FORDE’S DEPARTURE FROM AURIVO SHOCKED

Aaron Forde’s departure as CEO from Aurivo after 16 years in the job came as a shock to many.

Aurivo, whose headquarters is in Finisklin, Sligo announced in December 2019 that Forde had left after deciding to “step down.”

There has been speculation over Forde’s future for some time leading up to the announcement, with reports that he had been on leave for several weeks.

In a statement issued through Aurivo at the time, Forde said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Aurivo team and to foster the growth of the business during a time of great opportunity and challenge for the industry.

“The last 16 years have been some of the most fulfilling of my professional life.

“To the Aurivo teams present and past, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Your ongoing passion and commitment will ensure we fulfil our purpose of enhancing the lives of our members, colleagues, customers and communities.

“It is the correct time now for me to step down and for a new leader to take Aurivo to the next phase of growth. I wish all in Aurivo continued success and will follow its journey as a successful globally focused agribusiness with interest.”

Aurivo said there had been significant growth under Forde’s leadership.

“In just over a decade, the business has evolved from a largely domestic Co-operative to a globally focused business with a milk supply approaching 0.5bn litres and sales in 50 markets internationally.

“Growth has been a key theme including domestic and overseas acquisitions.

“This level of growth has been achieved whilst maintaining the company’s strong roots in the Northwest of Ireland,” it stated.

Chairman of Aurivo, Pat Duffy said that during Forde’s sixteen years at Aurivo, he had demonstrated that he was a strong and dynamic leader who knew “the business inside and out.”

“A tireless advocate for driving improvement across the business, he worked hard to execute our strategy and to deliver exceptional growth for the business. Indeed, Aurivo is stronger today with his leadership,” said Mr Duffy.

He added: “The Board of Directors would like to thank Aaron for his leadership and service to Aurivo since 2004 and wish him well in his future endeavours.”