New senior leadership team at Isle of Man Meats aims to 'restore trust'

Company to become 'primary contributor to Island's food security'

A new senior leadership team has been announced at Isle of Man Meats in a move that, it's hoped, will help 'restore trust' in the organisation.

Comprising of five members, it's said to also mark 'a pivotal step in the company’s transformation to become a primary contributor to the Island’s food security.'

Towards the end of last year the non-executive board of the meat plant undertook a 'strategic restructure' to 'reset the company’s direction and better serve the local community'.

Earlier in August, the management of the organisation faced a vote of no confidence by the Manx National Farmers' Union following a series of processing delays and cancellations.

The MNFU claimed 'poor management' of the Island's abattoir was having a 'disastrous impact' on the Island's agricultural industry. Find out more HERE.

Renewed Purpose

The organisation says the new appointments reflect the company's commitment to go 'beyond the practical function of being the Island’s only abattoir'. 

It aims, it says, to 'become the vital link between local farmers and families, championing local produce and strengthening the resilience of Manx agriculture.'

Among its immediate priorities, it lists: improving operational performance, enhancing product quality, and rebuilding relationships with farmers, butchers, and consumers. 

Meanwhile, its longer-term goals involve 'modernising the plant while honouring the Island’s agricultural heritage and adapting to changing consumer expectations around sustainability and local sourcing'.

Defining Moment

The company says Mr Corcoran 'continues to maintain 'open dialogue with the Manx National Farmers’ Union, with both parties committed to building a constructive working relationship following significant criticism of the company in 2024.'

Mr Corcoran says: 'The Board’s mission is to facilitate the efficient delivery of Manx produce. The Manx public are our primary customers, and we serve them through our network of local butchers. 

'We are also deeply grateful to the wider team, who have kept the business moving through a difficult and uncertain period. Together, we will deliver real change; modernising operations while preserving our core values and the Island’s traditional agricultural heritage. 

'This is a defining moment for Isle of Man Meats. We are working diligently to rebuild public confidence and ensure all our stakeholders believe in our expertise, purpose, and long-term vision. This will help safeguard Manx food security for generations to come.'

New Team

The senior leadership team is comprised of:

            • Michael Barker – General Manager. IOM Meats says: '[Michael] brings decades of experience across retail, wholesale, and food service sectors, as well as a strong background as a fully trained butcher. Having worked with major food companies including Spinneys, Carrefour, and The Landmark Group in the GCC region, he has successfully led multi-site operations and managed teams of over 200 employees. 

'His expertise in commercial planning, product strategy, and international sourcing will be instrumental in driving Isle of Man Meats' transformation'

            • Amanda Wadsworth – Head of People. IOM Meats says: '[Amanda] joins with expertise in talent acquisition and employee engagement. Her role will be vital in building confidence and morale within the team, many of whom have worked through years of uncertainty, and in attracting and retaining a new generation of skilled employees.'

            • Mike De Oliveira – Head of Production. IOM Meats says: '[Mike] brings invaluable expertise from over 30 years of hands-on butchery and large-scale meat production experience. Mike brings a wealth of practical knowledge, technical skill, and leadership to Isle of Man Meats. He’s previously held senior roles at Direct Meats, Haloodies, and Tesco UK. His ability to streamline production and enhance quality control will be crucial in improving operational performance and efficiency within the plant.'

           • Chloe Duke – Head of Finance.  IOM Meats says: '[Chloe] brings over a decade of experience from IFGL and RL360. She relocated to the Island with her family at the age two, and her deep understanding of the local financial landscape will be instrumental in securing a sustainable financial model that balances the interests of farmers, consumers, the Isle of Man Government, and the business.'

           • Garth Jerome – Head of Compliance & Procurement. IOM Meats says: '[Garth] joins with extensive experience in food safety, farming, and agricultural supply chain management, having previously overseen a 2,400- hectare operation with a 1,300-head beef herd. His role at Isle of Man Meats is pivotal in two key areas: ensuring strict compliance with UK and international safety standards, and leading livestock procurement and intake. As the main point of contact for producers, Garth is focused on building strong, respectful relationships that foster open communication and shared goals.'