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. Prior to 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.
We are delighted to have appointed Hugo to lead the board and work alongside our CEO, Shelagh Hancock.
Mike Smith, vice chairman and farmer director, First Milk
“His [Mahoney] 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,” said First Milk vice chairman and farmer director, Mike Smith.
“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, Mahoney added: “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.”
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.
