Irish woman elected president of European dairy trade association
Eucolait, which is based in Brussels, has been the representative voice of the European dairy trading community since 1959.
The organisation represents some 430 dairy trading companies from 21 countries, with an estimated combined turnover of €80 billion.
Dairy trade association
Anne Randles is the director of corporate affairs at Ireland's largest dairy export company, Ornua.
She has served as a board member of Eucolait since 2008, during which time she previously held the position of vice president.
In addition to her role at Ornua, Anne serves on a number of dairy industry related boards both in Ireland and internationally, including the International Dairy Federation (IDF) National Committee for Ireland, the dairy subsidiary board of Bord Bia and the board of Ireland's Butter Museum.
Anne will succeed Frank Van Stipdonk as president of Eucolait, the recently retired chair and chief executive officer of Interfood Group.
'I am extremely honoured and proud to have been elected by the board of Eucolait as the association's president.
'Dairy trade globally is facing some unique challenges and opportunities and I look forward to leading the organisation and supporting Eucolait's role in promoting the interests of European dairy in what is a rapidly changing geopolitical trade policy environment.
'I also want to extend my best wishes to my predecessor, Frank Van Stipdonk, on his retirement and thank him for his exemplary service to Eucolait and European dairy trade,' she said.
Jukka Likitalo, Eucolait's secretary general has worked with Anne for more than a decade.
'Her expertise, commitment, and vision are exceptional, and I look forward to deepening our collaboration for the benefit of all Eucolait members,' Likitalo said.
Anne's election to the position follows that of the Irish Dairy Board's Ivan Hayes who was president of Eucolait from 2001 – 2007, marking the second time the presidency has been held by a representative of the industry from Ireland.
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