Food Drink Ireland is led by Paul Kelly, as Director and Linda Stuart-Trainor as Deputy Director. The team is composed of experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals responsible for implementing FDI’s strategy and the day-to-day activities of the association.
By working with our members and Ibec colleagues, the FDI team is dedicated to making a difference for all our members and the food and drink industry in Ireland.
Director, Food Drink Ireland
Paul is a Head of Sectors with responsibility for heading up a Strategic Business Unit within Ibec. He also leads Food Drink Ireland on a day-to-day basis and has a particular focus on the key cross-sectoral strategic issues across food and drink. Paul is Chairperson of the FoodDrinkEurope Economic Affairs Committee and Deputy Chairperson of the Health and Safety Authority. He holds a Batchelors Degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Limerick and a Masters Degree in Applied Science from University College Dublin.
T: +353 1 605 1621
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Deputy Director, Food Drink Ireland
Linda provides key account management to Food Drink Ireland member companies, ensuring that Managing Directors, HR leaders, subject-matter experts have an excellent experience when they turn to FDI for advice, support, best practice, networking, and advocacy. Linda leads FDI’s advocacy work for the Prepared Consumer Foods sector. She was previously Assistant Director of the Small Firms Association. Prior to that she was a Senior Researcher at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin and worked in public affairs in Brussels.
T: +353 1 605 1690
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Skillnet Network Manager, Food Drink Ireland
Mark, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Manager, is a L&D leader with a passion for life-long learning and people development. In running the FDI Skillnet, his role involves understanding how the issues impacting our sector have an impact on current and future skills, from which a wide range of high impact L&D programmes are developed. As well as being a qualified coach (Kingstown College), he holds a BSc in Marketing and Management (TU Dublin), and an MSc in Business Practice (IMI).
T: +353 1 605 1615
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Senior Regulatory Affairs Executive (Food Safety & Sustainability), Food Drink Ireland
Aoife, Senior Regulatory Affairs Executive, brings extensive expertise to FDI members on emerging and ongoing regulatory changes to EU and national food and drink legislation. She analyses developments in the broader regulatory environment and provides ongoing consultation and monitoring of the potential policy and trade implications of such regulatory changes. Aoife is a graduate of the highly competitive Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship and holds an M.Sc. in Food Regulatory Affairs from the Atlantic Technological University, Sligo.
T: +353 1 605 1610
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Robert is Director of the Irish Beverage Council, and Coordinator of the Pet Food Association of Ireland. In his role, Robert represents the interests of the Irish soft drinks, and pet food sectors, at a national and international level. He also supports the work of the wider Food Drink Ireland team across a range of policy topics. He holds a Masters in Public Policy from University College Dublin.
T: +353 1 605 1798
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Executive, Gum Litter Taskforce
Avril, Food Drink Ireland Project Manager, is a dynamic professional with extensive expertise in public relations, communications, marketing, project management, and environmental initiatives. She leads the Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign, a collaborative initiative between the food industry and Government. Avril oversees all aspects of the campaign, forging impactful partnerships with local authorities. She holds an MSc in Public Relations and Communications from the University of Ulster.
T: +353 1 605 1511
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Environmental Sustainability Executive, Food Drink Ireland
Rian, Environmental Sustainability Executive at Food Drink Ireland, has a background in research and development for international brands. He leads the FDI Sustainability Committee and the Irish Cosmetics and Detergents Association, supporting members in policy and advocacy initiatives.
T: +353 1 605 1737
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Shauna, Public Affairs Executive, drives the work of the FDI Public Affairs Group, which is a platform for FDI members to exchange perspectives and ideas around promotion of better health and nutrition and for discussing the main issues that impact brand reputation and function of the food and drink sector. In addition, Shauna works to progress initiatives on behalf of the Chocolate and Confectionary Association of Ireland, Irish Bread Bakers Association and Irish Breakfast Cereal Association.
T: +353 1 605 1522
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Karen, Project and Marketing Executive, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet, brings marketing and communications experience to the team, having worked with a non-profit before joining Ibec. She leads the marketing at Food Drink Ireland Skillnet, driving interest and securing bookings for a range of learning and development courses tailored to industry. Karen holds an MSc in Government and Politics from University College Cork and a PgDip in Management and Marketing from TU Dublin.
T: +353 1 605 1719
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Executive, Food Drink Ireland
Jennifer, Food Drink Ireland Executive, brings broad expertise in communications and public relations. She works across the Prepared Consumer Foods Council, Sales and Marking Forum and HR Forum. Jennifer drives impactful initiatives in the domestic food and drinks sector. She holds an MSc in International Public Policy and Diplomacy from University College Cork.
T: +353 1 605 1557
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
Sector Executive, Food Drink Ireland
Rachael, Sectors Executive, strengthens the team with her expertise in policy and communications. In her role, Rachael leads strategic initiatives across a number of sectors in the Strategic Business Unit. Her portfolio with Food Drink Ireland includes sustainability, policy support, public affairs, and communications, and she is responsible for Irish Cold Store Federation. Rachael holds an MSc in Public Policy from Dublin City University. She is a member of Ibec’s Diversity & Inclusion Connect employee group.
T: +353 1 605 1567
E: firstname.lastname@ibec.ie
