The chief executive of the Irish Co-operative Society has left the organisation just over a year after being appointed to head the lobby group.

A statement from the organisation said Tom O’Callaghan (36) was leaving “to pursue a career opportunity in the private sector”.

Mr O’Callaghan has 16 years experience, mostly abroad, with companies like Kerry Group and Glanbia.

The board of the co-op society expressed “sincere appreciation for his commitment, professionalism and dedication” to the society and its members.

Having gone through a period when co-ops across the State were considering consolidation in the face of challenging market conditions, the recent upsurge in food prices has meant the co-op society has reassessed its priorities.