Carbery Group, the West Cork-based ingredients, flavours, and cheese producer, has appointed John O’Brien, the current Chair of Barryroe Co-op and current Vice-Chair of Carbery Group, as Chair of the company.
Mr O’Brien succeeds Vincent O’Donovan, who has completed a two-year term.
A full-time dairy farmer from Barryroe, Mr O’Brien was first elected to the Board of Barryroe Co-op in 1988 and has worked in the co-op in a range of board and leadership roles, including as Chair from 2007 to 2014 and in his current term as Chair.
He has also served on the Carbery Group Board on several occasions, including a previous term as Chair, and was a member of the Board of Ornua from 2010 to 2014.
He has completed corporate governance programmes at UCC and DCU and served as President of the Irish Grassland Association in 2002/03 and at local, county and national executive level of Macra na Feirme.
John O’Brien said that Carbery is a business with strong co-operative roots in West Cork and a growing international presence across dairy, nutrition and taste.
“The Board’s responsibility is to ensure that the business remains strong, resilient and focused on long-term value for our farmer shareholders, while continuing to serve customers, support our people and invest for future growth,” the new chairman said.
“My priorities will include supporting a leading milk price, helping to secure the future of family farming in West Cork, and ensuring Carbery continues to grow through innovation, sustainability and disciplined investment,” he added.
Carbery Group reported revenues of €723m last year, with strong underlying performance across its Dairy, Nutrition and Taste divisions.