Industry movers and shakers

Hailing from Co Sligo, Niall holds a Bachelor of Engineering in chemical engineering. In 2010, he joined Kerry Group and held senior operations, strategic and commercial roles there, previously overseeing UK and Ireland operations across multiple production sites.

“I’m delighted to be joining Lakeland Dairies at such an exciting time for the company as it continues on its added-value journey. The dairy industry and the co-operative movement play a huge role in enhancing the lives of people and communities across the country. I know Lakeland Dairies is an innovative, progressive and forward-thinking organisation and I am looking forward to working with everyone across the business to deliver on our strategic direction,” says Niall.

Jacob has extensive international experience working across the US, China and Europe. He has held senior roles in industry and consulting, both with Belgian Biopharma, UCB a multinational biopharmaceutical company and global consulting firm, McKinsey & Company. Specialising in corporate strategy and commercial analytics, Jacob has provided executive leadership and implemented successful, data-driven Go-to-Market models.

Speaking about his appointment, Jacob says, “I am thrilled to join Chanelle at this pivotal moment in its history, and look forward to the exciting opportunity of working with my new colleagues to grow Chanelle‘s market position and solidify its status as the preferred partner in both Animal and Human Health.”

Nigel has 25 years of experience across agriculture, finance and education, including roles with the Arvum Group, Bank of Ireland, ACC Bank, and Teagasc. He has been appointed CEO of The Solutions Group, the Enniscorthy-based farmer-owned cooperative serving Ireland’s dairy sector for four decades. He holds a BSc in Agricultural Science, specialising in engineering technology, and an ACCA Diploma in Financial Management.

“I’m excited to work with our chairman Declan McDonald, board and team to expand our range of innovative solutions for Irish dairy farmers. By growing our services across labour, inputs and farm services, we aim to help create a more sustainable and profitable future for farming families across Ireland,” says Nigel.

Emma brings over 25 years of agricultural industry leadership to Origin. Since 2018, she served as managing director of Interagro, one of the leading adjuvant producers in the UK. She led the development of an innovative range of adjuvant and biostimulant products, as well as a successful export business to countries around the world. Emma began her career as a crop protection buyer and portfolio manager for an agricultural buying group before moving to a commercial role at BASF in 2010.

“I am very much looking forward to joining Origin, a progressive organisation focused on delivering sustainable solutions in agriculture and horticulture, and with a strong desire to develop a global presence in the field of biostimulants, adjuvants and micronutrients,” says Emma.

In 2020, Conor graduated from the University of Galway with a BA in Biomedical Science. During this time, he also worked on the Irish Rugby Football Union youth council promoting youth rugby in Ireland.

Following this, Conor did a PhD in food chemistry, focusing on the gastrointestinal digestion of dairy products with Vistamilk, Teagasc and University College Cork.

“Vistamilk aims to positively impact the environment, animal wellbeing and the health of consumers.

“I am looking forward to working with industry partners as well as experienced up-and-coming researchers across a variety of fields in the agri-food sector to achieve these goals,” says Conor.

With a background in education, agriculture, and programme coordination, Melissa has gained over a decade of experience in various academic and professional settings. She completed a certificate in agriculture in Gurteen Agricultural College, followed by a BSc in Agriculture and a Master’s in Education at DkIT. Most recently, she served as the national land and social enterprise coordinator, leading projects in community development, sustainability, and compliance at DkIT.

“I am excited to join UCD as the programmes and engagement coordinator for innovation. This role presents an incredible opportunity to collaborate with leading academics, industry professionals, and students in shaping the future of agri-food innovation,” says Melissa.

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