Tara McCarthy, the chief executive of Bord Bia, is to step down from her role later this year to take up a new position with animal nutrition, feed and health company Alltech.
Bord Bia is the Government agency responsible for the promotion of the food, drink, and horticulture industry globally.
The agency said a search for her successor will start immediately.
Bord Bia Chairman Dan MacSweeney paid tribute to Ms McCarthy.
Mr MacSweeney said he wanted to thank her for her "tremendous efforts" on behalf of Bord Bia and for her dedication and commitment to its client companies and the food, drink, and horticulture sector.
"Tara has made a significant contribution to Bord Bia, and the organisation is in a very good place due to her leadership, energy, and drive over the last five years," he added.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue also thanked Tara McCarthy for her energy, leadership and commitment to Bord Bia and the wider agri-food industry.
"She has guided the organisation and supported the industry through many challenges, including the impacts of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Tara has nurtured top talent, as well as building Ireland's voice in thought leadership on sustainability, with benefits for the sector as a whole," the Minister said.
"Tara has focused on developing new markets while building on existing ones to the benefit of our world-class primary producers, farm families and fishers," he added.
Tara McCarthy said that Bord Bia is an exciting and thought-provoking organisation, with a powerful and inspiring mission.
"The wider agri-food industry faces many challenges, but thanks to the amazing people that work in and with the industry it continues to thrive," she stated.
"I will continue to play my full part in Bord Bia until my departure and to ensure an orderly transition I will work in partnership with the Board as they begin the recruitment process for my successor," she added.
