The board of Aurivo Co-operative Society has announced the appointment of JP McGrath as the co-op’s new CEO.
McGrath will take up the position in late September and will succeed Donal Tierney, who will retire following a 15-year career with the co-op, including seven years as chief executive.
He is an experienced senior executive with an extensive background in the food, agribusiness, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.
He has held senior financial, commercial and operational leadership roles with Dairygold, Bord na Móna, Norbrook Laboratories and Aryzta.
Most recently, he served as chief financial officer of Dairygold, where he helped develop the co-op’s longer-term strategic plans.
He previously held the roles of chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Bord na Móna and was chief financial officer at Norbrook Laboratories.
Earlier in his career, he spent 11 years with Aryzta, where he held a number of senior leadership positions, including managing director of Aryzta Bakeries Europe and Asia Pacific, where he was based in Switzerland and had responsibility for a €1.1bn division operating across 14 countries.
Broad experience
Commenting on the appointment, chair of Aurivo Cathal Garvey said: “On behalf of the board of Aurivo, I am delighted to welcome JP McGrath as our new chief executive.
"JP brings extensive leadership experience, together with a proven track record in business transformation, operational management, strategic development and financial performance.
“His broad experience across the food, agribusiness and energy sectors will be of considerable value to Aurivo as we continue to develop the co-op and deliver for our members, employees, customers and communities.”
Garvey thanked Donal Tierney for his service to Aurivo over the past 15 years.
“During his seven years as chief executive, Donal has led the organisation with integrity, dedication and a clear focus on the long-term interests of the co-op and its members. We wish Donal and his family every happiness for the future.”
McGrath said he looks forward to working with the board, the leadership team, employees, members and customers to build on the strong foundations established under Donal’s leadership and to support the continued development and long-term success of the co-op.
McGrath is a chartered accountant and holds a bachelor of international commerce with French from University College Dublin.