Carbery Group has announced Cork native Kevin Collins as the CEO of its taste division in the US.

Collins will act as CEO designate of Synergy North America for the remainder of 2025 and then officially begin the role on 1 January 2026.

He will take over from Rod Sowders, who served as CEO of Synergy North America for over 20 years, driving growth in the business, both through acquisition and organically.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beginning his career at Carbery in Ballineen in 2003, Collins has held a series of senior leadership positions across the organisation globally.

Carbery said Collins was instrumental in driving the strong growth of the business in North America through his recent position as vice-president of sales in the region.

'Honoured'

On his new role, Collins said he was “honoured” and will build on the strong foundations established by Sowders and their team.

“I am passionate about the success of the business and I look forward to leading the business in North America into its next chapter, supporting our partners and employees and delivering on our strategic priorities in the region,” he added.

On the appointment, CEO of Carbery Group Jason Hawkins said Collins stood out as a leader.

“Kevin embodies our ambition, values and people-focused culture, which made him the ideal candidate.

“He brings significant experience of the market, a strong commercial record and a positive energy which will continue our growth and innovation in our North American operations.

“Having started his career with us in Ballineen, Kevin’s journey is also a great example of how we support and develop future leaders within our business,” he said.

Carbery’s North American headquarters in Wauconda, Illinois, is a manufacturing and commercial hub for the company's flavour and ingredients offerings.

Carbery currently employs more than 420 people across four sites in North America, with manufacturing hubs in Wauconda and Chicago and Hamilton, Ohio.

Operations in the region are focused on flavour creation, manufacturing and innovation for the food, beverage and nutrition industries.