Lakeland Dairies has announced the appointment of Niall Gallagher as the new chief operating officer (COO) for the company.
Today, Ireland’s second-largest dairy cooperative announced the appointment, which will see Gallagher join Lakeland’s senior leadership team and report to group CEO Colin Kelly.
Gallagher most recently served as the integrated operations director with the global multinational IRCA food ingredients group, wherein he was responsible for the European sweet business acquired from Kerry Group in 2023.
He previously held senior operations, strategic and commercial roles at the Kerry Group, overseeing its UK & Ireland operations at multiple sites.
Gallagher also worked in various leadership roles at Procter & Gamble.
He joins Lakeland Dairies at an exciting time for the cooperative, as it continues to execute its strategy, Foundations for a Better Future.
This strategy focuses on adding value to every part of the business, to maximise the milk price paid to Lakeland Dairies’ farm families, as well as delivering world-class dairy products to customers across the globe.
Lakeland Dairies collects two billion litres of milk from 3,200 farm families across 17 counties in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The cooperative serves more than 100 global markets with 240 products.
‘A Significant Milestone’
Speaking about Gallagher’s appointment, Kelly said, “I am pleased to welcome Niall to Lakeland Dairies.
“He is an excellent strategic appointment for the co-op, marking a significant milestone as we continue on our added-value journey at home and abroad.
“He is a COO with a proven track record of operational, commercial and strategic delivery, both nationally and internationally, and he will be a key part of delivering our ambitious strategy.
“Our clear strategic focus remains on maximising the value of every litre of milk produced by our farmers and ensuring operational efficiencies at all our production sites.
“Niall is key to delivering on this strategic direction.
“We look forward to welcoming him into the business to continue delivering for our farm families, our people, our customers and our communities.”
Gallagher added, “I’m delighted to be joining Lakeland Dairies at such an exciting time for the company, as it continues on its added-value journey.
“The dairy industry and the cooperative movement play a huge role in enhancing the lives of people and communities across the country.
“I know Lakeland Dairies is an innovative, progressive, and forward-thinking organisation, and I am looking forward to working with everyone across the business to deliver on our strategic direction.”
