Lakeland Dairies appoints new 'chief people officer'

Lakeland Dairies, which collects milk from more than 3,200 family farms across 16 counties north and south, has appointed a “new chief people officer”.

Liz Shouldice, who comes from a dairy farm in Co. Tipperary, has 20 years in the human resources industry and was previously chief people officer with the National Lottery in Ireland.

Shouldice will now join Lakeland Dairies’ senior leadership team, and takes over from outgoing chief people officer, Tadhg O’Halloran, who confirmed last year that he will retire at the end of 2024 after 11 years with the co-op.

Lakeland Dairies group chief executive, Colin Kelly, said Shouldice joins at a very exciting time for the co-op and its staff.

“Through our new strategy ‘Foundations for a Better Future’ we are committed to ensuring we’re fit for growth in order to realise this ambitious new direction.

“Our purpose is to deliver sustainable prosperity for 3,200 farm families and this will be achieved by meeting the needs of our customers through the commitment of our people and the quality of our products,” Kelly added.

According to the co-op Shouldice’s key role will be to “implement and support strategy for the development of people, skills and careers across the organisation”.

She said today (Friday, February 23) that she is “thrilled to be joining such a modern, pioneering and forward-thinking co-operative”.

“The dairy industry and the wider co-operative movement play an essential role in enhancing the lives of people across rural Ireland, and this is a contribution that I deeply value.

“I’m delighted to be joining Lakeland Dairies at such an important time for the company as it advances its position as a global leader in nutrition for customers in over 100 markets across the world.

“I will work collectively and collaboratively with all of the great people throughout Lakeland Dairies to ensure we realise our new strategic direction and to empower everyone along this journey,” Shouldice added.