Tara McCarthy lands top job at An Bord Bia
Incoming boss to focus on driving food exports to €19 billion by 2025
An Bord Bia has appointed a new chief executive.
Tara McCarthy, who has been a leader in the agri-food industry for twenty years, has landed the top job.
The news comes asthe Irish food industry faces additional challenges in the light of Brexit
McCarthy succeeds current chief executive Aidan Cotter who retires in January.
She moved a year ago to become chief executive of Bord Iascaigh Mhara having previously worked at An Bord Bia for twenty years.
McCarthy was a senior manager in the consumer foods division from 2001-11 and director of the food and beverage division (2011-15).
The new boss has a business degree from UCG and a Masters from UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
She chairs Dublin-based children’s charity Blossom Ireland.
Bord Bia chairman Michael Carey commented "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."
Tara McCarthy said “It is an honour to be asked to lead Bord Bia duringwhat is a very exciting time for the Irish food and drink industry.
"Our total exports target of €19 billion, as set out by FoodWise 2025, is ambitious, yet achievable, andI am looking forward to working with all stakeholders, including farmers, food manufacturers and producers in order to reach that goal."
