Recognised as a leading authority on food safety, Ms Lavery will play a key strategic role in establishing an integrated Europe-wide technical organisation, bringing extensive knowledge and expertise to all business units and functions currently operating across Europe.

Ms Lavery has worked over the last 25 years to help build Moy Park’s reputation as a leading food company with a strong commitment to innovation, food safety and quality.

She will be responsible for a team across the UK and Europe and will continue to work with a number of prominent global research organisations on a diverse range of food safety and agriculture developments.

Ms Lavery currently sits on several advisory boards including the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Joint Working Group for Campylobacter Reduction, FSA Transport and Processing Sub Committee, British Poultry Council Biosecurity Group, Stakeholder at Liverpool University and is a member of the Scientific and Technical Committee at Campden BRI.

Nigel Dunlop, Moy Park CEO, said: “We’re delighted to officially announce the appointment of Ursula Lavery to the Moy Park Executive Board. Ursula is a proven leader with an unparalleled record of delivering results and this appointment is testament to the hard work and dedication which Ursula has demonstrated during her time with the business. Her combination of experience and broad understanding of the food industry will prove invaluable.”

Ms Lavery said: “I am privileged to be appointed to the Moy Park Executive Board as Technical Director Europe. Moy Park is one of the premier food companies in Europe and, as a business, its focus remains on delivering leading technical standards and high quality, great value products to customers and consumers. I look forward to working in close partnership with the entire Moy Park team to ensure the company continues to lead the way and grow as a strong and profitable business.”