Glanbia plc has appointed Michael Patten as Global Corporate Affairs Director accountable for group-wide public affairs, reputation, communications and sustainability.

He will report to Siobhan Talbot, Group Managing Director, and will join the Group Management Committee. The appointment is effective from 1 September 2014.

Patten joins Glanbia the global performance nutrition and ingredients group after over 10 years with Diageo plc where he is currently Global Public Affairs Director, responsible for strategic public policy delivery worldwide, particularly in tax, international trade and market access, regulatory affairs, brand assurance and corporate and EU public affairs. He previously served as Corporate Relations Director for Diageo in Ireland from 2004-2009 and was Director of Communications for Glanbia from 1997 until 2004.

Geraldine Kearney will continue in her role as Corporate Communications Director for Glanbia, with a particular focus on Ireland.