Brian Tormey
CEO of Kepak’s meat division
Brian Tormey has worked in Kepak since 2007 and has over 25 years experience working in the meat industry. In addition to the role of chief operating officer, he has held several other senior positions at Kepak including director of operations and head of project management. Brian’s knowledge of meat craftmanship began at a young age having grown up working in his family’s butcher shops.
Speaking on his new appointment Brian says, “I’m very pleased to take on this new role at what is an exciting time for Kepak. We already have a very strong platform for growth within the business and I am looking forward to building on that alongside our dedicated team.”
Jane Pigott
New president of Veterinary Ireland
Jane Pigott followed her passion for animal health, graduating from the University of Nottingham. She later undertook further study in veterinary cardiology, achieving her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Veterinary Cardiology. She returned to Ireland to become a partner in an 11-vet mixed practice.
Speaking about her new appointment Jane says, “Growing up in a veterinary household, I witnessed firsthand the challenges our profession faced and the vital role Veterinary Ireland played in addressing them. It is an immense honour to represent the grassroots members who form the backbone of Veterinary Ireland and to advocate for the countless practitioners.”
Jim Bergin
Director and chair of FBD Holdings plc
Jim Bergin was the former chief executive officer and director of Tirlán Co-operative Society Limited. He also spent a long part of his career in Glanbia plc in a number of senior management positions. Jim is currently the chair of the Teagasc ‘Better Farming for Water’ stakeholder steering group and former chair of the Irish Dairy Industry Association.
Commenting on the appointment, FBD Chair, Liam Herlihy, says, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Jim Bergin on his appointment. Jim has a breadth of experience demonstrated through his highly successful career in the agri sector over the past 40 years. He is well placed to lead the board of FBD into the future.”
Enda McDonald
General manager of Grassland Agro
With a BSc in agricultural science specialising in animal and crop production at UCD, Enda joined Grassland Agro in 2010 as a regional sales manager. He has worked there for the last 14 year’s holding a variety of roles including national sales manager before he was appointed group sales manager in 2017.
Speaking about his new appointment Enda says, “Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is the cornerstone of achieving emission reduction targets. This is a wonderful opportunity to lead Grassland Agro who have an incredible team. The team are trained and backed up in nutrient planning to help farmers put good science and technology solutions to work practically in the field.”
Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin
Chair of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration
Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin is an associate professor in the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics.
She was nominated by Tánaiste Micheál Martin to chair Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and presented its report and recommendations in 2023.
Speaking about her appointment Aoibhinn says, “It is a privilege to be nominated to this role. I believe Ireland can be a global leader in demonstrating how nature can be protected and restored, in tandem with growing food and utilising the important eco-services. By focusing on and looking after our diverse habitats and species, we can be good ancestors to the generations coming after us.”
Hazel Dobbyn
Senior director at &Smyth
With over 20 years of experience working in PR and Communications across a variety of sectors, Hazel established Narrate PR in 2019. Before this, she was head of communications for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for ten years.
Speaking about her new appointment Hazel says, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Gemma and have long respected the calibre of her work, as well as that of her team. In my previous role with Bord Iascaigh Mhara and through my own business.
“I have seen first-hand the clear synergies between our work in the agri-food and marine sectors. Joining forces felt like a natural step, combining our expertise to further support the vital role of the agri-food sector.”
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