Hugo Mahoney, the former CEO of UK pasty maker Samworth Brothers, is set to join local dairy cooperative First Milk as chairman.
Mahoney will take on the role on 3 November, when First Milk’s current chair, Chris Thomas, steps down as his three-year maximum term comes to an end.
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Before his time as CEO of Ginsters brand owner Samworth Brothers, Mahoney was the chief commercial officer at foodservice company Brakes. He has also held executive positions at Sage and LexisNexis.
Mahoney has “a deep understanding of customers, supply chains and distribution in the UK and international markets”, farmer-owned co-op First Milk, which is based in Glasgow, said in a statement.
Mahoney commented: “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.”
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By GlobalDataFirst Milk has expanded through M&A, snapping up UK-based BV Dairy in 2024.
Founded in 1958, BV Dairy (Blackmore Vale Farm Cream), based in Dorset in southern England, makes a range of chilled dairy products for food manufacturers, hospitality and foodservice providers. It also offers contract manufacturing services.
While Mahoney’s appointment as chair has been approved by First Milk’s board and council members, it needs to be ratified at the AGM on 3 November.
Mike Smith, First Milk’s vice chairman, added: “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.”
Mahoney’s appointment follows a warning this week from another dairy co-op, Arla Foods, which called for the UK government’s support to address a protracted shortage of skilled farm workers.
If the gaps are not filled, the country’s food security is at risk, while consumers face the potential of higher prices and even product shortages, Arla claimed.
