First Milk appoints Hugo Mahoney as its chairman

UK – First Milk has named Hugo Mahoney as its chairman designate, as predecessor Chris Thomas steps down after three full terms.

Mahoney joins First Milk from UK food manufacturer Samworth Brothers, where he served as Group CEO for two years.

He brings with him more than 30 years of experience across the food and drink and technology sectors. Before Samworth Brothers, he was CCO and then CEO of Brakes UK, the foodservice distributor.

His early career was in FMCG and brands, followed by senior commercial and business development roles within technology-based businesses, including Sage and LexisNexis.

He joins the First Milk board at a time when the co-operative is looking to grow and create further value from its milk supply chain, dairy product manufacturing capability and ingredients expertise.

His appointment has been approved by the co-operative’s Board of Directors and Member Council and is subject to ratification by members at First Milk’s AGM on 3 November 2025.

Commenting on his appointment, Mahoney stated, “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. 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.”

The selection process for a new chairperson was led by First Milk’s Board Nominations Committee, chaired by non-executive director, Michael Fletcher. It was supported by the board of directors and member council.

First Milk board members are appointed for a two-year term; and subject to re-appointment, can serve a maximum of three terms.

Mike Smith, Vice Chairman and Farmer director of First Milk, expressed his delight at the appointment of Hugo Mahoney as the new chair of the board, noting that he would be working closely with the CEO, Shelagh Hancock.

He stated that Mahoney’s deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing UK food and farming businesses, domestically and internationally, was exceptional.

He also extended his gratitude to outgoing chairman Chris Thomas, acknowledging his dedication and service. Smith remarked that under Thomas’s leadership, First Milk had delivered increased value to its members and customers, expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of BV Dairy, and emerged as a leader in regenerative farming.

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