Kerry Group has appointed director Michael Dowling as its new chairman, the Ireland-based food company has announced.

Dowling was appointed to the Kerry board in 1998 and chaired its audit committee from 2000 to 2013. He will replace Dennis Buckley, who after 11 years as chairman is retiring from the Kerry board.

Dowling has held positions with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in Ireland and is the director of a number of companies.

His position on Kerry’s audit committee will be filled by Hugh Brady, who was appointed to the board earlier this year.