Tara McCarthy, the Chief Executive of Ireland’s Bord Bia, is stepping down from the role after five years to take up a new position with animal nutrition, feed and health company Alltech in June.
Bord Bia is the Irish Government agency responsible for the promotion of the country’s food, drink, and horticulture industry globally. A search for her successor is now getting underway.
The agency’s Chairman Dan MacSweeney thanked McCarthy for her efforts, adding: “Tara has made a significant contribution to Bord Bia, and the organisation is in a very good place due to her leadership, energy, and drive over the last five years.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue noted that she had guided the organisation and supported the industry through many challenges, including the impacts of Brexit and the pandemic. “Tara has nurtured top talent, as well as building Ireland’s voice in thought leadership on sustainability, with benefits for the sector as a whole,” he said.
“Tara has focussed on developing new markets while building on existing ones to the benefit of our world-class primary producers, farm families and fishers.”
Meanwhile, McCarthy commented: “The wider agri-food industry faces many challenges, but thanks to the amazing people that work in and with the industry it continues to thrive.
“I will continue to play my full part in Bord Bia until my departure and to ensure an orderly transition I will work in partnership with the Board as they begin the recruitment process for my successor.”
