Animal Health Ireland (AHI) has begun the recruitment process to replace the outgoing chief executive officer (CEO) Dr David Graham.
AHI is a national organisation which was established over ten years ago with the mission to contribute to an economical and environmental farming and agri-food sector, through improved animal health and welfare.
It is an industry-led, not-for-profit partnership between key stakeholders of dairy and beef processors; farm organisations; livestock markets; government and state agencies; professional and advisory support services, and artificial insemination (AI) companies.
AHI provides benefits to livestock producers and processors by providing the knowledge, education and coordination required to establish effective control programmes for non-regulated diseases of livestock.
AHI
Dr Graham took up the role of CEO in 2017, after joining the organisation in 2010. He will step down from his role in April of this year (2024).
Announcing his stepping down from the role back in October of 2023, Dr Graham said: “It has been both an honour and a privilege to be CEO of AHI for the past six years. However, I have decided that the time has come for me to bring my tenure as CEO of AHI to a close.
“I would like to thank all my colleagues at AHI and in the industry for their support, and wish to recognise the work of the technical working groups. I wish them all well for the future.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with my team and the wider organisation over the coming months.”
The recruitment process has begun for a new CEO, with applicants required to have a degree in veterinary medicine, agricultural science or a related discipline.
As the role requires significant interaction with farmers and farming bodies, it is important that candidates have a deep understanding of farming issues.
AHI said that the new appointee to the role of CEO will be responsible for leading a high-performance team and enhancing the broad stakeholder engagement remit of AHI.
Central to the person’s success in the role will be their leadership gravitas, combined with their deep understanding of farming issues and an ability to interact effectively with stakeholder organisations.