To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, to lose one successor might be misfortune, to lose more than one looks like carelessness.

The Dealer has heard that the departure of Mark Coyle, designated successor to John Horgan at Kepak, is because he didn’t want the industry legend Horgan hanging around. Apparently Horgan visualises himself as an actively involved chair.

Simon Walker will now assume the role of group CEO from 1 January 2021.

This is the second or third time that a senior manager in Kepak has moved on, with Kevin Cahill leaving in 2016 to take charge of OSI Europe, best known as a major manufacturer of burgers for McDonald’s.

Ger Brickley also left for Bandon Co-op.

Money is not the problem. Kepak has gone on the acquisition trail, taking over the red meat processing factories from the 2Sisters food group.

Dividends

The Dealer is wondering if the Keating family, the principal shareholders in Kepak, continue to be satisfied with the dividends they get out of the business, or would they consider selling up and forget about the complications around succession planning?