Carbery Group has announced the appointment of Kevin Collins as CEO of Synergy North America, Carbery’s Taste Division in the US. Kevin will officially begin the role on January 1st, 2026.

A native of Bishopstown in Cork, Kevin began his career at Carbery in Ballineen in 2003 and he has held a series of senior leadership positions across the organisation globally, working in the US for a long time already. He will take over from Rod Sowders, who served as CEO of Synergy America for over 20 years.

On the appointment, CEO of Carbery Group Jason Hawkins highly praised the Corkman: ‘Kevin has stood out as a leader, and we are delighted to appoint him as CEO of our North American business.’

‘He brings significant experience of the market, a strong commercial record and a positive energy which will continue our growth and innovation in our North American operations. Having started his career with us in Ballineen, Kevin’s journey is also a great example of how we support and develop future leaders within our business’.

Kevin Collins added that he was ‘honoured’ to take on this role.

‘I am passionate about the success of the business, and I look forward to leading the business in North America into its next chapter, supporting our partners and employees and delivering on our strategic priorities in the region’.

Carbery has a strong presence in the US through Synergy Flavours, and employs more than 420 people across four sites in North America, with manufacturing hubs in Wauconda and Chicago, Illinois, and Hamilton, Ohio. Operations in the region are focused on flavour creation, manufacturing, and innovation for the food, beverage, and nutrition industries.