Dairy co-operative First Milk has appointed Hugo Mahoney as its chairman designate, with Mahoney set to take over the role on 3rd November 2025.
First Milk has nearly 400 colleagues working across its production sites and head office, and operates two creameries. It produces cheese and whey powders, as well as specialist chilled dairy products for customers across food manufacturing and foodservice.
Current chair Chris Thomas will step down after serving his full three terms following First Milk’s AGM on 3rd November.
Mahoney joins the board after serving as group CEO of UK food manufacturer Samworth Brothers, with his appointment having been approved by First Milk’s board of directors and member council. The appointment is subject to ratification by members at First Milk’s AGM.
With more than 30 years of experience across the food, drink and technology sectors, Mahoney previously served as chief commercial officer and then CEO of foodservice distributor Brakes UK. His early career was in FMCG and brands, followed by senior commercial and business development roles within technology businesses.
First Milk said Mahoney brings a “deep understanding of customers, supply chains and distribution” in the UK and international markets.
Commenting on the appointment, First Milk vice chairman and farmer director Mike Smith said: “We are delighted to have appointed Hugo to lead the board and work alongside our CEO, Shelagh Hancock. His understanding of the opportunities for UK food and farming businesses at home and abroad, together with the challenges that the UK farming and food sectors are facing into is first class.
“When you back this up with his broader experience of leading in different sectors, business models and cultures it makes him a great fit for the future development of our co-operative.
“On behalf of our members and the board of directors I would like to thank Chris Thomas, for his commitment and service. During Chris’s chairmanship, we have grown value for our members and customers, expanded our capabilities through the acquisition of BV Dairy and become a leader in regenerative farming.
“Now is the time to build on these solid foundations and we are looking forward to the experience and energy that Hugo will bring to help First Milk and its members achieve this.”
Commenting on his appointment, Hugo Mahoney said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of First Milk, a vibrant, progressive co-operative with strong customer relationships owned by farming families across Britain.
“Nutritious, tasty dairy products are an essential part of many people’s diets and First Milk is making an important contribution to building a high quality, resilient and sustainable UK dairy supply chain with the farming community at its heart. I am looking forward to working on behalf of our members with my new colleagues to build on this progression into the future.”
