McGauran to lead drive to recruit agriculture graduates for Keenan

AGRICULTURAL machinery firm Richard Keenan & Co has named Niall McGauran as global sales director as part of the firm’s ambitious export expansion plans.

McGauran, a native of Kilmore in north Roscommon, will also lead a drive to recruit agriculture graduates. At present, Keenan employs 40 graduates worldwide, and plans to add to that number immediately.

“We will need many more graduates for 2011 and in the coming years,” said Niall McGauran.

“The ideal candidates are energetic, enthusiastic, have excellent communications and interpersonal skills, with two to three years’ work experience.

“A third-level agri qualification, a good understanding of ruminant nutrition and the TMR system is also essential. Trainee managers and nutritionists will be mentored by a senior manager. If successful, they will be allocated their own territory in an export market.”

Keenan is one of Europe’s leading producers of mixer wagons, PACE technology and Mech-fibre nutrition products. Some 90% of these mixer wagons are exported to 40 countries. The company opened an €8m R&D and manufacturing site in Borris, Co Carlow, in 2007.

As global sales director, McGauran will develop an international sales force and nutrition service for existing and new markets worldwide. He will recruit and train graduates, mentor a growing team, build new sales channels and explore market segmentation opportunities.

Prior to joining Keenan as a nutritionist with Keenan Kepak beef partnership in 2000, McGauran worked with Dawn Meats.

In 2001, he moved to Britain where he was area sales manager for South West England from 2001-2005.