Our Leadership Structure
As a values-driven organisation, our leaders do more than just manage. They work to deliver a better future for all through empowering, inspiring and driving personal development. To keep growing and developing every layer of our business, we have instilled the right framework to build an open and positive culture for our people.
Leadership
Jim Bergin
Tirlán CEO
Since joining Glanbia in 1984, Jim has held numerous Senior Management positions across the business. In 2003, he joined the Ingredients business as Operations Manager before moving to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) in 2005. With the formation of Glanbia Ireland in 2017, he took over as CEO to move the business on to the next level. In 2021, Jim was appointed Chief Executive of Glanbia Co-op and oversaw the transaction that saw the Co-op assume full control of the Glanbia Ireland business. In 2022 he was appointed to the governing board of the new technological university (TU) for the South East. He is a former Chairman of the Irish Dairy Industry Association.
Since joining Glanbia in 1984, Jim has held numerous Senior Management positions across the business. In 2003, he joined the Ingredients business as Operations Manager before moving to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) in 2005. With the formation of Glanbia Ireland in 2017, he took over as CEO to move the business on to the next level. In 2021, Jim was appointed Chief Executive of Glanbia Co-op and oversaw the transaction that saw the Co-op assume full control of the Glanbia Ireland business. In 2022 he was appointed to the governing board of the new technological university (TU) for the South East. He is a former Chairman of the Irish Dairy Industry Association.
Michael Horan
Chief Finance & Secretariat Officer
Michael is Chief Finance and Secretariat Officer with Glanbia Co-op and was appointed as a member of Glanbia Co-op Board on 4 April 2022. He previously held the position of Group Secretary of Glanbia PLC from 2005 to 2022, and prior to that was the Group Financial Controller. He joined the Group in 1998 as Financial Controller of the Fresh Pork business in Ireland. Michael previously worked with Almarai Company in Saudi Arabia and BDO Simpson Xavier. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Michael graduated from the National University of Ireland, Galway with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Michael is Chief Finance and Secretariat Officer with Glanbia Co-op and was appointed as a member of Glanbia Co-op Board on 4 April 2022. He previously held the position of Group Secretary of Glanbia PLC from 2005 to 2022, and prior to that was the Group Financial Controller. He joined the Group in 1998 as Financial Controller of the Fresh Pork business in Ireland. Michael previously worked with Almarai Company in Saudi Arabia and BDO Simpson Xavier. A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Michael graduated from the National University of Ireland, Galway with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Dr Lisa Koep
Chief ESG Officer
Lisa is responsible for driving the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) targets and ambitions outlined in the organisation’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, Living Proof. In this role, her areas of responsibility also includes Corporate Affairs.
Born in Germany, Lisa came to Ireland in 2000 to study economics and geography at Trinity College, with a specialisation in resource economics and sustainable development.
After many years working in senior retail sector roles with Lidl in Ireland, she returned to university to complete a PhD in Business, specialising in CSR Communication.
Prior to joining Tirlán, Lisa’s most recent role was Head of CSR/Sustainability for Lidl in Germany. Lisa also previously worked as a lecturer and researcher at the Technological University Dublin and the Technische Universitaet Dresden.
Lisa is responsible for driving the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) targets and ambitions outlined in the organisation’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, Living Proof. In this role, her areas of responsibility also includes Corporate Affairs.
Born in Germany, Lisa came to Ireland in 2000 to study economics and geography at Trinity College, with a specialisation in resource economics and sustainable development.
After many years working in senior retail sector roles with Lidl in Ireland, she returned to university to complete a PhD in Business, specialising in CSR Communication.
Prior to joining Tirlán, Lisa’s most recent role was Head of CSR/Sustainability for Lidl in Germany. Lisa also previously worked as a lecturer and researcher at the Technological University Dublin and the Technische Universitaet Dresden.
Seán Molloy
Chief Ingredients & Agri Officer
Seán is responsible for strategy and commercial execution in both the Ingredients (Dairy and non-dairy) and Agribusiness categories. Having previously held the role of Director of Strategy he was appointed to the position of Chief Agribusiness Growth Officer of Glanbia Ireland in 2018. In this role, Seán had responsibility for leading Ireland’s largest Agribusiness in addition to managing the development of Glanbia’s Irish milk pool. He joined Glanbia in 2007 having worked for eight years as a Strategy Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Seán is an Executive Director on the Board of Glanbia Co-op.
Seán is responsible for strategy and commercial execution in both the Ingredients (Dairy and non-dairy) and Agribusiness categories. Having previously held the role of Director of Strategy he was appointed to the position of Chief Agribusiness Growth Officer of Glanbia Ireland in 2018. In this role, Seán had responsibility for leading Ireland’s largest Agribusiness in addition to managing the development of Glanbia’s Irish milk pool. He joined Glanbia in 2007 having worked for eight years as a Strategy Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Seán is an Executive Director on the Board of Glanbia Co-op.
Michael O'Leary
Chief People, D&I & Org Development Officer
Michael is the Chief People, D&I and Org Development Officer for the organisation. Previously, he held the position of former Chief Human Resource and Organisation Design Officer with Glanbia Ireland. In his current role, his areas of responsibility include HR Strategy, Strategic Business Partnering, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Culture & Employee Engagement, Organisational Transformation and Diversity & Inclusion. After joining Glanbia in 1997, Michael worked in a number of senior human resources roles across the Glanbia Ireland business. He led the company’s Organisational Readiness Programme for dairy growth, integrating the new Belview plant and the Wexford facility into Glanbia Ireland.
Michael is the Chief People, D&I and Org Development Officer for the organisation. Previously, he held the position of former Chief Human Resource and Organisation Design Officer with Glanbia Ireland. In his current role, his areas of responsibility include HR Strategy, Strategic Business Partnering, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Culture & Employee Engagement, Organisational Transformation and Diversity & Inclusion. After joining Glanbia in 1997, Michael worked in a number of senior human resources roles across the Glanbia Ireland business. He led the company’s Organisational Readiness Programme for dairy growth, integrating the new Belview plant and the Wexford facility into Glanbia Ireland.
Jim O'Neill
Chief Operating & Consumer Officer
Jim has extensive experience in both operations and manufacturing to the highest-standards. Previously, he held the position of Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer with Glanbia Ireland. In his current role, his areas of responsibility include Supply Chain & Operations Strategy and execution, Quality & Compliance, Innovation/R&D, International and Domestic Consumer category strategy and commercial execution. After graduating from University College Dublin as a Chemical Engineer, Jim went on to complete an MBA. He has extensive experience in manufacturing in both chemical and ingredient applications. Jim joined Glanbia as Operations Director of Dairy Ingredients in 2007 and oversaw the construction of the state-of-the-art Belview specialised milk powder facility.
Jim has extensive experience in both operations and manufacturing to the highest-standards. Previously, he held the position of Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer with Glanbia Ireland. In his current role, his areas of responsibility include Supply Chain & Operations Strategy and execution, Quality & Compliance, Innovation/R&D, International and Domestic Consumer category strategy and commercial execution. After graduating from University College Dublin as a Chemical Engineer, Jim went on to complete an MBA. He has extensive experience in manufacturing in both chemical and ingredient applications. Jim joined Glanbia as Operations Director of Dairy Ingredients in 2007 and oversaw the construction of the state-of-the-art Belview specialised milk powder facility.
Frank Tobin
Chief Investment Officer
Frank joined Glanbia in 1980, working in senior Finance roles across Ingredients, Agri, Meats (UK & Ireland), Group and Consumer Foods. On completing an MBA, Frank took up the Chief Operations role for the Consumer Business in 2003. With the formation of Glanbia Ireland in 2017, he was appointed Chief Finance Officer and was appointed Chief Investment Officer in 2022. Frank is an Executive Director on the Board of Glanbia Co-op. Frank has represented Glanbia on the boards of National Milk Agency, National Dairy Council and National Dairy Association.
Frank joined Glanbia in 1980, working in senior Finance roles across Ingredients, Agri, Meats (UK & Ireland), Group and Consumer Foods. On completing an MBA, Frank took up the Chief Operations role for the Consumer Business in 2003. With the formation of Glanbia Ireland in 2017, he was appointed Chief Finance Officer and was appointed Chief Investment Officer in 2022. Frank is an Executive Director on the Board of Glanbia Co-op. Frank has represented Glanbia on the boards of National Milk Agency, National Dairy Council and National Dairy Association.
Joe Taneyhill
Strategy Director
Joe is responsible for strategy development and execution, corporate acquisitions and partnerships, and leading strategic projects. After joining in 2007, he took on a senior role at the company’s Consumer Foods business before becoming Development Director at Glanbia Ireland in 2018. Joe, who has dual citizenship in America and Ireland, previously worked at JPMorgan in Corporate and Investment Banking in the US. He holds an MBA from London Business School and has been a CFA charterholder.
Joe is responsible for strategy development and execution, corporate acquisitions and partnerships, and leading strategic projects. After joining in 2007, he took on a senior role at the company’s Consumer Foods business before becoming Development Director at Glanbia Ireland in 2018. Joe, who has dual citizenship in America and Ireland, previously worked at JPMorgan in Corporate and Investment Banking in the US. He holds an MBA from London Business School and has been a CFA charterholder.
Governance
Non-Executive Directors
Tirlán CO-OP Board
John G. Murphy
Chairman
Patrick Murphy
Vice-Chairman
Brendan Hayes
Vice-Chairman
Patsy Ahern
Bill Carroll
Larry Hannon
Paul Haran
Tom Phelan
Janet McCollum
Eamon McEnteggart
John Murphy
Gerard O'Brien
Denis O’Sullivan
Robert Barron
John Regan
Patrick Whyte
Executive Directors
Jim Bergin
Seán Molloy
Frank Tobin
Michael Horan
Company Secretary
Gordon Murphy
Joe Taneyhill
Strategy Director
Joe is responsible for strategy development and execution, corporate acquisitions and partnerships, and leading strategic projects. After joining in 2007, he took on a senior role at the company’s Consumer Foods business before becoming Development Director at Glanbia Ireland in 2018. Joe, who has dual citizenship in America and Ireland, previously worked at JPMorgan in Corporate and Investment Banking in the US. He holds an MBA from London Business School and has been a CFA charterholder.
Joe is responsible for strategy development and execution, corporate acquisitions and partnerships, and leading strategic projects. After joining in 2007, he took on a senior role at the company’s Consumer Foods business before becoming Development Director at Glanbia Ireland in 2018. Joe, who has dual citizenship in America and Ireland, previously worked at JPMorgan in Corporate and Investment Banking in the US. He holds an MBA from London Business School and has been a CFA charterholder.
Senan Foley
Head of Retail
Senan is responsible for Glanbia Ireland’s network of 52 Agri and Retail Branches. He joined Glanbia in September 2005 having previously worked in various retail roles within The Grafton Group. Senan developed the CountryLife concept and had P&L responsibility of these for a number of years. He then took up the role of Head of Business Excellence and Ecommerce, delivering significant cost savings through the GPS programme and the launch of the Glanbia Connect ecommerce store in 2017.
Senan is responsible for Glanbia Ireland’s network of 52 Agri and Retail Branches. He joined Glanbia in September 2005 having previously worked in various retail roles within The Grafton Group. Senan developed the CountryLife concept and had P&L responsibility of these for a number of years. He then took up the role of Head of Business Excellence and Ecommerce, delivering significant cost savings through the GPS programme and the launch of the Glanbia Connect ecommerce store in 2017.
Aoife Murphy
Director Ingredients
Aoife has over two decades of experience in the food sector working with major multinational companies in both technical and commercial roles. Prior to joining Glanbia in 2009, Aoife worked with Kerry Group in a number of business units across Food and Ingredients in Ireland, the UK and The Netherlands within commercial and technical functions. Aoife has held a number of senior roles within Glanbia’s commercial teams and is currently Director of Ingredients. Aoife is a graduate of UCD and Smurfit Business School.
Aoife has over two decades of experience in the food sector working with major multinational companies in both technical and commercial roles. Prior to joining Glanbia in 2009, Aoife worked with Kerry Group in a number of business units across Food and Ingredients in Ireland, the UK and The Netherlands within commercial and technical functions. Aoife has held a number of senior roles within Glanbia’s commercial teams and is currently Director of Ingredients. Aoife is a graduate of UCD and Smurfit Business School.
Pat O'Keefe
Corporate Affairs Director
Pat previously held the role of Head of Farmer Relations. Prior to joining Glanbia in 2015, he spent 17 years at the Irish Farmers Journal, where he was Deputy Editor. A native of east Cork in southern Ireland, he graduated from University College Dublin with a B.Agr.Sc before completing a Masters in Animal Science in New Zealand. He is a member of the Board of the National Dairy Council (NDC) and past President of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA).
Pat previously held the role of Head of Farmer Relations. Prior to joining Glanbia in 2015, he spent 17 years at the Irish Farmers Journal, where he was Deputy Editor. A native of east Cork in southern Ireland, he graduated from University College Dublin with a B.Agr.Sc before completing a Masters in Animal Science in New Zealand. He is a member of the Board of the National Dairy Council (NDC) and past President of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA).
Nicola O'Connell
Head of Consumer Development
Nicola is responsible for the development of Glanbia’s Truly Grass Fed range of Consumer branded and B2B dairy products internationally. Nicola’s background is primarily in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer marketing. Prior to joining Glanbia in 2014 she spent many years in senior marketing roles in Diageo, the Irish Tourist Board and C&C Group, working across a number of high-profile brands in the US, Singapore, Ireland and the UK.
Nicola is responsible for the development of Glanbia’s Truly Grass Fed range of Consumer branded and B2B dairy products internationally. Nicola’s background is primarily in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer marketing. Prior to joining Glanbia in 2014 she spent many years in senior marketing roles in Diageo, the Irish Tourist Board and C&C Group, working across a number of high-profile brands in the US, Singapore, Ireland and the UK.
Larry McDonald
Director of Quality and Compliance
Larry leads the Regulatory and Scientific Affairs (R&SA) Department, With responsibility for a number of areas including GI’s compliance to food laws and regulations across all the markets we operate in. He also has responsibilities for labelling and product innovation compliance, robust food safety and microbiological and contaminant programmes. Larry is a native of Wicklow and graduated with a M.Sc. in Food Regulatory Affairs. He gained wealth of experience across the meat, poultry, cereal and bakery industries before joining Glanbia.
Larry leads the Regulatory and Scientific Affairs (R&SA) Department, With responsibility for a number of areas including GI’s compliance to food laws and regulations across all the markets we operate in. He also has responsibilities for labelling and product innovation compliance, robust food safety and microbiological and contaminant programmes. Larry is a native of Wicklow and graduated with a M.Sc. in Food Regulatory Affairs. He gained wealth of experience across the meat, poultry, cereal and bakery industries before joining Glanbia.
John O’Donnell
Head of Category Dairy Powders
John leads the commercial category for Infant and Clinical Nutrition. Since graduating from UCC with a degree in Food Science, John has built up 20 years of experience in the Irish dairy industry in both operations and commercial roles, having worked with Dairygold and Carbery Group before joining Glanbia Ingredients Ireland in 2015.
John leads the commercial category for Infant and Clinical Nutrition. Since graduating from UCC with a degree in Food Science, John has built up 20 years of experience in the Irish dairy industry in both operations and commercial roles, having worked with Dairygold and Carbery Group before joining Glanbia Ingredients Ireland in 2015.
Stephen Browne
Head of International Sales
Stephen leads the international consumer commercial function with responsibility for Avonmore UHT Cream, Milk and Food sales globally. After graduating in Civil Engineering from TCD, Stephen worked for nearly 20 years on a number of international assignments, spending eight years living in China. His experience includes six years with the Maersk group and three years with Ornua China prior to joining Glanbia in 2015.
Stephen leads the international consumer commercial function with responsibility for Avonmore UHT Cream, Milk and Food sales globally. After graduating in Civil Engineering from TCD, Stephen worked for nearly 20 years on a number of international assignments, spending eight years living in China. His experience includes six years with the Maersk group and three years with Ornua China prior to joining Glanbia in 2015.
Michelle Collins
Director of R&D
Michelle is a passionate food industry professional with 20 years’ experience working in the food and drink sector. Accountable for Nutrition and Sustainability Innovation at Glanbia Ireland, she also has responsibility for establishing strong partnerships with the external ecosystem and to leverage this network to support and drive our innovation strategy. Prior to joining Glanbia Ireland she worked with Coca-Cola where she spent nine years in various roles in R&D. Michelle holds a PhD in Food Science from the University of Reading.
Michelle is a passionate food industry professional with 20 years’ experience working in the food and drink sector. Accountable for Nutrition and Sustainability Innovation at Glanbia Ireland, she also has responsibility for establishing strong partnerships with the external ecosystem and to leverage this network to support and drive our innovation strategy. Prior to joining Glanbia Ireland she worked with Coca-Cola where she spent nine years in various roles in R&D. Michelle holds a PhD in Food Science from the University of Reading.
Audrey O’Shea
Head of Environmental and Sustainability Compliance
An Earthscience Degree and a passion for the environment led Audrey to work in Kilkenny County Council’s planning and environmental departments. After joining Glanbia in 2006, she worked as an Environmental Co-ordinator before becoming Sustainability Manager. After previously holding the role of chair at the Irish Dairy Industries Association, Audrey is currently vice-chair of the IBEC Climate Change working group. She has postgraduate qualifications from Cambridge University and the Origin Green Ambassador Programme at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
An Earthscience Degree and a passion for the environment led Audrey to work in Kilkenny County Council’s planning and environmental departments. After joining Glanbia in 2006, she worked as an Environmental Co-ordinator before becoming Sustainability Manager. After previously holding the role of chair at the Irish Dairy Industries Association, Audrey is currently vice-chair of the IBEC Climate Change working group. She has postgraduate qualifications from Cambridge University and the Origin Green Ambassador Programme at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Helen Kiely
Head of Employee Engagement and Culture
Helen is responsible for improving business performance by enhancing the drivers of Employee Engagement and developing a culture of inclusion, where people have the opportunity to grow and be recognised for their contribution. Qualified with a BComm from UCD, Helen joined Glanbia as the HR Lead in Glanbia Ireland’s Belview Plant start-up team in 2013. Prior to this she had varied roles in HR across the Telecomms and BPO sectors, including Vodafone and AOL Broadband.
Helen is responsible for improving business performance by enhancing the drivers of Employee Engagement and developing a culture of inclusion, where people have the opportunity to grow and be recognised for their contribution. Qualified with a BComm from UCD, Helen joined Glanbia as the HR Lead in Glanbia Ireland’s Belview Plant start-up team in 2013. Prior to this she had varied roles in HR across the Telecomms and BPO sectors, including Vodafone and AOL Broadband.