James Irish – appointed agronomy manager at BASF

Having worked as a senior agronomist with Brett Brothers for the past 10 years, covering the South Tipperary and Kilkenny area, James is making the move to BASF (Baden Aniline and Soda Factory). He is also the vice president of the Irish Seed Trade and a member of Tillage Industry Ireland steering group.

“I am looking forward to a new challenge with an exciting company,” says James of his new role. “It will be great to be working with some of the key tillage industry stakeholders”.

Brian Dooher – appointed chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland

Brian Dooher.

After graduating from University College Dublin with a degree in veterinary medicine, Brian worked in private practice for seven years. He joined the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) in 2005 and has held the position of deputy chief veterinary officer since 2018.

Commenting on his appointment, Brian says, “I am honoured to have been selected for this role and it will be my privilege to lead my veterinary colleagues to support our farming and food industry. I will work constructively and collaboratively with DAERA staff and stakeholders, delivery partners and colleagues in other administrations, in Ireland and in the EU.”

Úna Morrison – appointed brand development and innovation specialist at Bord Bia

Úna Morrison.

With experience working with global brands such as Cadbury, Coca-Cola and Kelloggs across Western Europe and EMEA regions, Una has recently moved from Mondelez International, where she was primarily focussed on the chocolate portfolio.

Speaking about her new role, Úna says: “I’m looking forward to bringing the experience and knowledge I have of working with global household brands and using that to support food and drink businesses from all corners of Ireland.”

David Nolan – appointed area sales manager in JCB

David Nolan.

After completing a BSc in agriculture science at UCD, David worked for the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as an agricultural inspector. He then moved to Keenan and worked as a nutritionist before taking up an area sales manager role. Speaking about his new role, David says, “I am looking forward to working with JCB on their diverse product range, which has an offering across many industries. In agriculture, this is dairy, beef and tillage, while they also sell a big volume of machines into the construction and industrial sectors.”

Catherine Phibbs – appointed interim chair of Irish Grown Wool council

Catherine Phibbs.

With a family heritage in sheep farming in Co Wicklow, Catherine blends her agriculture roots with expertise across branding. Currently working as a brand consultant, she has worked with a number of companies including Macra, XL Vets, Keelings and BowField Farm.

Commenting on her interim appointment, she says: “I’m investing my time in this key role with the Irish Grown Wool Council because I believe there is significant potential to add value all along the supply chain and advance innovation in Irish-grown wool across a wide range of sectors.”

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