Longford Farming: Aurivo appoints JP McGrath as new chief executive

The board of Co Aurivo Co-operative Society has chosen JP McGrath to succeed Donal Tierney as its new chief executive.

The Board of Aurivo Co-operative Society said it was pleased to announce the appointment of Mr McGrath.

He is due to take up the position in late September, following Mr Tierney's retirement after a 15-year career with the Co-op, including seven years as chief executive.

Mr McGrath is an experienced senior executive with an extensive background in the food, agri-business, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.

He has held senior financial, commercial and operational leadership roles with Dairygold, Bord na Móna, Norbrook Laboratories and Aryzta and he served as Chief Financial Officer of Dairygold, where he helped develop the Co-op’s longer-term strategic plans.

Mr McGrath said: “I am honoured to have been appointed chief executive of Aurivo, a co-operative with a proud heritage, a clear commitment to its members and an important role in the communities it serves.

"I look forward to working with the Board, the leadership team, employees, members and customers to build on the strong foundations established under Donal’s leadership and to support the continued development and long-term success of the Co-op.”

Previously, during five years as chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Bord na Móna, Mr McGrath played a central role in the transformation of the company from a peat-based business into a renewable energy organisation.

He also held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Norbrook Laboratories.

Earlier in his career, Mr McGrath spent 11 years with Aryzta where, he held a number of senior leadership positions, including Managing Director of Aryzta Bakeries Europe and Asia Pacific, where he was based in Switzerland and had responsibility for a €1.1 billion division operating across 14 countries.

Commenting on the appointment, Cathal Garvey, Chair of Aurivo, said, “On behalf of the Board of Aurivo, I am delighted to welcome JP McGrath as our new Chief Executive.

"JP brings extensive leadership experience, together with a proven track record in business transformation, operational management, strategic development and financial performance.

"His broad experience across the food, agri-business and energy sectors will be of considerable value to Aurivo as we continue to develop the Co-op and deliver for our members, employees, customers and communities.”

Concluding he said: “I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Board, to thank Donal Tierney for his outstanding leadership, commitment and service to Aurivo over the past 15 years.

"During his seven years as Chief Executive, Donal has led the organisation with integrity, dedication and a clear focus on the long-term interests of the Co-op and its members. We wish Donal and his family every happiness for the future.”