Managing Director
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Declan is the Chief Executive of John Thompson and Sons Limited, Northern Ireland’s largest animal feed processor. A native of Holywood, Co Down, he is a graduate of Queen’s University and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. Originally qualifying with Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), Declan worked as a manager within its corporate recovery and insolvency department for a number of years before moving out into industry.
Following three years working in the meat processing industry he moved into the engineering sector, spending several years with Copeland (NI) Ltd, based in Cookstown, a subsidiary of the US multinational Emerson Group, rising to the position of Plant Director. During this period Declan led an impressive business improvement programme and sustained profitable growth through lean manufacturing techniques and a team-focused culture. In October 2005 Declan made the transition back into the agri–food sector by joining John Thompson and Sons Ltd, based in Belfast.
Over the last seven years he has been heavily involved with the Northern Ireland region of CBI, including Chairman of its Economic Affairs Committee 2003- 2005, and acting in the capacities of Vice Chairman and then Chairman of CBI Northern Ireland 2005-2008. Declan also chaired the Skills Sub–Group of the Economic Development Forum, 2005 – 2007, a stakeholder body that advised the DETI minister on policy.
Declan sits on the Executive Committee of the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association and is currently its President. He has been actively involved in many of the Association’s activities, including lobbying at UK and European levels, encouraging and facilitating quality assurance schemes, responding to government consultations, and providing expertise and information to the farming and food chain.
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