Ornua has announced the appointment of Patrick Blake as Managing Director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe. Patrick, who is currently the business unit’s Executive Director, Ireland, Europe & Strategic Sourcing, will take up his new role in March 2026.
Mr Blake brings a wealth of experience to his new role having held several senior leadership positions across Ornua’s global business since joining the organisation in 2013. These have included roles spanning Internal Audit, Finance and General Management across the US, Ireland, Germany, and other international markets. Most recently, Patrick has 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 new role as Managing Director of Ornua Foods UK & Europe, Patrick will be responsible for leading Ornua’s own label business in the UK, as well as driving forward the growth of Kerrygold, the UK’s No.2 branded block butter and fastest growing major butter brand, and Pilgrims Choice, the UK’s No.2 cheddar brand. He will also have responsibility for leading the team supporting the ongoing success of Kerrygold in Ireland and other key European markets.
Said César França Chief Commercial Officer at Ornua: “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.”
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.
Added França: “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.”
