Seamus Banim held the position of group communications director at ABP Food Group for over 10 years. He also has experience working with retailers as he was head of communications in Tesco Ireland. Having graduated from University College Dublin with a BA in Economics, Seamus also holds a diploma in public relations. His last role was communications and engagement manager at the Irish Exporters Association.

Speaking about his appointment, Seamus says, “I am delighted to be joining Lakeland Dairies, a company known for its innovation and forward-thinking approach. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the business and engaging with our stakeholders.”

Kevin Coffey brings more than 25 years of experience in the dairy industry to VAS, which provides herd management software to dairy farmers. His career journey has been built on a lifelong connection to agriculture. He previously led Munster Bovine, the largest AI, herd recording and herd health testing organisation in Ireland, and held leadership roles at Aurivo Co-Operative.

Speaking about his new role, Kevin says, “VAS has long been at the forefront of innovation in dairy technology with solutions like DairyComp powering data-driven success on dairies around the world. As we look ahead, I’m excited to guide the evolution of that legacy to meet the rapidly evolving needs of dairy producers with greater intelligence and connectivity.”

The former managing director of the Ornua Global Foods division, Róisín Hennerty, has been appointed to the board of ifac and she will join as an independent non-executive director. Having joined Ornua in 1990, she has worked in a variety of senior roles since then.

Speaking about her appointment, Róisín says, “I am delighted to be joining the board of ifac and to bring my business experience to add to its ongoing success. In particular, by utilising my expertise in growing consumer food businesses and building collaborative partnerships with Irish farming families, I look forward to assisting the firm with its continuing growth and delivery of expert advice and guidance to its farming, food, agri-business and SME clients.”

Hailing from Glaslough, Co Monaghan, Nigel Heatrick is currently serving his first term on the Irish Hereford Breed Society Council.

Nigel’s passion for the Hereford breed was instilled in him from a young age. The Glaslough Hereford Herd was established by his father, Sam Heatrick, in 1951.

Speaking about his appointment, Nigel says, “I’m looking forward to working closely with breeders across the country to promote the strengths of the Hereford breed, and getting to meet and encourage new and existing members in their endeavours as Hereford Breeders.

Looking to the future, he also says, “I’m eager to support our youth development initiatives.”

Joint managing director of timber processors, Glennon Brothers, Mike has been elected chair of the building manufacturers group, Octabuild, for 2025-2026. Octabuild was established in 1984 to highlight the benefits of high-quality, Irish-manufactured products. Mike brings extensive industry expertise to his role as chairperson.

Speaking about his election, Mike says, “Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of Octabuild. Throughout my career in the timber and construction industries, I’ve seen the vital role builders’ merchants play in delivering high-quality building materials to the market. Irish manufacturing is key to this process, providing locally made products to meet demand.”

Greg Dempsey holds a BSc in financial information systems from Trinity College Dublin and is a chartered certified accountant. He is a member of the management board of the European Food Safety Authority and a member of the state claims agency advisory committee. Greg has held senior leadership roles in both the public and private sector. Prior to this, he was assistant secretary and head of finance with the Department of Health.

Speaking about his new role, Greg says, “It’s an honour to to work closely with the highly motivated and expert team, and with all stakeholders, whose individual and collective contributions are integral to the safety and integrity of Ireland’s food safety systems.”