Bord Bia new ceo to build closer stakeholder bond

Bord Bia revealed McCarthy as the new chief executive after the company’s current chief executive Aiden Cotter announced his retirement, set for January 2017. Having worked with Bord Bia for over 20 years, McCarthy had the experience to pursue new opportunities for the company.

Bord Bia chairman Michael Carey said: “Tara is exceptionally well qualified to take the organisation to the next level, with a deep understanding of the work of Bord Bia. She has proven to be a strong leader and fully appreciates the need to build close relationships with the organisation’s key stakeholders. I am confident that Tara will meet any challenges facing the sector, and pursue new opportunities, with vision, determination and imagination.

‘Exceptionally well qualified’

“Tara has clearly demonstrated her leadership capabilities during a 20-year career in the agri-food industry. The competition for the role was very intense and throughout the robust process, the panel was hugely impressed by the high calibre of candidates.”

McCarthy was previously chief executive of the Irish Sea Fisheries Board – Bord Iascaigh Mhara. Prior to her appointment in September 2015, she held roles as senior manager of the consumer foods division and director of the food and beverage division at Bord Bia.

‘Ambitious, yet achievable’

The new chief executive said the company’s targets were “ambitious, yet achievable”.

“It is an honour to be asked to lead Bord Bia during what is a very exciting time for the Irish food and drink industry,” she said. “Our total exports target of €19bn [£17.1bn], as set out by FoodWise 2025, is ambitious, yet achievable.

“I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders – including farmers, food manufacturers and producers – in order to reach that goal. I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Aidan Cotter, and I hope to build upon his outstanding work over the coming years.”