Dr Brian Donovan Email & Phone Number

Dublin, Ie

Dublin

Lead Findmypast’s B2B operations and partnerships, including the FMP & BNA Library editions and the academic access platform, The Social History Archive (SHA). Responsible for driving strategic growth through content licensing, market expansion, and B2B business development, generating significant revenue from partnerships with libraries, academic institutions, and adjacent markets. Oversee diverse business lines, including 3rd party licensing, ensuring alignment with Findmypast’s long-term objectives.

Dublin

Played a key role in establishing Findmypast Ireland Ltd. as a joint venture in 2010 and in resolving the partnership in 2014. Continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director, providing strategic guidance and oversight to support the company’s goals in the Irish genealogy and digital heritage sectors.

County Dublin, Ireland

Led initiatives to expand Findmypast’s data offerings, focusing on identifying and licensing new historical records. Instrumental in creating the Catholic Heritage Archive, a major addition to our genealogy resources, and developed partnerships for Irish data and Scottish records. Built a foundation of international licensing relationships to support future content growth.

Dublin

Oversaw the acquisition and development of high-value historical data for Irish family history, collaborating with archives, libraries, and other data holders globally. Expanded Findmypast’s Irish genealogy resources by forging strategic partnerships and acquiring exclusive data assets, laying the groundwork for substantial revenue growth in the Irish heritage market.

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

As CEO of Eneclann, I transformed the company from a start-up into Ireland’s leading genealogy and archival service provider, pioneering digital access to Irish historical records. Under my leadership, we digitized over 60 million records, built a digital publication catalogue, and launched influential projects like Irish Origins (2003) and Archive CD Books Ireland (2005), reaching a global audience of researchers and enthusiasts.I established critical partnerships with state archives, libraries, and private institutions, including a joint venture with DC Thomson in 2010 that launched Findmypast Ireland. My role included managing large-scale government contracts, such as disaster recovery for the Military Archives and sensitive health record indexing, valued at over €1 million each. I also advised on Trinity College Dublin’s 1641 Depositions and Chancery Letters projects, enhancing digital preservation in academic research.In 2016, I was instrumental in conceptualizing Epic: The Irish Emigration Museum, winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in 2019 and 2020, and established its adjoining Family History Centre.Non-Executive Director (2016 – Present)Since 2016, I’ve continued as a Non-Executive Director, providing strategic oversight, mentoring the leadership team, and ensuring Eneclann’s leadership in digital heritage innovation.

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Led the concept development and establishment of the Irish Family History Centre, operated by Eneclann, to offer visitors an immersive genealogical experience. Focused on engaging the public with Irish heritage, contributing to the centre’s high ratings as a top visitor attraction in Dublin.

Served as a Temporary Lecturer and Tutor in Irish and British history at Trinity College Dublin. Taught Senior Freshman students and covered 17th-century Irish history lectures for the late Professor Aidan Clarke. Published academic articles on early modern and late medieval history, and co-authored 'British Sources for Irish History 1485-1641' (Irish Manuscripts Commission, 1998).

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, History

My thesis looks at the alienation of the Old English of Ireland from the Tudor state 1534-1585

M.A., History

Ba Mod., History, I

History

Leaving Certificate