Suffolk Sheep Society announces Robin McIlrath as new CEO

“I’m delighted to be joining a Society with such a rich history,” said Mr McIlrath, “and it’s great to see Suffolk sheep doing so well in Ireland, both North and South, with 400 registered pedigree flocks.

“It is testament to the breeders down through the years that it has consistently been the leading terminal sire breed in the sheep industry throughout Britain and Ireland. My predecessor, Dr Lewis McClinton, has left the Society in a strong position and I very much see my role as building on what Lewis has already achieved.”

He added: “It is still very early days, but there are three general areas I hope to focus on. In no particular order these are, supporting our members, protecting the integrity of the Breed and finally, promoting the Society throughout Britain and Ireland.”

With agriculture in his family, Mr McIlrath from Ballymen,a Co Antrim, has a background well suited to the role. He has planned, organised and executed a wide range of events for the lamb and beef sector including trade missions with Sweden, Denmark and Russia. He has represented the red meat industry at major events throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe, not least Anuga FoodTec, the leading global trade fair held in Germany.

Having been Economist with the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland, he is fully aware of the financial and economic challenges facing the industry at both macro and micro level. Mr McIlrath is also no stranger to working with volunteers and committees, as Membership Director with a leading national charity; he successfully developed a support base for an organisation that relies heavily on its volunteer members.

Ron Greig, Chairman of the Suffolk Sheep Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Robin McIlrath as our new CEO. His commercial experience and business acumen will be an asset to the Society and I know he sees engaging with the members as a priority. I, and the Council, look forward to working closely with Robin to both progress the aims of the Society and to ensure that the Suffolk Breed remains at the forefront of the sheep industry throughout Britain and Ireland.”