The CEO of Aurivo Aaron Forde has decided to step down after almost 16 years in his position.
The global agribusiness headquartered in Sligo made the announcement yesterday, (Monday) evening.
It said Aurivo has seen significant growth under Aaron Forde’s leadership.
In just over a decade the business had gone from a largely domestic co-operative to a globally-focussed business, with a milk supply reaching half a billion litres and sales in 50 markets internationally.
Aaron Forde said the last 16 years had been some of the most fulfilling of his professional life and he thanked the Aurivo teams past and present.
Aurivo Chairman Pat Duffy said Aaron Forde was a strong and dynamic leader, adding that the board of directors thanked him for his leadership and service to Aurivo since 2004.
The following is the full statement from Aurivo:
Aurivo, the globally-focused agribusiness headquartered in Sligo, has today announced that Aaron Forde, CEO has decided to step down and will leave the business, following almost 16 successful years in his position.
Aurivo has seen significant growth under Aaron Forde’s leadership. In just over a decade, the business has evolved from a largely domestic Co-operative to a globally focused business with a milk supply approaching 0.5bn litres and sales in 50 markets internationally.
Growth has been a key theme including domestic and overseas acquisitions. This level of growth has been achieved whilst maintaining the company’s strong roots in the Northwest of Ireland.
Commenting, Pat Duffy, Chairman of Aurivo said: “During his 16 years at Aurivo, Aaron has demonstrated that he is a strong and dynamic leader who knows our business inside and out. A tireless advocate for driving improvement across the business, he worked hard to execute our strategy and to deliver exceptional growth for the business. Indeed, Aurivo is stronger today with his leadership.
“The Board of Directors would like to thank Aaron for his leadership and service to Aurivo since 2004 and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Aaron Forde commented: “It has been a privilege to lead the Aurivo team and to foster the growth of the business during a time of great opportunity and challenge for the industry. The last 16 years have been some of the most fulfilling of my professional life.
“To the Aurivo teams present and past, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your ongoing passion and commitment will ensure we fulfil our purpose of enhancing the lives of our members, colleagues, customers and communities.
“It is the correct time now for me to step down and for a new leader to take Aurivo to the next phase of growth. I wish all in Aurivo continued success and will follow its journey as a successful globally focused agribusiness with interest.
“I look forward to the future both professionally and personally and intend to spend more time with my family in the near term.”
Aurivo is one of Ireland’s leading co-operatives, with businesses in Consumer Foods, Dairy Ingredients, Retail Stores, Animal Feeds, and Livestock Trading.
Employing approximately 650 people, Aurivo is a globally focused agri-business with regional, national and international brands, and dairy ingredients exports to almost 50 countries in markets as diverse as Afghanistan, Africa, Central America, Costa Rica, Germany, Iraq and the United Kingdom.
