New managing director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe appointed

A new managing director for Ornua Foods UK & Europe has been appointed.

Patrick Blake, who is currently the business unit’s executive director for Ireland, Europe and strategic sourcing, will take up his new role in March 2026.

Ornua said he brings a “wealth of experience to his new role having held several senior leadership positions” across Ornua’s global business since joining the organisation in 2013.

These have included roles spanning internal audit, finance and general management across the US, Ireland, Germany and other international markets.

Most recently, Blake has served as managing director of Ornua Foods International, where he has overseen significant growth of the Kerrygold brand.

New Ornua role

In his new role as managing director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe, Blake will be responsible for leading Ornua’s own label business in the UK.

He will also work on driving forward the growth of Kerrygold, the UK’s number two branded block butter and fastest growing major butter brand, and Pilgrims Choice, the UK’s number two cheddar brand.

He will also have responsibility for leading the team, supporting the ongoing success of Kerrygold in Ireland and other key European markets.

Leadership

Commenting on the appointment, César Franç, chief commercial officer at Ornua, said: “Patrick is a highly respected leader within Ornua with extensive understanding of our business, our customers and our co-operative roots.

“He has consistently demonstrated commercial leadership and strategic capability across multiple markets including the US, Germany and Ireland.

“I am delighted to appoint Patrick to this role and look forward to working closely with him as we continue to grow Ornua Foods UK & Europe.”

Blake’s appointment follows Simon Ball’s decision to step down from his role as managing director to take up a new external opportunity.

César França added: “On behalf of Ornua, I would like to acknowledge and thank Simon for his commitment and many achievements during his time with the business.

“He successfully guided Ornua Foods UK through a period of major transformation and growth and we wish him every success in his next career opportunity.”

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