Pearse Lyons facts for kids

Pearse Lyons in 2012

Thomas Pearse Lyons (born August 3, 1944 – died March 8, 2018) was a very successful Irish businessman. He was the person who started and led a company called Alltech Inc. Alltech is based in Kentucky, USA, and focuses on making animals healthier and improving their food through new ideas and science. People saw Pearse Lyons as a unique person who was good at starting businesses, selling, marketing, and science all at once. He was known as a leader and innovator in the farming business world.

Early Life and Learning

Pearse Lyons grew up in Dundalk, County Louth, in Ireland. He went to University College Dublin (UCD) and earned a top degree in biochemistry, which is the study of the chemistry of living things. While he was at college, he worked at Harp Lager in Dundalk.

He also studied brewing science at the University of Birmingham in England, getting his Master of Science degree in 1968. Later, in 1971, he earned his PhD in Biochemistry from the same university. He started studying for an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at UCD but did not finish it. After his studies, he got what he called his "dream job" at Irish Distillers.

In 2004, Pearse Lyons received an special honorary doctorate degree from Heriot-Watt University.

Starting Alltech

In October 1980, Pearse Lyons started his own company, Alltech, right in his garage! He began with an investment of $10,000. He used his knowledge of fermentation (a process used in making beer and other things) to help brewers. His business quickly became successful and was making money by Christmas of that year. In its very first year, Alltech earned a million dollars.

A few years later, Pearse Lyons started looking at animal feed. He believed that things like yeasts, enzymes, and certain bacteria could help animals use their food better and grow healthier.

Alltech's Growth and Impact

Alltech grew a lot over the years. Here are some of the things they did:

• In May 2009, Alltech and the Muhammad Ali Center created a special fund together. This fund, called the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund, helps with education and charity around the world.
• In 2011, Alltech invested $9.5 million in a new facility in Tianjin, China.
• Alltech was the main sponsor for two big horse riding competitions: the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France.
• In 2011, Alltech opened a special facility in Winchester, Kentucky, to study algae. They are looking into how algae can be used to help animals and people get better nutrition.
• In 2012, Alltech was recognized as one of the top 10 companies in America that support the arts. They received this award for helping local artists, hosting a music festival, running a scholarship competition for singers, and bringing art into their projects in Haiti.

Pearse Lyons also created the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company under Alltech. This company makes different kinds of beers and spirits. In 2012, Alltech worked with an Irish company, Carlow Brewing Company, to start making its own real Irish whiskey.

Pearse Lyons Distillery

The Pearse Lyons Distillery officially opened in September 2017. It is located in a historic building, St James' Church, on James's Street in Dublin, Ireland.

Personal Life

Pearse Lyons met Deirdre Byrne when he was 17 years old. They got married in 1972. They had a daughter named Aoife in 1973 and a son named Mark in 1977.

Pearse Lyons was a very successful author, writing more than 20 books and many scientific papers for journals.

In 2012, he was named Business Person of the Year by Business and Finance in Ireland. That same year, he also received an award from the Ireland-US Council for his great work in making economic ties stronger between the United States and Ireland.

Pearse Lyons passed away on March 8, 2018. After his death, his son Mark took over his roles as President and chairman at Alltech. Sadly, his daughter Aoife Lyons, who was the director of educational initiatives and engagement at Alltech, passed away on April 18, 2019.

Further Information

• Alltech's Story