The Irish Exporters Association yesterday presented its highest honour – the Gold Medal – to John Moloney, group managing director of Glanbia, in recognition of his leadership of the company over the past decade and for growing it into a leading global nutritionals solutions and cheese group which exports to more than 130 countries.

Mr Maloney, who announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of the year, said he was delighted to receive the award and accepted it on behalf of Glanbia.

Colin Lawlor, chief executive of the exporters' group, noted that in Mr Maloney's time at the head of Glanbia, profits had increased from €59.6 million in 2001 to €212 million in 2012.

“He is regarded as a visionary by his peers in the agri-food sector – a sector which is a key driver for economic and export-led growth. Glanbia exports to over 130 countries and employs 4,900 people in 17 countries,” said Mr Lawlor.

"The dairy ingredients side of the business alone is the third largest of all indigenous Irish exporters and the number one
dairy processor in the country."