Dawn Meats has announced that its co-founder Daniel (Dan) Browne, has died aged 88.
The company described Mr Browne as "a pioneering figure in Irish agriculture" who made an "outstanding contribution to the Irish agri-food industry, and the meat industry in particular".
He served as managing director of Dawn Meats for 27 years and oversaw its development into one of Europe's leading meat-processing companies.
In a statement, the board of the company expressed its "deepest condolences to Mr Browne’s wife, Kay, and his family at this difficult time".
Mr Browne came from a farming background in Douglas, Co Cork and started his career as a research scientist.
He worked with the agricultural research institute An Foras Talúntais in Wexford (the precursor to Teagasc), before moving back to Cork in 1959, where he developed a national dairy research centre at Moorepark, outside Fermoy.
In 1974, Mr Browne joined the meat industry, becoming manager of the Cork Marts - IMP plant at Midleton.
Six years later, along with John Queally and the late Peter Queally, he established Dawn Meats.
Mr Browne retired from his role as managing director in 2007 but continued to be a board member of the company.
He also chaired the boards of Teagasc from 1993 to 1998 and Bord Bia from 2008 to 2011.
The Teagasc Authority, management, and staff also expressed their saddness at the passing of Mr Browne.
Teagasc Chairman Liam Herlihy said: "Dan made a massive contribution to Irish agriculture during his lifetime, from his early days as a research scientist in AFT in Johnstown Castle and Moorepark, to his time as chief executive of Dawn meats. He constantly sought to use the latest science to improve the productivity of Irish farms.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Kay and all the Browne family."
Meanwhile Ibec CEO Danny McCoy described Mr Browne as "a distinguished and highly respected figure in Irish business.
"As co-founder of Dawn Meats, Dan played a pivotal role in transforming the company into one of Europe's leading meat processing enterprises, employing over 8,000 people across 12 countries.
"Dan was a visionary leader whose commitment to ethical, sustainable, and environmentally conscious practices set new standards in the Irish food sector. Through is chairmanship of both Teagasc and Bord Bia he was a tireless advocate for the broader Irish food industry.
"Dan’s passing is a profound loss, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with or knowing him," Mr McCoy added.
