Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, was born in Dublin, Ireland and received his B.Sc. in biochemistry from the National University of Ireland, an M.Sc. in brewing technology and subsequently a Ph.D. in biochemistry of yeast from the University of Birmingham, England.

Using his in-depth knowledge of fermentation technology, Lyons moved to the U.S. and founded Alltech in 1980 with $10,000 and a dream. Headquartered in Lexington, the company is a global leader in the animal health industry, boasting group sales of more than $400 million. The company employs more than 1,900 people and has a presence in 120 countries around the world.

Alltech remains a privately held company with a strong sense of commitment to the communities it operates in. Celebrating 30 years in business, Alltech is the title sponsor for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, Sept. 25 – Oct. 10 (the first time ever held in the U.S). Supporting many causes, Lyons helped establish the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund.

Dr. Lyons received the State Export Award for Kentucky and was acknowledged by World Trade Magazine as the leader of a the top 100 fastest growing high-tech companies. He was the Kentucky recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year in 1993. Lyons has been recognized for his contributions to science and industry and has been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Plymouth, England, and Heriot-Watt University, Scotland. His Alma mater, National University of Ireland, Dublin, selected Lyons as one of its honorary doctorates on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. Recently, he was recognized as one of the top 15 Irish-American life scientists of the year by Biolink USA-Ireland.