Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) has appointed Conor O’Sullivan to the role of UK Market Manager.
Bringing over a decade of international experience to the role, having most recently served as Bord Bia’s China Market Manager, O’Sullivan will be responsible for leading global business initiatives in the UK.
The UK remains Ireland’s largest export destination for food and drink, accounting for over 30% of total exports and worth €5.7bn in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023.
Shane Hamill, Director of Global Business Development at Bord Bia, commented: “Conor has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic insight during his time in China, navigating one of the most complex markets through the historically disruptive period of Covid-19 and its aftermath. Over the past five years in Shanghai, Conor has consistently leveraged his strong relationship skills and strategic insight to keep Bord Bia relevant and impactful in a famously fast-moving and complex market.
“In the UK, Conor will safeguard Ireland’s global reputation and competitive advantage as a producer of quality sustainable food, utilising our pioneering food and drink sustainability programme – Origin Green. I’m confident that his experience and energy will bring fresh momentum to our work in the region.”
O’Sullivan added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Bord Bia team in London at such a critical time for Irish food and drink exports. Over the last decade, it’s been immensely rewarding to play a part in the growth of Ireland’s incredible food and drink industry in Asia. I’m excited to continue doing so in Ireland’s largest export market.
“The UK and Irish food and drink industries share an unparalleled level of interconnectivity. I look forward to supporting even closer collaboration with our retail, foodservice, manufacturing, and wholesale partners across the UK – leveraging Ireland’s expertise and to drive progress in key areas such as sustainability, supply chain resilience, nutrition and innovation.”
NAM Implications:
- This Bord Bia appointment builds on a strong, quality base in the UK.
- Also, O’Sullivan’s experience in China should be of help in the rapidly changing UK market.
- Watch this space…
