Meet Camilla, building trusted partnerships

Building Trusted Client Partnerships with Camilla O’Leary, Director of Client Management

Interview conducted by Bylgja Pálsdóttir, Senior Communications Manager

In our latest Meet the Minds spotlight, we caught up with Camilla O’Leary, Director of Client Management at atNorth. From a background in mechanical engineering to a decade in the data center industry, Camilla has built a career at the intersection of technical expertise and strong client relationships. Today, she leads the team responsible for some of atNorth’s most strategic partnerships.

1. When did you join atNorth and what does your role involve?
I joined atNorth in February 2024 as a Sales Director, after nearly ten years in the data center industry – mostly with Vertiv, working across both the APAC and EMEA regions.

As our business grew and our client base evolved, I was given the opportunity to move into my current role as Director of Client Management. I now lead the client management team and oversee our strategic accounts, ensuring we continue to deliver real value and foster long-term, trusted partnerships. At the heart of my role is making sure our clients feel supported and understood, so we can grow together.

2. Can you tell us about your career journey so far?
My career has taken quite a dynamic path. I started out with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began initially working in R&D within the HVAC industry where I was drawn to the design process and the way in which products work. But I quickly realised that I was most energised by working directly with people.

That led me to pivot to sales, first in the pumps and air conditioning sector. It was here that I began working with contractors and consultants who supported the data center industry, and that’s where my journey into this field began. Since then, my roles have evolved to combine technical understanding with strategic client engagement, which has been the perfect balance for me.

3. What have been some of the most memorable moments in your career?
There have been so many highlights, but one unforgettable moment was a client visit to Iceland where, within 24 hours, I saw both the Northern Lights and a volcanic eruption. It was an extraordinary reminder of the unique environments we work and live within.

I’m also deeply proud of my involvement with IMWomen EMEA, an initiative that supports and mentors women in the tech and data center space. The ability to help share experiences, encourage confidence, and create opportunities for the next generation is something that means a great deal to me.

4. What are you most looking forward to this year at atNorth?
I’m lucky to work closely with clients at the forefront of AI and high-performance computing, which means there’s never a dull moment. This year, I’m looking forward to deepening these partnerships and tackling the complex, exciting challenges that come with pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

5. If you could fast forward five years, where do you think you’d find yourself?
In five years, I hope to still be part of atNorth’s leadership team, continuing to help our clients navigate the incredible changes coming to our industry. With electricity demand in the Nordics projected to triple by 2030 and rack densities on the rise, the pace of innovation will only get faster. As someone who is always looking for the next big challenge, I expect to be right in the middle of these changes every step of the way.

6. Which atNorth value do you connect with most, and why?
While I connect with all our values, dependable resonates most. For me, being dependable means being consistent, trustworthy, and reliable – qualities that are essential in a fast-moving industry like ours. I want my colleagues and clients to know they can count on me, especially when we’re navigating change or uncertainty.

7. And finally – how would you sum up what it’s like to work at atNorth in just three words?
Supportive – no matter the challenge, there’s always someone ready to lend a hand or share expertise.
Collaborative – our teams at atNorth work together across locations and departments in a way I haven’t always experienced in my past.
Empowering – our board and leadership team trust us to take responsibility, make decisions, and drive change, which makes every day rewarding.