Chief executive of Belfast-based Devenish appointed to InterTradeIreland chairman

Mr Kennedy is chief executive of Belfast-based Devenish. Under his guidance, the agri-tech firm has transformed from a company focused on the Northern Ireland market to an international research, development and innovation business trading in over forty countries.

Welcoming the new chairman to the InterTradeIreland board, CEO Margaret Hearty, said: “Richard is an expert in growing a business in new markets and has an outstanding record of achievement. We have no doubt that he will make a very significant contribution to InterTradeIreland. We look forward to his innovative vision and considered input.”

Mr Kennedy explained: “I am delighted to be appointed Chair of InterTradeIreland – a vital organisation that helps power economic prosperity across the island of Ireland. This is a pivotal time to be joining the board, as InterTradeIreland builds on the next chapter of its evolution and growth. It’s an exciting prospect to work with the rest of the board, CEO Margaret Hearty, the senior leadership team and all of the InterTradeIreland team.”

Co. Sligo native Mr Kennedy began his commercial life growing up on the family-owned livestock mart in Aclare. He went on to secure a B.Agri.Sc from University College Dublin. A winner of Ireland’s EY’s entrepreneur of the year, he was recognised for his courageous entrepreneurial spirit and ambition that has enabled Devenish to become a global agri-tech company which specialises in sustainable food solutions.

With this new appointment, InterTradeIreland continues to focus on helping firms to grow. To date over 48,000 small businesses have been supported by InterTradeIreland to identify and develop trade and innovation opportunities. The organisation has created over 18,000 new jobs and generated more than £1.2bn in business development value, with cross-border trade currently sitting at £7.4bn, its highest level in 20 years.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you