December 12, 2017
Tuesday, 12th December 2017: Ornua, the largest exporter of Irish dairy products with annualised sales of c. €2 billion across 110 countries, today announced that its Chief Executive Kevin Lane is to step down in mid-2018, following eight and a half successful years in the role.
Lane, who became Ornua Chief Executive in January 2010, will leave Ornua at the end of June 2018 to spend time with his young family and to pursue other interests. Ornua Chairman Aaron Forde said he and the Board had been privileged to work with Mr. Lane over the past number of years and confirmed that a process will now commence to appoint a new CEO.
Aaron Forde, Chairman of Ornua, commented:
“Kevin has successfully led Ornua through a period of significant change and growth, particularly the ending of dairy quotas in 2015. With great vision, Kevin together with his senior leadership team, have strategically reshaped and refocussed 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 realised 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 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 5 year strategy ‘Ornua 2021’ and achieving our target of €3bn in revenues.”
Kevin Lane commented:
“It has been an absolute honour 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 organisation continued success.”