The CEO of international food company, Aryzta AG, has been named as the Midlands Gateway Chamber Ambassador of the Year 2009. Owen Killian, who is a native of Drum, south Roscommon, was presented with the prestigious award at a gala ball in Athlone on Friday evening.
Presenting the award, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin President of the Midlands Gateway Chamber said, “Owen Killian, our Midlands Ambassador 2009 has been highly successful in international business. In his managerial career, he has epitomised the drive, vision, and passion that marks him out as an ambassador for this region. He has forged success in a highly competitive industry and demonstrated how to be a global leader through innovation and determination.”
Aryzta was formed in 2008 by the merger of Irish food group IAWS and Swiss baker Hiestand International. The company is a world leader in speciality bakery with geographical reach from North America through Europe to South-East Asia and Australia. The company has invested €200 million in its facilities at Grangecastle, Dublin and invested a further €175 million in origin enterprises, the agri-nutrition business that comprised the original IAWS, of which he is now chairman.
A graduate of UCD in agricultural science, Mr Killian joined IAWS in 1977. He held various managerial positions within the company until his appointment as CEO in 2003.
The Midlands Gateway Chamber Ambassador of the Year recognises individuals who have made an enormous contribution on the regional, national and international stage. The first Midlands Ambassador was Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair.
