CEO at Cork Marts announces intention to retire in early 2025

Sean O'Sullivan, chief executive at Cork Marts. Picture: Brian Lougheed

Cork Marts chief executive Sean O’Sullivan has announced he will step down from his position in early 2025.

By the time of his retirement, Mr O’Sullivan, who turns 62 in December, will have spent over 30 years working with Cork Marts, having joined the organisation as financial controller in 1995, before being appointed as chief executive officer less than 18 months later. 

During his tenure, Mr O’Sullivan has overseen a major period of transformation and growth, including restructuring and reorganising the society from nine to six centres, overseeing the construction of two new marts on greenfield sites, and helping the business to transact €2.8bn in livestock sales and generate €33m in profit.

His term as chief executive is distinguished by a significant diversification of Cork Marts’ business portfolio. This includes leveraging Cork Marts’ asset base through retail and commercial development, which successfully generated a significant income stream and strengthened the company’s balance sheets.

In recent years, developments have included residential units for social housing bodies and the receipt of planning permission for future projects.

This diversification into commercial and residential property development has enabled Cork Marts to undertake considerable capital investment in its core mart business across its six centres at Bandon, Corrin, Skibbereen, Macroom, Dungarvan and Cahir, laying a solid foundation for future growth.

The impact of Mr O’Sullivan’s strong leadership is further evidenced in the Cork Marts’ 2023 accounts, which show record level mart sales of €164 million and a €1.5m growth in shareholders’ funds to €26.1m.

Reflecting on his three decades at the helm of the business, Mr O’Sullivan said: “I’m proud of what Cork Marts, through our board, advisory committees, management team and staff, have accomplished over the past 30 years. Working together, we have achieved transformative growth and strengthened the society’s position as Ireland's largest livestock auctioneers.

“I look forward to seeing the society progress under the stewardship of a new chief executive and have no doubt that it will continue on a positive trajectory in the coming years. I remain committed to ensuring the smooth and successful running of Cork Marts over the next number of months and will remain available to support the smooth transition for a new CEO,” he said.

Lyle Buttimer, Chairperson of Cork Marts, applauded Mr O’Sullivan for his stellar service, stating: "Cork Marts is in a very strong position after years of commitment and investment from various boards under the advice of our CEO.

“The board wishes to sincerely thank Sean for his commitment to the society over the years, and we extend every good wish and good health to him as he embarks on the next stage of his life after Cork Marts,” he added.

Mr O’Sullivan will continue in his role pending the appointment of a new chief executive, with the recruitment process set to begin immediately.