Carbery Group, the West Cork based international ingredients, flavours and award-winning cheese producer, has announced that Cormac O’Keeffe, current Chairman of Lisavaird Co-op, will succeed TJ Sullivan as Chairman of the company.
In addition, Dermot O’Leary, Chairman of Bandon Co-op, has been appointed Vice-Chair of the organisation.

Cormac O’Keeffe, a dairy farmer from Courleigh, Clonakilty, first joined the Lisavaird board in 2006 and has held several roles.  He has also previously been Vice-Chairman of Shinagh Estates and a board member of Munster Bovine and the National Cattle Breeding Centre (NCBC). Cormac holds a Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy from UCC and is a member of the Carbery Greener Dairy Farms group. He is married to Clodagh, and they have three children; James, Laoise and Eoghan.

O’Keeffe explained he is looking forward to taking on the role:

“Being appointed Chairperson of Carbery Group is a great honour. The company is essential to the farmers of West Cork and we are also now a significant global business. I am excited about working with my fellow board members and the management team as we continue to focus on growing the business and securing a stable future for the farmers of West Cork and the 900 Carbery employees worldwide.”

O’Keeffe also recognised the work of outgoing Chair TJ Sullivan, stating “TJ has had a more challenging term than anyone could have imagined in dealing with the sudden arrival of Covid and all that managing that situation has entailed. Despite the circumstances, under his tenure we acquired Innova Flavors in the US and successfully completed our €78 million Cheese Diversification Project and expansion. On behalf of the Board and the shareholders, I thank him sincerely for his work during his term and wish him all the best.”

Sullivan will step down from the Carbery Board.

About Carbery Group

Carbery Group, established in 1965, is an international manufacturer of speciality food ingredients, flavouring systems and as an award-winning cheese producer.

Headquartered in Ballineen, Co. Cork, Ireland, it is owned by four Irish co-operatives – Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh and Lisavaird – and employs over 900 people.

Carbery operates from eight locations including Ireland, the UK, the US, Italy, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand.

ENDS

For more information contact

Louise Kelly

Communications Manager, Carbery Group

T: 083 888 5995 E: louisekelly@carbery.com

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