Carbery Group appoints new CEO for dairy, nutrition division

IRELAND – Carbery Group, a leading Cork-based milk processor, has announced the appointment of John Rea as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of its dairy and nutrition division. 

According to the company, Rea will assume the role in the coming months and will report directly to Carbery Group CEO Jason Hawkins. 

His responsibilities will include steering the company’s dairy and nutritional business strategy while serving on its global executive leadership team.

Rea, originally from Cork city, brings a wealth of experience from a global career in senior business leadership. 

According to Carbery, he most recently worked with ADM, a US multinational food company.

Prior to that, he held positions with DuPont’s nutrition and health operations in the US and served in various leadership roles with Danisco, a Danish bio-based company, across the UK, Germany, and France. 

A report by Carbery highlights that Rea has driven strategic growth, market expansion, and innovation throughout his career in the food, nutrition, and health sectors. 

The company also noted that he has been instrumental in boosting operational efficiency and financial performance in his previous roles.

Educated at University College Cork, Rea holds a bachelor’s degree in food science and later earned an executive master’s in business administration from Hult International Business School. 

Commenting on the appointment, Hawkins said, “I am very happy to welcome John to Carbery. A proven business leader, I know John will use his extensive global experience and his energy to grow our business.” 

He further expressed optimism about the timing of Rea’s arrival, adding, “He joins us at an opportune time as we continue our journey to accelerate our growth and implement our strategy.”

In related news, one of Carbery Group’s member co-ops, Lisavaird Co-op, celebrated its 100th anniversary on Monday, March 10. 

The milestone was marked at an event held at the new co-op group offices in west Cork. 

Reported by the co-op, the celebration saw attendance from members of the committee of management, former chairpeople, and vice-chairpeople of Lisavaird Co-op, alongside representatives from other west Cork co-ops and Hawkins. 

Mairead McGuinness, former European commissioner and MEP, officially opened the new offices during the occasion. 

According to Lisavaird Co-op, the event was a significant moment that recognized its legacy and ongoing success as part of Carbery Group. 

The company continues to emphasize its commitment to growth and innovation as it moves forward with new leadership and a century of cooperative heritage.

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