Irish entrepreneur and investor Keith O’Loughlin, Chairman of JKO Capital and founder of The Eddie Jordan Foundation, has officially acquired Data Direct, one of Ireland’s longest-established technology resellers.
The acquisition was finalised in recent weeks, marking the planned retirement of Stephen Campbell, the company’s founder and long-serving Managing Director.
Founded in 1993, Data Direct has quietly played a pivotal role in Ireland’s digital journey for over 30 years.
The company supplies hardware, software, and IT services to more than 600 clients — including high-profile names such as BDO, Eason’s, Harvey Norman, Dublin Airport Authority, Actavo, Beacon Hospital, Allianz, Zurich, Murphy Engineering, and the Central Bank of Ireland.
Renowned for its independence and client-first approach, Data Direct holds Tier One distributor status with major global partners such as HP, Dell EMC, Apple, and Microsoft.
This enables the company to source any brand or product at the most competitive pricing — a significant advantage in today’s commoditised IT market.
Under O’Loughlin’s leadership, Data Direct will retain its Dublin HQ and customer-centric values, while entering an exciting phase of innovation, modernisation, and geographic expansion.
O’Loughlin will serve as Executive Chairman, bringing decades of strategic and operational experience across tech, AI, mobility, gaming, and investment.
Plans for 2025 include:
- A complete brand refresh
- Introduction of new product lines
- Strategic expansion into Northern Ireland and the UK
“Data Direct has been a quiet backbone of Irish enterprise.
“When Stephen decided to retire, I saw an opportunity to invest in a brand with deep trust and build its future.
“We’ll retain its strong service ethos, while modernising the offering to meet the next generation of IT needs,” said O’Loughlin.
The company aims to position itself as a more agile, bespoke alternative to traditional, volume-focused IT resellers — enhancing internal systems, supplier dynamics, and client delivery.
O’Loughlin is best known for co-founding JKO Capital alongside Formula One icon Eddie Jordan, with whom he led a £3bn bid for Playtech in 2022.
His career spans leadership roles at PwC, Intuition, Ladbrokes Coral, and Boylesports, with current business interests in AI, pharmaceuticals, mobility, sports betting, and performance cycling.
Following the passing of his close friend and partner Eddie Jordan in March, O’Loughlin authored a book — FTB: Lessons from Eddie Jordan, Inspiration from a Life Lived at Full Throttle — and established The Eddie Jordan Foundation.
The Foundation supports ambitious young people in sport, music, business, and sailing, offering scholarships and mentorship for those over 18 with potential and passion.
Launched at the Monaco Grand Prix by Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Foundation’s trustees include high-profile names such as Keith Wood, David Coulthard, Kevin Moran, and others from across F1, sport, hospitality, and business.
