Barry Newman

Head - Foods MEA @ Ornua | Driving Market Expansion

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

With close to 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, I currently serve as the Head of Foods MEA at Ornua, overseeing the strategic management and growth of the Kerrygold brand across the Middle East and Africa. My work focuses on driving market expansion while ensuring the delivery of high-quality dairy products to consumers in the region. Having successfully managed large-scale operations across diverse markets, I am committed to fostering sustainable growth and building dynamic, diverse teams. My expertise lies in commercial management, team management, and logistics, which I leverage to support long-term business development and regional success.

Experience

  • Ornua (18 yrs 9 mos)
    • Head - Foods MEA
      Nov 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

      As the Head of Foods MEA at Ornua, I lead the strategic management and growth of the iconic Kerrygold brand in the Middle East and Africa. With extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, I drive market expansion and deliver exceptional dairy products to consumers across the region.

    • Head - Africa
      Jul 2020 - Nov 2023 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      Tasked with creating & implementing Ornua’s African strategy, I take responsibility for achieving year-on-year growth targets. My role involves managing a dynamic multimillion-euro business across 32 African countries. I’m passionate about cultivating a diverse and experienced in-market team to ensure sustainable, long-term growth. Additionally, I spearhead the growth of Ornua’s brands in Africa while consistently delivering year-on-year B2B volume and value growth through dairy commodity sales.

    • Regional Head - North & Central Africa
      Aug 2018 - Jul 2020 · 2 yrs

      Responsibility for Ornua’s commodity & retail businesses in North & Central Africa as well as Nigeria.

  • Logistical Operations (Student Placement) at Damco
    Jan 2006 - Jun 2006 · 6 mos

    A 2006 secondment from the Dublin Institute of Technology to Damco, Dublin (formely Damco Sea & Air).The 6 months provided me with extensive knowledge in freight forwarding using Road, Sea & Air transportation methods. This is where (as a student) I first gained a desire to move into the food industry.