Lakeland Dairies appoints Niall Gallagher as new COO
He brings considerable experience from a 'long and successful' operational and commercial career in the dairy industry
Print28 February 2025
Lakeland Dairies has announced the appointment of Niall Gallagher as its new chief operations officer (COO).
Gallagher will join Lakeland Dairies’ Senior Leadership Team and will report to Group CEO Colin Kelly.
The dairy co-operative noted that he brings considerable experience from a long and successful operational and commercial career in the dairy industry.
Vast experience
Most recently Gallagher served as integrated operations director with the global multinational IRCA food ingredients group where he was responsible for the European Sweet Business acquired from Kerry Group in 2023, the company added.
He previously held senior operations, strategic and commercial roles at the Kerry Group, overseeing UK and Ireland operations across multiple production sites.
Gallagher also worked in various leadership capacities within the Kerry Group and at Procter & Gamble.
Speaking on the appointment, Kelly, said: “He [Gallagher] 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.”
Strategic strategy
He joins Lakeland Dairies at an exciting time for the co-operative as it continues to execute its strategy, Foundations for a Better Future.
The strategy has a clear focus on adding value in 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 high-quality milk from 3,200 farm families across 17 counties in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The co-operative serves more than 100 global markets with 240 products.
Commenting on his appointment with Lakeland Dairies, Gallagher, said: “The dairy industry and the co-operative 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.”
A native of Co. Sligo, Niall holds Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) graduate in Chemical Engineering. He lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and their two children.
Read more: Lidl Ireland signs new deal worth over €1 million With Lakeland Dairies
Related Articles
Read the ShelfLife March Issue 2025 online →
Fans 0
Followers