The introduction for Alltech’s Aidan Connolly at the company’s One Ideas Forum in Co Meath on Tuesday contained a surprise announcement: the chief innovation officer is leaving the firm, but will continue to collaborate as a consultant.

Connolly will certainly leave a gap in a company built precisely on innovation – originally in feed additives and most recently through Connolly’s drive to make Alltech the centre of a galaxy of ag-tech startups.

Its accelerator programme will ensure a network of collaborations in a future where data will be worth more than grain or milk, and a foot in the door when a good acquisition opportunity arises.

Speaking of which, Alltech boss Mark Lyons lifted a corner of the veil on the acquisition of Keenan two years ago. When he heard the Carlow diet feeder manufacturer “wasn’t going to be a company by Monday”, Mark said his father, the late Pearse Lyons, “jumped on the opportunity and made a couple of phone calls” – sealing the deal by that fateful Monday.

Sustainability and income challenges clash at Alltech conference

Aidan's adieu to Alltech

The head of innovation at Alltech – arguably the company's core function – is on his way out.