Ornua has today (Monday, June 15) announced two senior appointments as part of the company's new global operating model.

The Irish dairy co-operative and owner of Kerrygold butter confirmed that Shane Henry has been appointed as managing director of Ornua Dairy Ingredients.

Seán McHugh is now the head of global manufacturing and operational excellence at the company.

Ornua

Ornua Dairy Ingredients is a newly established global business unit within the Ornua Group.

It brings together Ornua’s member relations and services, dairy procurement, dairy trading, and route-to-market activities as one dedicated platform focused on maximising value from Irish dairy.

In his role as managing director, Ornua said Shane Henry will be responsible for the "further development of strong, sustainable, and profitable routes to market" for Irish dairy products produced by Ornua’s member co-ops.

Shane and a "highly experienced team"will lead the development and implementation of Ornua’s route-to-market commercial strategy and strengthen alignment with member co-ops.

He will also drive the global performance of the dairy ingredients businesses, servicing key international customers across the world.

Ornua said that Shane brings a "wealth of senior level experience to the role" from over 25 years working in Ornua.

In his most recent role, Shane was managing director of Ornua’s route-to-market and member relations team.

In his new role, Shane will report directly to Ornua chief executive, Conor Galvin.

In his new appointment as head of global manufacturing and operational excellence, Seán McHugh will report to chief operations officer, Jason Musk.

Seán will have responsibility for driving performance in the company's global manufacturing footprint and creating value through the establishment of a standardised operational excellence programme.

Seán has worked at Ornua for 25 years, during which time he held a number of management roles covering operational strategy and efficiency programmes.

Most recently, Seán was managing director of the company's flagship butter production facility Kerrygold Park in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork.

He was also responsible for driving brand innovation as global head of research and development.

Appointments

Conor Galvin, Ornua chief executive officer (CEO) congratulated Shane Henry and Seán McHugh on their appointments to two "newly-created senior leadership positions".

"The introduction of a more focused and agile global operating model is key to the delivery of our new and ambitious five-year growth strategy, which will drive value for Ornua’s member co-operatives and Irish farming families, while serving the needs of our customers across the globe," he said.