UK dairy co-operative Ornua has appointed Patrick Blake as managing director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe.

Blake is currently the business unit’s executive director of Ireland, Europe and strategic sourcing, and will take up his new role in March 2026.

According to Ornua, Blake brings a “wealth of experience” having held senior leadership positions across Ornua’s global business since joining the organisation in 2013.

Most recently, Blake served as managing director of Ornua Foods International, where he has overseen significant growth of the Kerrygold brand, including high performance in Ornua’s home market of Ireland.

In his role as managing director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe, Blake will be responsible for leading Ornua’s own-label business in the UK, as well as driving forward the growth of Ornua’s butter brand Kerrygold and Cheddar brand Pilgrims Choice.

A “highly respected leader”

Commenting on the appointment, César França, chief commercial officer at Ornua, stated: “Patrick is a highly respected leader within Ornua, with extensive understanding of our business, our customers and our co-operative roots. He has consistently demonstrated commercial leadership and strategic capability across multiple markets including the US, Germany and Ireland.

“I am delighted to appoint Patrick to this role and look forward to working closely with him as we continue to grow Ornua Foods UK & Europe.”

Patrick Blake’s appointment follows Simon Ball’s decision to step down from his role as managing director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe to take up a new external opportunity.

César França added: “On behalf of Ornua, I would like to acknowledge and thank Simon for his commitment and many achievements during his time with the business. He successfully guided Ornua Foods UK through a period of major transformation and growth and we wish him every success in his next career opportunity.”