New Chair of Carbery Group Board appointed

Current vice-chair of the Carbery Group Board, John O'Brien has been appointed the new Chair, succeeding Vincent O'Donovan.

John O’Brien, has been appointed as Chair of Carbery Group Board. Image: Carbery Group

John O’Brien has been appointed as the new chair of Carbery Group, the global food and ingredients producer headquartered in West Cork.

Mr O’Brien is currently the chair of Barryroe Co-op and the current vice-chair of Carbery group will succeed the current Chair of Carbery Group, Vincent O’Donovan, who has completed a two-year term.

A full-time dairy farmer from Barryroe, Mr O’Brien was first elected to the Board of Barryroe Co-op in 1988 and has served the co-op in a range of board and leadership roles, including as Chair from 2007 to 2014 and in his current term as Chair.

He has also served on the Carbery Group Board on several occasions, including a previous term as Chair, and was a member of the Board of Ornua from 2010 to 2014.

Mr O’Brien has completed corporate governance programmes at UCC and DCU and served as President of the Irish Grassland Association in 2002/03 and at local, county and national executive level of Macra na Feirme. He has also contributed to the local community and rural development at a local and national level.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr O’Brien said:

I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of Carbery Group. Carbery is a business with strong co-operative roots in West Cork and a growing international presence across dairy, nutrition and taste.

“The Board’s responsibility is to ensure that the business remains strong, resilient and focused on long-term value for our farmer shareholders, while continuing to serve customers, support our people and invest for future growth.” 

 “My priorities will include supporting a leading milk price, helping to secure the future of family farming in West Cork, and ensuring Carbery continues to grow through innovation, sustainability and disciplined investment. I look forward to working with the Board, Jason and the wider global team,” he added.

Mr O’Brien also thanked outgoing Chair Vincent O’Donovan, stating: “Vincent has provided committed and thoughtful leadership over the past two years. He has been a strong advocate for farmer shareholders, sustainable dairy farming and the continued growth of Carbery. On behalf of the Board and Carbery’s shareholders, I thank him for his contribution as Chair.” 

Mr O’Brien’s appointment comes as Carbery continues to grow, with the organisation reporting revenue of €723m in 2025, with strong underlying performance across its Dairy, Nutrition and Taste divisions. Carbery Group says it continues to focus on international growth, customer-led innovation and operational discipline in delivering long-term value and resilience for farmer shareholders in West Cork.