Lakeland Dairies has hired Colin Kelly to take on the Group CEO role from January 2023.

A chartered accountant, Kelly is currently managing director for Trading and Member Relations at Ornua.

Farmer owned Lakeland Dairies collects 2bn litres of milk from 3,200 farm families across 16 counties on a cross-border basis.

The co-operative makes a wide range of dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer products, which it exports to over 80 countries worldwide, in addition to comprehensive agribusiness operations.

Kelly has worked at Ornua since 2011, where he has held a range of senior finance and general management positions.

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Those roles have included Head of Strategy Planning and Risk Management, and CFO of Ornua Ingredients North America. Before joining Ornua, he was a senior auditor with Deloitte.

Lakeland Dairies chairman Niall Matthews commented: “Colin’s knowledge and experience of the Irish and international dairy industry will be of significant benefit to Lakeland Dairies where he will lead the ongoing future progress, growth and success of our co-operative.”

Kelly said he recognised “the enormity of the role” and the proud history of the organisation.

“I particularly look forward to working with the excellent leadership team, management, people and farm families of Lakeland Dairies and to continuing the great work that has brought the co-operative to its internationally recognised position as a dairy industry leader,” Kelly said

From Lusmagh, Co. Offaly, Colin Kelly is an accounting and finance graduate of University of Limerick and will succeed Michael Hanley.

Lakeland Dairies turnover advanced 20% in 2021. Operating profit was €28m and EBITDA was €55m. Net worth in December 2021 was €231m.

Photo (l-r): Colin Kelly, Niall Matthews and Keith Agnew, vice-chairman, Lakeland Dairies