From a farming background Michael is a Dairy & Food Science Graduate of UCC. Michael has over 30 years of experience in business and has worked in various senior management roles with Nestle & Valeo Foods. In 2017 Michael left his role as Supply Chain Director of Valeo Foods and established Auxilia Consultants, a niche Supply Chain and business management consultancy company.

Now as CEO of Tradeforus Ltd. Michael is focused on growing this exciting new business which aims to make a real and sustainable difference to all stakeholders in the Agri & Forestry sectors.

Paddy has more than 20 years’ experience in forest establishment and management, focusing in recent years on forestry investment appraisals. He has also been the Managing Director of Forestry Services Ltd, one of the founding shareholders of Euroforest Ireland, for the past 10 years.

Paddy joined the board of Euroforest Ireland on inception of the company in 2017, being appointed to the role of Managing director in January 2018. Paddy has served as an industry representative in various forums and has served as the forestry representative on the council of the Agricultural Consultants Association. He is a Technical Member of the Society of Irish Foresters.

Since he completed his forestry education, Jim has been involved in harvesting and marketing timber all his career. He has worked in senior roles in this area for Woodfab Ltd., Eastlog Harvesting and currently with Euroforest Ireland. With Euroforest Ireland he has been centrally involved in setting up of the leading privately owned harvesting and wood marketing in Ireland.

Jim has an intimate knowledge of the wood processing and forestry industries in Ireland and will bring this experience to Tradeforus Forestry.

Hilliard draws upon a wealth of experience in the global food and Agri industry. Acting as Managing Director at Valeo Foods (owning some of Ireland’s most recognisable food brands), and CEO Aryzta Europe and Asia Pacific (frozen bakery), Hilliard has developed an extensive network within, and a deep understanding of the global food industry.

Hilliard held senior positions at IAWS Group plc, which created Origin Enterprises Plc (a leading agronomy business in UK and Ireland). Hilliard is a chartered accountant having qualified with KPMG. Currently he is partner at Biavest Limited - a food investment vehicle and Director of Tradeforus Limited.

Lorraine is a fully licenced Auctioneer with over 18 years' experience in the industry. Having previously worked for Kelly Hudson Properties in Newbridge for 12 years, and ERA Morrin Fitzgerald Auctioneers in Naas for the previous 6 years, Lorraine has become an expert in property sales and valuations. She brings a wide range of skills and experience in the areas of Auctioneering, Valuations and Contract completion. Lorraine is a member of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers

As Auction and Office Manager for Tradeforus Forestry, Lorraine will deliver an ethical and professional service. She will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Auction platform to the highest standards of due diligence and governance.