WATERFORD, IRELAND — Family-owned Irish meat company Dawn Meats announced the death of its co-founder Daniel “Dan” Browne, at the age of 88.

The Dawn Meats board shared its condolences to the Browne family.

“Mr. Browne was a pioneering figure in Irish agriculture and made an outstanding contribution to the Irish agri-food industry — and the meat industry in particular,” the company said. “He was a remarkable leader and visionary, serving as managing director of Dawn Meats for 27 years and developing the business into one of Europe’s leading meat processing companies.

“He was also a valued member of the board of Dawn Meats, and through his wise counsel, he continued to play a key role in the further success of the company. Through his work at Dawn Meats and his wider contribution to agriculture and the agri-food industry, Mr. Browne leaves a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed.”

Coming from an agriculture background, Browne began his career as a research scientist. He worked with the agricultural research institute An Foras Talúntais, initially at the grassland research center at Johnstown Castle in Wexford, Ireland, before moving to Cork in 1959, where he developed a national dairy research center.

In 1974, Browne transitioned away from the research sector into the meat industry. He joined Cork Marts as manager of the IMP plant in Midleton, Ireland.

Then, in 1980, Browne, along with John Queally and the late Peter Queally, established Dawn Meats.

For 27 years, Browne served as managing director of the company. Under his leadership, Dawn Meats quickly developed into one of Europe’s leading meat processing companies, Dawn Meats said.

While Browne retired from the company in 2007, he continued to play an important role as a key adviser on the board of directors.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science in 2011 from the University College Dublin, where he had previously studied, in recognition of his vision, leadership, innovation and outstanding contribution to agricultural developments.

Additionally, Browne served as chair of the board at Teagasc as well as Bord Bia.

Browne’s son Niall Browne has continued in his father’s footsteps, serving as chief executive officer of Dawn Meats since 2007.