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Gold Member Case Study - Ornua

Ornua is Ireland’s largest dairy exporter and a global co-operative owned by Irish dairy processors and farmers. It markets brands like Kerrygold in over 110 countries, driving sustainable growth through innovation, quality, and strong support for the Irish dairy sector.

Block of butter cut up into smaller pieces
Gold Member

Sustainability Achievements

In 2024, Ornua increased female representation in senior succession pools to 45%, surpassing its milestone by 5%, driven by key hires, internal progression, and the LEAP programme.

  • Targets Reported
  • Exemplary Targets
  • Awarded Gold Membership

In 2024, Ornua made meaningful progress in advancing gender balance within its senior succession pools, increasing female representation from 35% in 2023 to 45%. This performance exceeded the company’s milestone target by 5%, reflecting a focused and strategic approach to building a more inclusive leadership pipeline.

Key drivers of this improvement included stronger female representation in succession planning, the upward movement of female talent within the organisation, and targeted hiring across the business. These efforts were further supported by the launch of the LEAP programme, a fast-track leadership development initiative designed specifically to accelerate the progression of high-potential female leaders.

Ornua’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is reflected in the breadth of its supporting initiatives. In 2024, four initiatives were actively progressed; these initiatives span talent development, inclusive hiring practices, and succession planning, all aimed at embedding equity and diversity into the company’s long-term strategy.

The LEAP programme has emerged as a cornerstone of Ornua’s DEI efforts, offering tailored development opportunities and mentorship to female employees with leadership potential. By investing in structured pathways for advancement, Ornua is not only improving representation but also fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusion.

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