloud computing technology. Approval of the operating model was further supported by both the Department of Defense chief information officer and the Department of Navy chief information officer, who recommended the Navy continue moving away from outdated “on-premise” models to a more effective, accessible cloud-based model.
A longtime organizational administrator who presently serves as the United States Navy’s chief of naval personnel, Patrick O’Connell previously held interim leadership responsibilities with High Speed Rail 2, Ltd. (HS2). Patrick O’Connell guided strategy and program development for an ambitious HS2 high speed rail network that will connect London with the Midlands and Northern England.With the $85 billion project progressing year-by-year, members of the regional business community are beginning to invest significant effort into planning for expected economic growth. Recently, the business advisory group of HS2 (Geldards) and the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce partnered to create a new business advisory group that will coordinate activities region wide. The projected gains are substantial, once HS2 trains begin operation in 2032, they are expected to generate nearly $5.5 billion in additional economic activity. The aim of the new group is to find strategic pathways toward maximizing these gains and providing East Midlands residents with greater opportunities as a result. In addition to developing new infrastructure that attracts high value companies, the plan involves regenerating local industries as well.
