Food group Glanbia has appointed Michael Patten, currently with Diageo, at its new global corporate affairs director.

Mr Patten will be responsible for spearheading the company’s global public policy and its sustainability agenda.

He will take up the post in September after more than 10 years with Diageo, where he is currently global public affairs director, with special responsibility for tax, international trade and market access.

He previously served as corporate relations director for the drinks group in Ireland, and before than was director of communications at Glanbia.

Glanbia said Mr Patten would report to managing director Siobhan Talbot, and would join the group's management committee.

Last month, the company reported a 17 per cent jump in quarterly revenues on the back of volume and pricing growth, while noting that its products division in Ireland still faced “significant headwinds”.