Northern Irish firm Irwin’s Bakery has appointed a new chief executive to strategically manage the business.

Former commercial director Michael Murphy has now become chief executive of the plant bakery within WD Irwin & Sons, after working for the company for 15 years.

This is a new position created within the business to grow the brand and its strategy.

Commenting on his new role, Murphy said: “I am greatly honoured to take up the position of chief executive. Irwin’s is a third-generation family business, which has been baking bread since 1912 and I am very excited to play a strategic role in driving success for the company.

“Together with the support of the fantastic team that has made Irwin’s the successful business it is today, I am confident we will continue to grow and innovate as a company, delivering high-quality products for our customers and consumers.”

Prior to joining Irwin’s, Murphy worked with Rank Hovis McDougall (RHM) and Kerry Foods. At RHM he worked with the Mr Kipling and Cadbury cake brands, and while at Kerry Foods he was responsible for growing sausage brands, Richmond Irish and Wall’s.

The Portadown-based business employs more than 380 members of staff. The firm supplies its range of bread, biscuits and cakes to major retailers across the UK and Ireland, as well as exporting to customers in international markets, including Dubai and China.