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Inside story: Ornua executive exodus puts future of Kerrygold back on the table

Resignations focus attention on the future of Ornua and its iconic Kerrygold butter brand

Left to right: Iarlaith Smyth, president of Ornua’s business arm in North America; John Jordan, outgoing chief executive of Ornua; and Róisín Hennerty, outgoing managing director or the firm’s global foods division

Almost a month ago, John Jordan sent shockwaves through the Irish dairy industry when he announced he was stepping down as chief executive of Ornua, the owner of the iconic Kerrygold brand.

It was announced that Jordan would be taking up a new role with a US private equity firm, but what was not announced at the time was that Roisín Hennerty, managing director of Ornua’s global foods division, had handed in her notice in ...