Irish dairy cooperative Ornua has appointed Aidan O’ Driscoll as chair of its board, replacing Denis Cregan who is retiring after three years.
Mr O’Driscoll has spent more than 40 years working in domestic and international agri-food trade, economics and policy, with his most recent appointment chair of the Commission on the Defence Forces. He also served as secretary general of the Department of Justice for two years.
Prior to this, Mr O’Driscoll held a number of high-level positions in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, including secretary general from 2015-2018, assistant secretary general for Finance, EU Affairs, Economics and Climate Change from 2001 to 2015, and chief economist of the Department from 1995 to 2001. He also worked in Africa with Irish Aid and with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and is a former chairman of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).
“Having closely followed Ornua’s journey for many years, I am hugely impressed with the global commercial success it has achieved, whilst always staying loyal to its cooperative heritage and returning value back to Irish farming families,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with the board and the executive team to ensure Ornua delivers on its ambitious goals for the future.”
Chief executive of Ornua John Jordan thanked Mr Cregan for his work, and welcomed the appointment of Mr O’Driscoll. “Aidan brings with him an unparalleled knowledge of the agri-food sector and of national, EU and international affairs, economic and policy,” he said. “I have no doubt that Aidan’s experience will provide valuable insight for both the board and executive as we continue to strive for greater success and member returns in our Ornua 2025 growth strategy.
