Gallagher Announces Departure of Chief Executive of Animal Management Business

Gallagher today announced that Dr Lisbeth Jacobs, Chief Executive of its Animal Management business, will be stepping down from the position in September 2025.

Jacobs’ decision to step down following four and a half successful years in the role has been made for personal reasons, as she plans to return to Europe and reunite with family.

"Gallagher has been far more than a job. It’s been one of the most values-aligned roles of my professional life, and a place where I’ve had the privilege to contribute to something meaningful, alongside people who share the same passion and sense of purpose,” said Jacobs.

“Leaving Gallagher has been a difficult decision, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and confident the team will carry that momentum forward. At the same time, I’m looking forward to being closer to family in Europe and stepping into a new leadership role with an innovative and industry-leading company in Germany.”

Since joining Gallagher in 2021, Jacobs has played a central role in shaping the strategy, growth, and culture of the Animal Management division. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to purpose-led performance and long-term value creation for Gallagher customers globally.  

Under Jacobs’ leadership, the business has pursued a bold open innovation strategy—driving growth not only from within but also through active partnerships with like-minded AgTech pioneers. A standout example is eShepherd™, a virtual fencing solution that has rapidly scaled globally since its commercial launch 18 months ago. eShepherd reflects Gallagher’s long-term commitment to breakthrough technologies and reinforces its leadership in digital livestock management.

The open innovation model has shaped several other key initiatives:

• In partnership with Agbot, an Australian start-up, Gallagher has delivered a cost-effective, satellite-connected liquid monitoring solution. This now forms part of the globally available Land & Water Care product suite under the Gallagher brand.
• The acquisition of Norton Livestock Handling Solutions, a leading Australian manufacturer of gates and handling equipment, has expanded Gallagher’s footprint in the region.
• Together with StrongBó Agritech, a tech company based in Ireland and Canada, Gallagher has brought the Auto Weigher to market - an intelligent, remote weighing system that converts partial weight readings into full body weights, seamlessly transmitted to farmers via an app.
• Gallagher’s strategic investment in Goodnature, a New Zealand-based company specialising in sustainable, humane pest control, has enabled scaled manufacturing and global distribution of its toxin-free solutions.
• A deepened involvement with Farmote by forming a joint venture with Barenbrug. This partnership unites complementary expertise to accelerate the growth of Farmote’s automated satellite connected pasture management technology.
• On a global scale, Lisbeth has championed geographic diversification as a strategic imperative. This includes expansion into a number of countries in Latin America, the creation of Gallagher Brazil, and the full acquisition of Gallagher’s former joint venture businesses in Europe and South Africa.

“We are extremely grateful for the level of strategic acumen, customer focus and energy Lisbeth has brought to our business, said Kahl Betham, Gallagher Group CEO & Executive Director. “I’m thankful Lisbeth has built a strong team and wish her all the very best for her move to Europe.”

Jacobs has accepted a new leadership role for a publicly listed industrial group based in Germany. A formal announcement by the incoming business will be made in the coming weeks with more information.

Jacobs will remain in post until September and will work closely with the Gallagher Executive Leadership Team and the Board to ensure a seamless leadership transition. The search for a successor is already underway.

Media Contact
Natalie Calvert – Head of Communications, Animal Management
natalie.calvert@gallagher.com