Tributes have been paid to Daniel (Dan) Browne, the co-founder of Irish red meat giant Dawn Meats, who has died at the age of 88.
Browne was described by the business as “a pioneering figure in Irish agriculture, and made an outstanding contribution to the Irish agrifood industry and the meat industry in particular”.
He led Dawn Meats for 27 years, from its establishment in 1980, as managing director where he “developed the business into one of Europe’s leading meat processing companies”, the supplier said.
He retired from the family-owned business in 2007, when his son Niall took over as CEO, but continued to be a board member and a “key adviser to the company’s leadership” as it grew into a business with over €3bn in annual revenue, employing over 8,000 staff in 12 countries.
In 2011 Browne was awarded an honorary doctorate of science from University College, where he had previously studied, in recognition of his vision, leadership, innovation and outstanding contribution to agricultural developments.
He also had spells as chair of the board of Ireland’s agriculture and food development authority Teagasc from 1993 to 1998, and as chair of Bord Bia from 2008 to 2011.
“Through his work at Dawn Meats and his wider contribution to agriculture and the agrifood industry, Mr Browne leaves a lasting legacy and he will be greatly missed,” Dawn Meats said.
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