Ireland Conference 2026

Laura Harper

Trading Director, Marks & Spencer

Laura Harper is Trading Director for M&S Food in Ireland, leading the Commercial and Franchise performance of the business across the market. Since joining M&S from Aldi, she has established herself as a highly capable and trusted leader, recognised for her pace, ownership and delivery focus.

After studying Law and Accountancy at Queens in Belfast, Laura chose to follow a career in the diverse and challenging world of Retail. Having started as an Area Manager with Aldi, she progressed into a Buying Director role- before taking the leap to M&S in 2023 based in Dublin. 

M&S is transforming and Laura has played a central role in driving performance and strengthening alignment across the Irish business, with a clear focus on combining group strategy with local market relevance. With a strong bias for action, she develops high-performing teams, creating the conditions for long-term, sustainable growth.

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Deirdre Ryan

Director of Sustainability and Quality Assurance,, Bord Bia

Deirdre is Director of Sustainability and Quality Assurance, (Origin Green) in Bord Bia where she is responsible for the management and strategic development of national quality assurance and sustainability programmes for the Irish food and Drink’s sector.

Prior to her appointment, Deirdre was Head of Sustainability for Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland where she led the development and implementation of their first sustainability strategy. Deirdre has also held positions with leading dairy exporter Ornua, Nestle Switzerland, and Metro Group.  Deirdre worked as a management consultant and in financial services before moving into the food industry.

Deirdre holds an MSc in Business Sustainability and an MBS in International Business from UCD Smurfit Graduate School, and a Commerce International with Italian from University College Dublin.  She is also an Irish Olympian competing in the high jump at the London 2012 Olympics and has served as a member of the board of Sport Ireland since 2021.

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Cathal Garvey

CEO, Manor Farm

No bio provided

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Orla Meehan

International Insights Specialist, Bord Bia

No bio provided

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Jason Burbidge

Global Commercial Manager, Alltech

No bio provided

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Jodi Goldman

Personal Impact Coach

Jodi Goldman is a Personal Impact Coach and experienced international speaker. She's worked with thousands of professionals and business owners to help them develop magnetic confidence, a powerful personal brand and assertive communication skills. Her corporate clients include companies like Google, RBS, Everywoman, Sony, IG and the Post Office.

: https://jodigoldman.co.uk/

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Maria Kilmartin

Group Animal Welfare Assistant Manager, ABP Ireland

No bio provided

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Aoife Ryan

Supply Chain Business Partner, Meat Division Ireland, Kepak

No bio provided

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