He will take on the presidency from Andrew Higginson on 1 January 2021.
Coveney is already an active member of IGD’s policy issues council and has led Greencore since 2008. He previously served as the group’s chief financial officer.
He also serves as a non-executive director of Glanbia, the Irish global nutrition group, and non-executive chairman of Core Media, Ireland’s largest marketing communications group.
Before joining Greencore, he was managing partner of McKinsey & Co, Ireland.
Private label
IGD said he was the first chief executive of a private label manufacturer to be appointed as its president and brought unique knowledge and industry experience to the role.
Susan Barratt, chief executive of IGD, said: “I am delighted to welcome Patrick as IGD president. With many years’ industry experience, Patrick is incredibly well respected across the sector. His experiences of private label food manufacturing, alongside his vision and leadership during the challenging times that the industry is facing, will help bring a new perspective to our organisation. I am very much looking forward to working together as we drive the evolution of IGD.
Privilege
Coveney said: “It is a privilege to become president of IGD, an organisation that I have enjoyed working closely with for many years. I am looking forward to working alongside the trustees, PIC members and executive team to make a positive impact during this period of immense change for the food and consumer goods industry.”
Coveney has headed up Greencore during a difficult time for the business and the entire food sector.
Greencore confirmed last month that a total of 292 people have tested positive for coronavirus at Greencore’s Northampton manufacturing site.
At the beginning of the pandemic Greencore bosses of took a pay cut of 30% as they furloughed colleagues in its food-to-go divisions hit by the coronavirus pandemic.