BEGA CHEESE executive chairman Barry Irvin is taking a break from some of his duties while he recovers from an illness.
In a letter to suppliers last week, Mr Irvin acknowledged he had not been paying enough attention to his health and had undergone surgery.
He has told suppliers he was unable to attend a round of upcoming supplier meetings as he expected it would take a few months to recover from the surgery and to receive further treatment.
‘‘... I am confident of a recovery and am looking forward to catching up with you all in a few months,’’ he has told his suppliers.
He also urged his friends and colleagues not to put off getting a health check-up.
‘‘I guess I am an example of what not to do, and please be sure to have a check-up.’’
Mr Irvin has been driving the Bega Cheese expansion and pursuing new business interests for the company.