The board of Bandon Co-op has announced the appointment of Eilis Mahon as its new CEO to replace Ger Brickley. Ms. Mahon is the current Managing Director of Bandon Vale Cheese Limited and will take up her new role in January 2025.

In a letter to shareholders, Co-op chairman Vincent O’Donovan said that Ger Brickley had informed the board of his intention to step down after eleven years as CEO. “Ger Brickley has decided that he would like a change in his role and has informed us that he will step down on January 1^st, 2025, though he has committed to continue his work on a contract basis with Bandon co-op concentrating on key strategic priority projects.

“The board would like to thank Ger for his contribution to the development of the Co-operative and its subsidiaries over the past ten years which has witnessed a period of considerable growth and development for which Ger and his team deserve our appreciation.”

Mr. O’Donovan told shareholders that the board had been working in recent years on succession planning with Morgan McKinley appointed to oversee the appointment process which led to the appointment of Ms. Mahon.

She holds a degree in Lean Business Systems from UCC. She said, “I am delighted to have been appointed by the board of Bandon Co-op as CEO. Bandon Co-op is a fantastic organisation, and I look forward to driving the business forward for the benefit of the members, employees and stakeholders. There are challenges ahead that require focus and close management including declining milk volumes and retaining the nitrates derogation. These are changes that have the potential to significantly impact farmers, the wider dairy industry and supply chains.  I look forward to playing my part to improving the position for the Bandon farmers.”