Ornua adds two to management and reorganises

Ornua, the Irish dairy co-operative and Kerrygold owner, has announced the appointment of two new executive roles in its global leadership team, along with the introduction of a new operating model, to advance the company’s global growth ambition, the company says.

The new operating model will see the creation of a Global Commercial Division, led by Cesar França in a newly created role of chief commercial officer. França previously held responsibility for the Ornua Global Foods Division in his role as managing director and will now lead Ornua’s combined consumer foods and value-added ingredients business units.

Cesar França

The new model will also see the business transition to a centralised Global Operations Function, which will be led by newly appointed chief operating officer, Jason Musk. In his new role, Musk will have responsibility for operational efficiency across the  group, driving scalable business performance and best-in-class standards throughout Ornua’s global operations.

The operational changes will underpin an ambitious new growth plan for the business, developed by chief executive officer, Conor Galvin, and the senior leadership team to leverage operational synergies, improve efficiency and facilitate high-value commercial growth in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Welcoming the new appointments, Galvin said, “The changes are timely for the business and industry, as geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviours, have all increased business uncertainty and impacted market conditions. Irish milk supply growth has also slowed significantly in recent years, which requires Ornua, along with its member co-operatives, to adopt a renewed focus on maximising value from existing milk volume. By refining our approach and simplifying how we operate, we are ensuring we have a robust platform to innovate, evolve and thrive in a transforming world.”

Ornua’s evolved operating model will also welcome the establishment of a new dedicated route to market and member relations business init with specific responsibility for the development of profitable routes to market for Irish dairy products produced by Ornua’s member co-operatives. Leadership for the new business unit will be announced in due course.