Fiona O’Shaughnessy
Appointed regional manager for Asia, Africa and the Middle East at Bord Bia
Fiona O’Shaughnessy has been with Bord Bia since 2018 and served as the business development manager for consumer foods, which was worth €3.3 billion in 2024. Before joining Bord Bia, Fiona held various technical and commercial roles and graduated from Bord Bia’s marketing fellowship programme in 2011.
Speaking about her promotion, Fiona says: “I look forward to working with the global business development team in Bord Bia, building on my experience with the prepared consumer foods team, to elevate the brand of food and drink from Ireland in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
“The upcoming Government-led trade mission to South Korea and Japan in June serves as an opportunity for me to deepen relationships with clients in the region.”
Ian Hutchinson
Appointed research and innovation director at Agrimin
Ian Hutchinson appointed research and innovation director at Agrimin.
Ian Hutchinson holds a PhD in ruminant nutrition and fertility from University College Dublin. Before joining Agrimin, he gained over a decade of senior management experience at Nutribio and Ocean Harvest Technology, leading the research and technical functions of the businesses.
Ian has joined the Agrimin board as research and innovation director and will utilise his expertise in the academic and commercial agricultural sectors.
Speaking about his appointment, Ian says: “I am delighted to have joined Agrimin at an exciting time for the company and I’m looking forward to working with our extensive research and development team to identify and develop innovative new animal health and nutrition products to support the future growth.”
Jamie Burns
Appointed partner at ifac’s office in Dungarvan
Jamie Burns appointed partner at ifac’s office in Dungarvan.
Waterford native Jamie Burns joined ifac in 2016. As a chartered certified accountant, he has more than 10 years of experience in client advisory.
Jamie’s area of speciality is advising clients on financial management and tax-efficient business structures.
Beyond his work, Jamie is also an active member of his local community. He is a playing member and club secretary of Seaview Celtic FC, Annestown and a playing member of Dunhill GAA Club.
Commenting on his new role, Jamie says: “I am excited about this new opportunity to work together with my colleagues to grow our business, and guide and support our clients through all of their challenges, growth opportunities and business decisions.”
Patrick Donohoe
Appointed chief executive officer of Animal Health Ireland
Patrick Donohoe appointed chief executive officer of Animal Health Ireland.
Patrick Donohue has served in a range of leadership roles in the agriculture sector. He will join Animal Health Ireland in July and depart Lakeland Dairies, where he serves as chief corporate affairs officer. Prior to Lakeland Dairies, Patrick served as special advisor to the former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, led the merger process of LacPatrick Dairies with Lakeland Dairies, and was news editor with the Irish Farmers Journal.
Speaking about the appointment, Patrick says: “I’m really excited to be appointed the new CEO of Animal Health Ireland and I can’t wait to get started. We are at a critical juncture for our industry, and animal health is pivotal to the continued success of our multi-billion-euro industry.”
Conor Gallinagh
Appointed agronomist at LeaderBrand
Conor Gallinagh appointed agronomist at LeaderBrand, New Zealand
Conor Gallinagh grew up on a family-owned forestry nursery with a suckler and sheep farm.
Graduating in 2016 with a BAgrSc in Horticulture, Conor took up the role of nursery technician in Teagasc. In October 2020, he joined CAFRE as the ornamental crops advisor, later being promoted to senior horticulture advisor. He takes up the position of agronomist at LeaderBrand in New Zealand.
Speaking about his appointment, Conor says: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with New Zealand’s largest vegetable producer as their lettuce agronomist. I’m really looking forward to learning about the horticulture industry, and the challenges and opportunities that they are currently facing in New Zealand.”
John Flanagan
Appointed deputy principal at Gurteen College, Co Tipperary
John Flanagan appointed deputy principal at Gurteen College
From a dairy and beef farm near Holycross, Co Tipperary, John Flanagan went onto study agriculture first in Waterford, and later at the University of Aberdeen. Since graduating, John has worked in the farming industry in Ireland, New Zealand, France, and Scotland. Most recently, he worked as a senior policy manager for the farm lobbying organisation, NFU Scotland.
Speaking about his appointment, John says: “From the moment I set foot at Gurteen, I knew it was the right place for me. I am really looking forward to playing my part in building on Gurteen’s existing strong reputation and contributing to future plans, as the college continues to evolve to meet the needs of a successful rural sector and the rural professionals of tomorrow.”
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Fiona O’Shaughnessy
Appointed regional manager for Asia, Africa and the Middle East at Bord Bia
Fiona O’Shaughnessy has been with Bord Bia since 2018 and served as the business development manager for consumer foods, which was worth €3.3 billion in 2024. Before joining Bord Bia, Fiona held various technical and commercial roles and graduated from Bord Bia’s marketing fellowship programme in 2011.
Speaking about her promotion, Fiona says: “I look forward to working with the global business development team in Bord Bia, building on my experience with the prepared consumer foods team, to elevate the brand of food and drink from Ireland in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
“The upcoming Government-led trade mission to South Korea and Japan in June serves as an opportunity for me to deepen relationships with clients in the region.”
Ian Hutchinson
Appointed research and innovation director at Agrimin
Ian Hutchinson appointed research and innovation director at Agrimin.
Ian Hutchinson holds a PhD in ruminant nutrition and fertility from University College Dublin. Before joining Agrimin, he gained over a decade of senior management experience at Nutribio and Ocean Harvest Technology, leading the research and technical functions of the businesses.
Ian has joined the Agrimin board as research and innovation director and will utilise his expertise in the academic and commercial agricultural sectors.
Speaking about his appointment, Ian says: “I am delighted to have joined Agrimin at an exciting time for the company and I’m looking forward to working with our extensive research and development team to identify and develop innovative new animal health and nutrition products to support the future growth.”
Jamie Burns
Appointed partner at ifac’s office in Dungarvan
Jamie Burns appointed partner at ifac’s office in Dungarvan.
Waterford native Jamie Burns joined ifac in 2016. As a chartered certified accountant, he has more than 10 years of experience in client advisory.
Jamie’s area of speciality is advising clients on financial management and tax-efficient business structures.
Beyond his work, Jamie is also an active member of his local community. He is a playing member and club secretary of Seaview Celtic FC, Annestown and a playing member of Dunhill GAA Club.
Commenting on his new role, Jamie says: “I am excited about this new opportunity to work together with my colleagues to grow our business, and guide and support our clients through all of their challenges, growth opportunities and business decisions.”
Patrick Donohoe
Appointed chief executive officer of Animal Health Ireland
Patrick Donohoe appointed chief executive officer of Animal Health Ireland.
Patrick Donohue has served in a range of leadership roles in the agriculture sector. He will join Animal Health Ireland in July and depart Lakeland Dairies, where he serves as chief corporate affairs officer. Prior to Lakeland Dairies, Patrick served as special advisor to the former Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, led the merger process of LacPatrick Dairies with Lakeland Dairies, and was news editor with the Irish Farmers Journal.
Speaking about the appointment, Patrick says: “I’m really excited to be appointed the new CEO of Animal Health Ireland and I can’t wait to get started. We are at a critical juncture for our industry, and animal health is pivotal to the continued success of our multi-billion-euro industry.”
Conor Gallinagh
Appointed agronomist at LeaderBrand
Conor Gallinagh appointed agronomist at LeaderBrand, New Zealand
Conor Gallinagh grew up on a family-owned forestry nursery with a suckler and sheep farm.
Graduating in 2016 with a BAgrSc in Horticulture, Conor took up the role of nursery technician in Teagasc. In October 2020, he joined CAFRE as the ornamental crops advisor, later being promoted to senior horticulture advisor. He takes up the position of agronomist at LeaderBrand in New Zealand.
Speaking about his appointment, Conor says: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with New Zealand’s largest vegetable producer as their lettuce agronomist. I’m really looking forward to learning about the horticulture industry, and the challenges and opportunities that they are currently facing in New Zealand.”
John Flanagan
Appointed deputy principal at Gurteen College, Co Tipperary
John Flanagan appointed deputy principal at Gurteen College
From a dairy and beef farm near Holycross, Co Tipperary, John Flanagan went onto study agriculture first in Waterford, and later at the University of Aberdeen. Since graduating, John has worked in the farming industry in Ireland, New Zealand, France, and Scotland. Most recently, he worked as a senior policy manager for the farm lobbying organisation, NFU Scotland.
Speaking about his appointment, John says: “From the moment I set foot at Gurteen, I knew it was the right place for me. I am really looking forward to playing my part in building on Gurteen’s existing strong reputation and contributing to future plans, as the college continues to evolve to meet the needs of a successful rural sector and the rural professionals of tomorrow.”
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