Prof David Kenny has been appointed as the head of animal and bioscience research department at Teagasc Grange.

He takes over from Michael Diskin, who retired last year. Prof Kenny has worked as a principal research officer in Teagasc since 2011. Before that he was a lecturer at UCD.

Teagasc has also appointed Valerie Farrell as head of human resources. She led the design, consultation and delivery of the Teagasc people leadership and change strategy published in 2012.

Meanwhile, Paul Maher takes over as head of international relations and corporate strategy. He takes over from Dr Lance O’Brien, who retires in April. Over the last 10 years Maher has been assistant director of KT.