Dr Pamela Byrne has today been announced as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's (FSAI) new chief executive.
Dr Byrne takes over the role from Prof Alan Reilly, who had been involved with the State's food safety watchdog since 1999.
A PhD graduate from University College Cork, she previously held senior positions in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as working in former EU commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn's cabinet for research, science and innovation.
"We look forward to the FSAI continuing to be a global leader in setting standards under Dr Byrne's stewardship," said FSAI chairman Prof Michael Gibney, who also thanked outgoing chief executive Prof Reilly for the progress made during his tenure.
“It is fitting to note that just last month, Ireland was ranked joint-first place with Canada out of 16 OECD countries for its food safety processes and performances- a reflection of Prof Reilly’s contribution, and the commitment and professionalism of his team of experts at the FSAI,” he added.
Cork native Dr Byrne, who also holds an MSc in Aquatic Resource Management from Kings College in the University of London, currently chairs the Strategic Advisory Board of the Institute of Food and Health in University College Dublin.