Dairygold appoints Pat Laffan as new General Manager

IRELAND – Dairygold, one of Ireland’s leading dairy processors, has announced the appointment of Pat Laffan as the new general manager of its Dairy Ireland business. 

According to the company, Laffan will oversee the manufacturing and commercial operations, taking full responsibility for the profit and loss of the division. 

He steps into the role following the departure of Eamon O’Sullivan, who announced his exit in December 2024 after serving as general manager. 

According to Dairygold, Laffan will work closely with O’Sullivan in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

Laffan brings extensive experience to the position, having worked with Dairygold for over 20 years. Most recently, he served as head of commercial for Dairy Ireland. 

A qualified chartered certified accountant, he holds an economics and finance degree from University College Dublin (UCD) and has completed advanced leadership training through the Dairygold Advanced Leadership Development Programme at UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. 

Michael Harte, Dairygold’s chief executive, praised Laffan’s appointment. 

“Pat brings a deep understanding of our business operations, markets, and customers,” Harte said, adding that Laffan’s focus will be on boosting the company’s commercial and operational performance.

The new general manager is expected to build on recent investments in modern facilities to drive growth and improve financial results. 

Harte expressed confidence in Laffan’s ability to lead, stating, “On behalf of the board and management team, I congratulate Pat on his appointment and wish him well in his new role.” 

Laffan’s leadership comes at a time when Dairygold aims to strengthen its position in the competitive dairy industry, a sector vital to Ireland’s economy, which exported €6.8 billion worth of dairy products in 2023, according to Bord Bia.

In addition to Laffan’s appointment, Dairygold has named Billy Cronin as the new head of member services and engagement. 

Cronin, who already serves as head of supply chain (Farm to Factory), will take on this expanded role to enhance coordination across the company’s services.

 A report by Dairygold highlighted that this move reflects its goal of creating a more integrated approach to member engagement, covering areas such as agri-business, milk assembly, farm sustainability, and advisory services. 

Harte also commented on Cronin’s new responsibilities, saying, “In this expanded role, Billy will lead the co-ordination of our approach to member services across the society.”

Both appointments signal Dairygold’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it navigates evolving market demands and sustainability challenges in the dairy sector. 

Harte wished Cronin every success, rounding off a significant reshuffle for the processor.

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