Last month it emerged that Ornua Chief Executive Kevin Lane is to step down in mid-2018, following eight and a half successful years in the role wher he guided the company through a significant period in its history.

Lane, who became Ornua Chief Executive in January 2010, will leave the largest exporter of Irish dairy products at the end of June to spend time with his young family and to pursue other interests.

“The recruitment process is now underway. This will take a number of months,” Ornua Head of Group Communications & Sustainability Jeanne Kelly

Ornua Chairman Aaron Forde said he and the Board had been privileged to work with Lane over the years and confirmed the process to appoint a new CEO.

“Kevin has successfully led Ornua through a period of significant change and growth, particularly the ending of dairy quotas in 2015,” said Aaron Forde, Chairman of Ornua.

“With great vision, Kevin together with his senior leadership team, have strategically reshaped and refocused the Ornua business to unlock new routes to market and to drive international growth while consistently delivering strong results for Ireland’s dairy processors and farming community.”

“Under Kevin’s leadership, Ornua has realized important milestones such as the opening of its first processing plant in Ireland, Kerrygold Park, and overseen the international expansion of the iconic Kerrygold brand which now edges closer to becoming a €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) global brand.”

“On behalf of the Ornua Board, the Executive team and myself, we wish Kevin every success in the future. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and continue our focus on delivering our five-year strategy ‘Ornua 2021’ and achieving our target of €3bn in revenues.”

“It has been an absolute honor to lead Ornua through a very significant period in its history. I have greatly enjoyed working with the Board and the entire team at Ornua and wish the organization continued success,” said Lane.

Meanwhile, Bill Hunter has been appointed as Managing Director of Ornua Foods UK. based at Ornua Foods’ state-of-the-art cheese packing facility in Staffordshire England,  Bill’s new role will be to lead the continued growth and development of Ornua’s consumer-focused operations and brands in the UK.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director, Hunter was Ornua Foods UK’s Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, he will report directly to John Jordan, CEO Ornua Foods Europe, Africa, Middle East & Asia, who will continue to oversee the strategic development of Ornua’s consumer business in the UK.

“Bill brings a wealth of dairy and food industry experience to the new role of Managing Director,” said Jordan. “Over the last three years, he and his highly talented senior executive team have played a key role in developing a strong momentum within Ornua’s UK Foods business.”

 
“By making this appointment I believe that the business is well-positioned to continue to grow both its retail own-label and branded product offer.”