Andrew Bernard
Appointed CEO, Greengate Biogas
Prior to joining Greengate Biogas, Andrew founded and served as the principal consultant at Biscayne Consulting Ltd in London. Andrew was also the specialist innovation and technology adviser for an EY consortium to the Republic of Cyprus Government. He holds a master’s degree in Applied Ethics (Business) from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, and is an affiliate member of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.
Speaking about his new appointment, Andrew says: “I am honoured to join Greengate Biogas at such a pivotal time for both the company and the renewable energy sector in Ireland.
“The opportunity to contribute to the decarbonisation of Ireland’s gas supply through innovative biomethane projects is incredibly exciting.”
Trevor Myles
Appointed chairperson, Irish Agricultural Supply Industry Standards
Having formerly worked as a pesticide compliance specialist with the Pesticides Registration and Control Division (PRCD) of Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Trevor brings over 40 years experience in pesticides use and compliance to his new role.
Speaking about his appointment, Trevor says: “Education and training are at the heart of all the activities undertaken by IASIS. There is also a major job of work to be done in communicating the challenge of resistance across all aspects of agriculture.
“Given my background in pesticide compliance, I am fully aware of the challenges posed by the growing level of resistance within crops to applied agrochemicals.”
Colm Ronan
Appointed poultry manager, Alltech Ireland
Having joined Manor Farm as a graduate in 2019, Colm worked in various roles across operations in Ireland, as well as 12 months with Manor Farm’s parent company Scandi Standard, working with farm producers. Since July 2023, he has worked as broiler supply manager for Manor Farm, managing the relationship with its 150 contracted broiler farmers and other stakeholders.
Speaking about his new appointment, Colm says: “I am excited to join a company with a global reach and a strong local presence. There are many challenges and opportunities facing the poultry industry at present, I look forward to working with new and existing industry partners to discover what part Alltech can play in this journey.”
Dr Rosie O’Neill
Appointed director of sustainability, Ifac
With a PhD in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (Teagasc/UCD) and a BA in Environmental Science (TCD), Rosie is a certified environmental impact assessment manager and a qualified lead auditor for ISO 14001.
She has experience in decarbonising fleets and property portfolios, evaluating large supply chains and advancing sustainable procurement.
“I am so excited to join the Food and AgriBusiness Team at ifac. Ireland is globally recognised as a leader in high-quality food production,” she says.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the industry better and to try and help embed sustainable solutions that minimise carbon footprints and maximise innovative opportunities.”
Brian White
Appointed eastern territory manager and hoof health specialist, Pharvet
After earning an honours degree in Animal Science from UCD, Brian spent two years as an assistant farm manager in Victoria, Australia. Upon his return to Ireland, he joined Grassland Agro as a specialty sales adviser. After two years, Brian was promoted to specialty sales manager, leading sales teams in Northern Ireland for four years and then in North Leinster for another four years.
Speaking about his new appointment, Brian says: “As Pharvet’s Eastern territory manager, I am excited to support merchants, vets, hoof trimmers and farmers in achieving their full potential. We provide evidence-based advice and innovative products that enhance their businesses and contribute to overall animal health and performance.”
Dr Kirstie McAdoo
Appointed onto the board of directors of Business for Biodiversity Ireland
Kirstie has a long history of supporting and improving sustainable food systems, with her own research on climate change, methane reduction in beef cattle and innovative teaching methodologies. She was director of education and research in Airfield for seven years.
Her latest projects include Adjunct Assistant Professorship in UCD, lecturing in sustainable food systems, while sitting on the development committee for the new Leaving Cert Ag Science Specification.
Kirstie says: “There is so much good happening in the agri food sector at the minute, from sustainability being a focus, to novel research around food and farming, to the inclusion of women in ag and the creation of a vibrant and exciting new Leaving Cert Ag specification.”