New COO appointed at Lakeland Dairies

Niall Gallagher, Lakeland Dairies COO

Niall Gallagher has been announced as Lakeland Dairies' new chief operating officer (COO).

Mr Gallagher, a Sligo native, will join Ireland’s second-largest dairy co-operative’s Senior Leadership Team and brings considerable experience from a long and successful operation and commercial career in the dairy industry.

Mr Gallagher has held senior operations, strategic, and commercial roles at Kerry Group after joining the company in 2010. He oversaw the UK and Ireland operations across multiple production sites.

Most recently Mr Gallagher served as Integrated Operations Director for the multinational food ingredients group IRCA. Gallagher was directly responsible for the European Sweet Business acquired from Kerry Group in 2023.

“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, said Lakeland Dairies’ Group CEO Colin Kelly.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Gallagher said: “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 co-operative movement play a huge role in enhancing the lives of people and communities across the country.”