Chewing the cud with… Olwyn Pentinga

Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our September newsletter, we’re talking to Olwyn Pentinga, Category Manager for Butterfats and Rennet Casein

Olwyn Pentinga is the Category Manager for Butterfats and Rennet Casein. Originally from Dublin, Olwyn is currently living in the Netherlands with her husband Erik and two children, Arthur and Giulietta. Olwyn has always had a keen interest in food and business and has worked in commercial roles across Dairy and Agribusinesses for the past 12 years. She studied Commerce and Chinese at University College Dublin and completed a Master’s in Business at University College Cork before starting her career with Glanbia Nutritionals in Shanghai.

Olwyn thrives on collaboration and learning from colleagues across the business. “I love that I get to collaborate cross-functionally every day and learn from colleagues all over the business. We have a great emphasis on teamwork and on finding a better way to add value to our portfolio and our customers,” Olwyn shares. This collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of Olwyn’s approach to work, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Global Reach

Tradeshows play a crucial role in the Ingredients business, and Olwyn is a strong advocate for their importance. “Tradeshows are a brilliant way for us to showcase new innovative ingredients and solutions and to connect with existing and prospective customers. I feel face-to-face meetings are really important in building long-term relationships,” Olwyn explains. These events provide a platform for Tirlán to demonstrate its cutting-edge products and strengthen relationships with partners and clients.

Olwyn’s work has a global impact, with products reaching customers around the world. “Butter and rennet casein are sold all over! Butter is sold mostly within Ireland, UK, Europe, and the US, with a growing business in MENA and Asia. Rennet casein is supplied to customers in Europe, China, Japan, USA, Mexico, Australia, and MENA into a wide range of different cheese applications,” Olwyn notes. This extensive reach highlights the importance of Olwyn’s role in expanding Tirlán’s market presence and ensuring the highest quality products are delivered to diverse regions.

Customer Experience

“The customer experience room has transformed how we interact with our customers, allowing us to connect through in-person applications demos in the kitchen, presentations, or videos of the farms and factories,” Olwyn explains. This innovative approach enhances customer engagement and provides a unique opportunity to showcase Tirlán’s commitment to excellence.

Looking ahead

Olwyn’s passion for the job and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring, making a significant impact on Tirlán’s growth and success.