The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

The board of Ornua has announced the appointment of Conor Galvin as the company’s new chief executive, effective May 2024. Galvin will take over from Donal Buggy, who has been interim chief executive of Ornua since last September. Buggy took up the role last year as John Jordan stepped down as CEO, after 30 years with the dairy giant. Galvin is currently CEO of Dairygold – he joined the company in 2014 before becoming chief executive in 2022. Prior to joining Dairygold, Galvin was finance director at Dairy Conveyor Corp’s food and beverage division and was also country finance manager at Procter & Gamble in Ireland. Irish dairy coop Dairygold says it is now in the process of recruiting and appointing a new CEO. In the interim, Michael Harte, the society’s CFO, has been appointed chief executive, with immediate effect, to lead the organisation during the transition period. Aidan O’Driscoll, Ornua Co-operative's chair, said: “ appointment follows a comprehensive selection process led by a board subcommittee. Galvin has a deep knowledge of the dairy sector and has extensive senior executive experience. He is deeply committed to the cooperative nature of the dairy business and has a strong focus on working in close partnership with key stakeholders. My fellow board directors and I look forward to working with Galvin as Ornua continues its journey of delivering long-term sustainable growth.” He continued: “I would like to thank Donal Buggy, who has been Ornua’s interim chief executive since last September. Donal’s tireless commitment to the business has been vital during this transition period, and he will remain in his current role of Interim chief executive until May, and thereafter continue in his role of group chief financial officer.” In the months before his transition, Galvin will work with Dairygold’s board and interim CEO Harte to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. CEO designate Conor Galvin commented: “I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead Ornua into the future. For decades, Ornua has delivered significant value for Irish dairy families through the strong connection that it creates between farmers and consumers. I will encourage collaboration at all levels within the industry to positively address the challenges that face the sector in the years ahead. Ornua has demonstrated a long-term vision of growth and investment, and I look forward to leading the next phase of that development.”