It has been confirmed that the CEO of Ornua, Kevin Lane, will step down in mid-2018, following eight and a half years at the helm.

Ornua claims to be the largest exporter of Irish dairy products, with annualised sales of approximately €2 billion across 110 countries worldwide.

Lane – who became CEO in January 2010 – is set to leave the organisation at the end of June 2018, in order to spend time with his young family and to pursue other interests.

The group’s chairman, Aaron Forde, confirmed that he and the board will now commence the procedure to appoint a new CEO. He also added that it has been a privilege to work with Lane over the last number of years.

Commenting on the revelation, Forde said: “Kevin has successfully led Ornua through a period of significant change and growth, particularly the ending of dairy quotas in 2015.

“With great vision, Kevin together with his senior leadership team have strategically reshaped and refocused the Ornua business to unlock new routes to market and to drive international growth, while consistently delivering strong results for Ireland’s dairy processors and farming community.

Under Kevin’s leadership, Ornua has realised important milestones such as the opening of its first processing plant in Ireland, Kerrygold Park, and overseen the international expansion of the iconic Kerrygold brand – which now edges closer to becoming a €1 billion global brand.

“On behalf of the Ornua board, the executive team and myself, we wish Kevin every success in the future.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and to continue our focus on delivering our five-year strategy ‘Ornua 2021’ and achieving our target of €3 billion in revenues,” Forde said.

Meanwhile, Kevin Lane said: “It has been an absolute honour to lead Ornua through a very significant period in its history. I have greatly enjoyed working with the board and the entire team at Ornua and wish the organisation continued success.”