Ex-Greencore boss appointed chairman of DAA

FORMER Greencore chief executive David Dilger has been appointed chairman of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA).

The Limerick-born businessman was linked with the chairmanship at Aer Lingus last year before Colm Barrington was appointed to the position.

The appointment of a new chairman follows the resignation of former Anglo Irish director Gary McGann earlier this year.

The chairman of the DAA is understood to receive around €17,000 a year for services provided.

Mr Dilger, 52, resigned from Greencore, which announces its half year results today, in March last year, having been chief executive since May 1995.

Mr Dilger oversaw the controversial closure of Greencore’s two remaining sugar plants at Carlow and Mallow. He also led the transformation of the group from a commodity-based sugar and malt firm to a maker of convenience foods, such as sandwiches, soups and pizzas.

Ryanair said Mr Dilger’s appointment “confirms that the golden circle of failed bank directors is alive and well”.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said: “This appointment shows utter contempt by this Government for the many thousands of small shareholders and pensioners who have had their life savings ruined by these failed bankers over the last 12 months.”