Meat processor Kepak Group has announced the appointment of Rebecca Thomson as its new 'head of sustainability'.

Thomson has, up to now, held the role of Kepak sustainability manager, a role she has been in since January 2022.

She hails from Claregalway, Co. Galway, and has a farming background, her family having been involved in the beef, sheep and equine sectors for four generations.

Thomson commenced working with Kepak in 2019, starting in the business' graduate programme.

She has held a number of roles, including environmental manager and project management officer.

In her most recent role as sustainability manager, Thomson has implemented a number of projects, including the validation of Kepak's carbon emissions reduction targets.

During her tenure in the role, Kepak became the first Irish beef processor member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform's 'Regenerating Together Programme'.

Kepak also described Thomson as a key driver of the group's 'Forward Together with Every Step' sustainability platform, which was launched in 2024 and is aimed at driving change across the farming sector and Kepak operations, the company said.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in agriculture, conservation and sustainable management from the University of West of England, and a master's degree in agribioscience from the University of Galway.

Commenting on Thomson's appointment to the new role, Kepak Group chief executive officer (CEO) Simon Walker said: "Having been with Kepak since graduate level, Rebecca is fully embedded into the Kepak business and is fully deserving of this appointment.

"Over the years, Rebecca has shown an unparalleled knowledge and passion for sustainability across all areas of our supply chain from farm to fork and played a pivotal role in implementing innovative environmental initiatives," Walker added.

"Her understanding of the business and commitment to collaborating with farmers and wider industry means she is well placed to lead Kepak onto the next stages of our sustainability journey," the CEO said.