Carbery Group has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer (CEO) for its dairy and nutrition division, who will take up the role in the coming months.

John Rea will report directly to the Carbery Group CEO Jason Hawkins, and his role will involve directing Carbery's dairy and nutritional business strategy, as well as sitting on its global executive leadership team.

Originally from Cork city, Rea has worked globally throughout his career in senior business leadership positions.

He most recently worked with US multinational food company ADM, and before that worked with US chemical company DuPont in its nutrition and health operations, and with Danish bio-based company Danisco, where he held several leadership positions in the UK, Germany and France.

Carbery said that, throughout his career, Rea has overseen strategic growth, market expansion, and innovation across the food, nutrition, and health industries.

The Cork-based milk processor said that the new appointee "has been instrumental" in his various roles to date in driving innovation, operational efficiency and financial growth.

Rea holds a bachelor's degree in food science from University College Cork and an executive master's in business administration from Hult International Business School.

Commenting on Rea's appointment, group CEO Hawkins said: "I am very happy to welcome John to Carbery. A proven business leader, I know John will use his extensive global experience and his energy to grow our business.

"He joins us at an opportune time as we continue our journey to accelerate our growth and implement our strategy," Hawkins added.

One of the member co-ops of Carbery Group, Lisavaird Co-op, marked the anniversary of its founding at an event held at the new co-op group offices on Monday (March 10).

In attendance were members of the committee of management, along with former chairpeople and vice-chairpeople of Lisavaird Co-op, which is part of Carbery Group.

Representatives from the other west Cork co-ops, as well as Jason Hawkins, CEO of Carbery Group, were in attendance. The occasion was marked by the official opening of the new offices by Mairead McGuinness, former European commissioner and MEP.

The co-op said the event was “a momentous occasion, recognising the legacy and continued success of Lisavaird Co-op”.