Killian Barry Appointed chair of the Prepared Consumer Foods CouncilKillian has served as the managing director of Danone Ireland since 2021, having previously held commercial and financial roles.
With significant experience in the food industry, Killian, from Bandon, Co Cork is a chartered accountant and holds an MBA from Trinity College Dublin.
Commenting on his appointment, Killian says, “It is a privilege to assume this role during such a dynamic period for the food and beverage industry. The prepared consumer food sector is a strong and varied sector, not just in Ireland but also globally. I look forward to working with all council members, with a one-sector approach to maintain and grow our collective strength and success.”
Rebecca Thomson Appointed head of sustainability at Kepak Group 
Kepak Group appoints Rebecca Thomson as Head of Sustainability.
Rebecca, from Claregalway, Co Galway, hails from a fourth generation beef, sheep and equine farming background and has been with Kepak since 2019, when she started the company’s graduate programme.
Since then, she has progressed through the ranks, taking up environmental manager and project management officer positions.
Speaking about her appointment Rebecca says, “I am delighted to be appointed head of sustainability at Kepak. I joined Kepak in 2019 and have been proud to play a key role in the advancement of Kepak’s sustainability journey ever since – working my way up from graduate trainee to sustainability manager.
Billy Cronin Appointed head of member services and engagement at Dairygold
Billy Cronin appointed head of member services and engagement at Dairygold.
Having joined Dairygold in 2001 as a general manager for liquid milk, Billy has held several roles in the company over the last 24 years including site manufacturing manager and head of transport and milk management.
He will take on this new role in addition to his existing responsibilities as head of supply chain. This position places him at the forefront of member interactions within the organisation.
Speaking about Billy’s appointment, Dairygold chief executive Michael Harte says, “In this expanded role, Billy will lead the co-ordination of our approach to member services across agri business, milk assembly and other interactions, such as farm sustainability and advisory services. I wish Billy every success.”
Miriam Ryan Appointed vice chair of the food safety committee at the European Dairy Association
Miriam Ryan, head of specialised nutrition and food policy - Dairy Industry Ireland.
Miriam is the current head of specialised nutrition and food policy at Dairy Industry Ireland at Ibec in Dublin. She represents native dairy companies and infant nutrition multinationals on issues crossing dairy nutrition, regulation and governance. As a registered nutritionist, she holds a PhD in nutrition from Ulster University.
Speaking about her appointment Miriam says, “Ensuring the safe manufacture of produce underpins all that we do as an Irish dairy sector. Sharing best practices and the latest knowledge on food safety with our EU industry colleagues, academic experts and policymakers, strengthens us all and critically ensures ongoing preparedness for the future of the sector.”
Kirsten Dunbar Appointed president of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA)
Dr Kirsten Dunbar appointed president of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA).
After graduating from Glasgow University, Dr Kirsten Dunbar’s early career included time in both equine and small animal practice. Later joining the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service, Kirsten worked closely with a range of Northern Ireland stakeholders and veterinary surgeons in both practice and statutory roles.
Speaking on her appointment Kirsten says, “It is a privilege to represent, serve and support the local veterinary profession and to build upon the incredible work the association has carried out in recent times. As we face a number of ongoing challenges, I firmly believe in the synergy that comes from collaborating and working in partnership with others and that we, the profession, are stronger when we speak with one voice.”
Niall Hurson Appointed agricultural policy adviser, State of the Netherlands
Niall Hurson appointed agricultural policy adviser, State of the Netherlands.
Hailing from Smithborough, Co Monaghan, Niall Hurson grew up on a small suckler farm, sparking his passion for agriculture and leading him to pursue a degree in animal science at University College Dublin.
After graduating in 2020, he began a career in journalism, working with prominent outlets such as the Irish Farmers Journal, RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground and the Irish Independent. His commitment to the agricultural community led him to become a 2024 Nuffield Scholar.
Speaking about his appointment, Niall says, “I’m excited to further strengthen the deep respect and cooperation between the Netherlands and Ireland, driving forward progress in agriculture and securing a thriving future for both nations.”
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Industry movers and shakers
Industry movers and shakers
Killian Barry Appointed chair of the Prepared Consumer Foods CouncilKillian has served as the managing director of Danone Ireland since 2021, having previously held commercial and financial roles.
With significant experience in the food industry, Killian, from Bandon, Co Cork is a chartered accountant and holds an MBA from Trinity College Dublin.
Commenting on his appointment, Killian says, “It is a privilege to assume this role during such a dynamic period for the food and beverage industry. The prepared consumer food sector is a strong and varied sector, not just in Ireland but also globally. I look forward to working with all council members, with a one-sector approach to maintain and grow our collective strength and success.”
Rebecca Thomson Appointed head of sustainability at Kepak Group
Kepak Group appoints Rebecca Thomson as Head of Sustainability.
Rebecca, from Claregalway, Co Galway, hails from a fourth generation beef, sheep and equine farming background and has been with Kepak since 2019, when she started the company’s graduate programme.
Since then, she has progressed through the ranks, taking up environmental manager and project management officer positions.
Speaking about her appointment Rebecca says, “I am delighted to be appointed head of sustainability at Kepak. I joined Kepak in 2019 and have been proud to play a key role in the advancement of Kepak’s sustainability journey ever since – working my way up from graduate trainee to sustainability manager.
Billy Cronin Appointed head of member services and engagement at Dairygold
Billy Cronin appointed head of member services and engagement at Dairygold.
Having joined Dairygold in 2001 as a general manager for liquid milk, Billy has held several roles in the company over the last 24 years including site manufacturing manager and head of transport and milk management.
He will take on this new role in addition to his existing responsibilities as head of supply chain. This position places him at the forefront of member interactions within the organisation.
Speaking about Billy’s appointment, Dairygold chief executive Michael Harte says, “In this expanded role, Billy will lead the co-ordination of our approach to member services across agri business, milk assembly and other interactions, such as farm sustainability and advisory services. I wish Billy every success.”
Miriam Ryan Appointed vice chair of the food safety committee at the European Dairy Association
Miriam Ryan, head of specialised nutrition and food policy - Dairy Industry Ireland.
Miriam is the current head of specialised nutrition and food policy at Dairy Industry Ireland at Ibec in Dublin. She represents native dairy companies and infant nutrition multinationals on issues crossing dairy nutrition, regulation and governance. As a registered nutritionist, she holds a PhD in nutrition from Ulster University.
Speaking about her appointment Miriam says, “Ensuring the safe manufacture of produce underpins all that we do as an Irish dairy sector. Sharing best practices and the latest knowledge on food safety with our EU industry colleagues, academic experts and policymakers, strengthens us all and critically ensures ongoing preparedness for the future of the sector.”
Kirsten Dunbar Appointed president of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA)
Dr Kirsten Dunbar appointed president of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA).
After graduating from Glasgow University, Dr Kirsten Dunbar’s early career included time in both equine and small animal practice. Later joining the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service, Kirsten worked closely with a range of Northern Ireland stakeholders and veterinary surgeons in both practice and statutory roles.
Speaking on her appointment Kirsten says, “It is a privilege to represent, serve and support the local veterinary profession and to build upon the incredible work the association has carried out in recent times. As we face a number of ongoing challenges, I firmly believe in the synergy that comes from collaborating and working in partnership with others and that we, the profession, are stronger when we speak with one voice.”
Niall Hurson Appointed agricultural policy adviser, State of the Netherlands
Niall Hurson appointed agricultural policy adviser, State of the Netherlands.
Hailing from Smithborough, Co Monaghan, Niall Hurson grew up on a small suckler farm, sparking his passion for agriculture and leading him to pursue a degree in animal science at University College Dublin.
After graduating in 2020, he began a career in journalism, working with prominent outlets such as the Irish Farmers Journal, RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground and the Irish Independent. His commitment to the agricultural community led him to become a 2024 Nuffield Scholar.
Speaking about his appointment, Niall says, “I’m excited to further strengthen the deep respect and cooperation between the Netherlands and Ireland, driving forward progress in agriculture and securing a thriving future for both nations.”
Read more
Industry movers and shakers
Industry movers and shakers
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