BrazilPortas Consulting names Donal McElwee as managing partner
International sports consultancy Portas Consulting has named Donal McElwee as its new managing partner.
Promoted from within the firm, Donal McElwee has been with Portas Consulting since 2013, most recently leading the Middle East and Africa geography since 2015. He now leads a team of over 150 consultants and staff across offices in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
“I am delighted to be taking over as managing partner, in what is a time of significant growth in the sports sector and for Portas Consulting,” said Donal McElwee, who is based in the firm’s Dubai office and will maintain a focus on the Middle East alongside his global mandate.
“We have an excellent team of consultants who are passionate about sport and committed to positively impacting the sector. Our clients share a similar passion and commitment, and we are excited to help them lead and shape the future of sport,” McElwee continued.
Founded in 2006, Portas Consulting advises sport bodies, tournaments, governments and private sector organisations in the sector on strategic topics. The consulting firm was established and led by David Portas for the past seventeen years, with the founder now transitioning to the role of executive chairman.
“I am so proud of how we have grown and transformed into a global leading company in the sports sector. My new role will allow me focus on further expansion opportunities and enhance our reputation for high-quality pragmatic advice and ideas. It will also allow me to build the next generation of leaders.”
Commenting on the appointment of his successor, Portas said: “Donal has proven himself a great leader of the firm and I am delighted he is taking over my strategic and operational roles, as well as to continue to distinctively serve our clients in the Middle East.”
Prior to his tenure at Portas Consulting, McElwee worked for Roland Berger, while Portas previously was a senior partner at McKinsey & Company.
Last year, Portas Consulting was named a leading sports consulting firm in both the Middle East and the United Kingdom.
