Origin Regulatory News (OGN)

Origin Enterprises plc

Organisational Announcement

Appointment of Professor Jimmy Burke as Head of Research and Knowledge Transfer

8 December 2016

Origin Enterprises plc, the Agri-Services Group ('Origin' or the 'Group'), is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Jimmy Burke as Head of Research and Knowledge Transfer. 

Professor Burke is a renowned crop scientist with extensive industry and academic experience. He will provide the Group with the leadership and strategic direction in the areas of crop science and technology. The role will maintain a particular focus on global innovations in agriculture and will incorporate formal outreach programmes with relevant industry, research and technology partners. The appointment reflects Origin's increasing relevance in systemised on-farm technology transfer, as well as the Group's expanding geographic scale.

Professor Burke currently holds the Origin sponsored Chair in Crop Science at University College Dublin ('UCD'). Prior to joining UCD he was Chief Crop Scientist and Head of the Irish National Crops Research Centre. He has developed close working relationships with many universities, national and international research centres and has participated in numerous collaborative research projects with industry.

Commenting on the announcement, Origin Chief Executive Officer, Tom O'Mahony said: 

"I am delighted to welcome Professor Burke to Origin. His extensive experience and track record in research discovery, interpretation and information dissemination reinforces the Group's credentials in on-farm knowledge transfer and places Origin at the forefront of crop science and developments in sustainable agricultural technologies". 

Commenting on the announcement, Origin Head of Research and Knowledge Transfer, Professor Jimmy Burke said:

"I am very pleased to be taking up this new position and look forward to contributing to the future development of the Group. Origin demonstrates a clear commitment to crop science and technology transfer. I am excited at the opportunity to build upon the excellent research and innovation work currently taking place in the Group."

ENDS

Enquiries:

Imelda Hurley +353 (0)1 563 4959

Company Secretary

Origin Enterprises plc

About Origin Enterprises plc

Origin Enterprises plc is a focused Agri-Services group providing on-farm agronomy advice and the supply of crop technologies and inputs. The Agri-Services business through its manufacturing and distribution operations in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Poland, Ukraine and Romania has leading market positions in the provision of specialist agronomy services, crop technologies, inputs and feed ingredients. Origin is listed on the ESM and AIM markets of the Irish and London Stock Exchanges.

ESM ticker symbol: OIZ

AIM ticker symbol: OGN

Website: www.originenterprises.com