Longford man appointed as new CEO of Animal Health Ireland

Longford man Patrick Donohoe has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Animal Health Ireland (AHI). 

Patrick will join Carrick on Shannon based AHI in July and departs Lakeland Dairies, where he serves as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and is a member of the co-op’s Senior Leadership Team. 

Patrick has served in a range of leadership roles in the agriculture sector over the past decade. 

Prior to Lakeland Dairies, Patrick served as Special Advisor to the former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, led the merger process of LacPatrick Dairies with Lakeland Dairies, and was News Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal. 

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Commenting on his appointment, Patrick said, “I’m really excited to be appointed the new CEO of AHI and I can’t wait to get started. We are at a critical juncture for our industry, and animal health is pivotal to the continued success of our multi-billion-euro industry.

“There are hugely talented and committed people in AHI, and I am looking forward to putting cutting-edge research into practice and communicating effectively with farmers, vets and industry on the huge benefits of fostering positive health practices.

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“Our industry, made up of excellent farmers, skilled vets and innovative companies, is the envy of the world and I know AHI can support its further development. I firmly believe that AHI is at the forefront of futureproofing the industry.”

James Lynch, Chair, Animal Health Ireland said, “Having proven himself at the highest levels of government and agri-business, Patrick brings with him a unique perspective in terms of the commercial and practical aspects of our industry. I’m confident that he will ensure that AHI’s strategic initiatives are implemented and delivered for the benefit of farm families, the industry, consumers, and animal health.

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“The success of Irish agriculture is built on the bedrock of healthy livestock. To ensure that we retain our competitive edge in an ever-evolving trade landscape, a healthy livestock population is critical. Patrick will ensure that AHI continues to provide the knowledge, education, and coordination necessary for the effective control of non-regulated diseases, including Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), and Johne’s Disease. He will also drive the success of other key critical programmes such as Beef HealthCheck, Pig HealthCheck, Parasite Control, CellCheck, and CalfCare.”

Patrick replaces interim CEO Dr Seán Brady who Mr Lynch said “has been an effective custodian and driver of the AHI business over the last three months and will continue in that role until Patrick’s arrival in July.”