A new chief executive has been appointed to to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Dr Pamela Byrne will take up the role in March 2015, following the retirement of Prof. Alan Reilly.

Byrne, a native of Cork, is currently Director of Regulatory Policy and Intelligence with Abbott Nutrition.

She has previously held a number of senior roles within the Department of Agriculture, including working as an environmental toxicologist and as a risk assessor. Byrne holds a PhD in Environmental Toxicology from University College, along with an MSc in Aquatic Resource Management from Kings College, University of London.

Commenting on the announcement, Prof Michael Gibney, Chairman of FSAI welcomed her to the role saying the board “looks forward to working closely with her as Chief Executive to deliver an exemplary regulatory environment that is to the fore in protecting public health and consumer interests in the area of food safety and hygiene.”

He also paid tribute to outgoing Chief Executive Prof. Alan Reilly for the “outstanding leadership” he has shown during his tenure.