Former Carbery chief executive Dan McSweeney has been appointed chair of Bord Bia.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, making the announcement on Friday, described MacSweeney as “an outstanding individual, with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the Irish agri-food sector.

“Dan’s reputation for developing a successful international agri-food business, while placing the primary producer at the heart of the business model, is widely recognised. I am confident that he will provide innovative strategic leadership and direction to Bord Bia,” said Minister Creed.

Carbery success

MacSweeney, who has a food science degree from University College Cork, recently retired as CEO of the Carbery group after 25 years at the helm.

He recently spoke exclusively to the Irish Farmers Journal about his many years with the west Cork co-op and his parting advice for Ireland's dairy industry.

He played a key role in transforming the company from a dairy business into an international cheese, nutrition and food ingredients business with substantial investments in flavours and natural extracts.

He served on the boards of Teagasc and Ornua in the past.

Tribute

Minister Creed paid tribute to outgoing Bord Bia chair, Michael Carey, saying: “I wish to place on the record my deep appreciation of Michael Carey’s commitment in chairing Bord Bia over the last number of years.

“His business experience, effective chairing of the board and work with the organisation particularly in relation to the sustainability agenda and Origin Green has delivered tangible results”.

The position of Bord Bia chair is for a period of three years.

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