Dan relishes Bord Bia challenge

ROSSMORE man Dan MacSweeney said he is ready for the challenge of his new role as  chair of Bord Bia. 

Described as  a ‘legend in the Irish dairy sector,’ Mr MacSweeney was CEO of the Carbery Group, in Ballineen, for 25 years, where he is largely credited with making it a major player in the international food business sector.

He retired from his position at the helm at the end of last year and joins Bord Bia at a time when it faces challenges and implications posed by Brexit. 

Chief executive  of the organisation, whose objective it is to develop markets for Irish suppliers, is Clonakilty woman Tara McCarthy. Headquartered in Dublin, Bord Bia has a network of  offices  in Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Stockholm.

The appointment of Dan MacSweeney has been made following a competitive process managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

Announcing the prestigious appointment, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, described Dan as ‘an outstanding individual, with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the Irish agri-food sector.

‘Dan’s reputation for developing a successful international agri-food business, while placing the primary producer at the heart of the business model, is widely recognised. I am confident that he will provide innovative strategic leadership and direction to Bord Bia,’ the Minister said. 

The Minister added: ‘The next three years will see major challenges for Ireland, particularly in the context of Brexit, and Bord Bia will benefit from continuity in strong leadership. I wish Dan success in this leadership role in promoting a market-driven Irish food and drink industry.’

FG Senator Tim Lombard said the appointment marked a coup for the Irish food and drinks industry: ‘He is a legend in the Irish dairy sector. He is a man of vast ability and experience. 

‘He led Carbery group to unprecedented success during his 25 years at the helm. He knows the agri-food sector through and through and is enormously well respected throughout the sector.’