NEW chief executive officer of the Suffolk Sheep Society is Robin McIlrath, who takes up his position on July 1.
With agriculture in his family, Mr McIlrath is well suited to the role. He has planned, organised and executed a wide range of events for the lamb and beef sector including trade missions with Sweden, Denmark and Russia. He has also represented the red meat industry at major events throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe, not least Anuga FoodTec, the leading global trade fair held in Germany. 
A former economist with the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland, Mr McIlrath is also fully aware of the financial and economic challenges facing the industry at both macro and micro level. And, as membership director with a leading national charity he is no stranger to working with volunteers and committees. 
“My predecessor, Dr Lewis McClinton, has left the society in a very strong position and I very much see my role as building on what he has already achieved,” said Mr McIlrath.
“Obviously, it is still very early days, but I hope to focus on supporting our members, protecting the integrity of the breed and finally, promoting the society.”
Ron Greig, chairman of the Suffolk Sheep Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Robin McIlrath as our new CEO. His commercial experience and business acumen will be an asset to the society and I know he sees engaging with the members as a priority.”