FIRST MILK APPOINTS HUGO MAHONEY AS NEW CHAIRMAN

First Milk, the farmer owned British dairy co-operative, has appointed Hugo Mahoney as Chairman Designate. He will take over from Chris Thomas on 3^rd November 2025.

First Milk, The Regenerative Co-op, has appointed Hugo Mahoney as its Chairman Designate. He will take over from Chris Thomas who is stepping down after serving his full three terms, following the co-operative’s AGM on 3^rd November. Hugo brings extensive food and drinks industry and technology sector experience to the role, having most recently served as Group CEO of UK food manufacturer Samworth Brothers.

He joins the First Milk board when the co-operative is well positioned to grow and create further value from its extensive milk supply chain, dairy product manufacturing capability and ingredients expertise. First Milk is making solid progress in addressing the challenges of climate change, through the positive impact of its regenerative farming plans across its 700 members.

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^rd November 2025.

Hugo Mahoney has over 30 years of experience across the food and drink and technology sectors. Prior to Samworth Brothers he was Chief Commercial Officer 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 biased businesses including Sage and LexisNexis. He brings a deep understanding of customers, supply chains and distribution, in the UK and international markets.

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.”