First Milk names Hancock as CEO

First Milk has announced that Mike Gallacher is to step down as CEO and will be succeeded by Shelagh Hancock.

Over the last two years Gallacher led a radical and successful transformation of First Milk, focusing on its core business in cheese and liquid contracts and divesting a number of loss making subsidiaries. Together with major cost savings and operational improvements, this has driven a £30 million (€34.4m) improvement in the financial performance of the business and corresponding improvements in returns to members. At the same time, the independent governance review initiated by him has led to major changes in how the cooperative is managed, the company says.

Hancock has over 25 years’ experience in the food and agricultural supply sectors. Most recently she held the roles of managing director and business development director at Medina Dairy where she led the development of strategic relationships and business growth with major retailers. Prior to this, she held several senior executive positions at the farmer-owned co-operative Milk Link including milk business unit director and membership director.

First Milk Chairman Clive Sharpe says, “Mike has led First Milk through a period of huge change, with enormous levels of energy and focus. In addition to delivering a real transformation in our business performance he has also built an effective team and put in place the modern governance processes that will underpin our future success.
“Mike’s departure is not a surprise as he has been open about his plans. On behalf of the members and the board, I want to express our appreciation for the outstanding results he has delivered.

Both Mike and I are delighted at the appointment of Shelagh who brings a wealth of experience to the role.”

Commenting on her appointment as CEO, Shelagh Hancock says,  “As a firm believer in the principle of farmers working together for the benefit of each other, I am delighted to be working again for a farmer cooperative. I strongly believe that First Milk has got a bright future and as a British farmer owned co-op we’ve got great credentials to build on. There are still further opportunities to develop the core business and I am confident that we can continue to build a strong and vibrant co-operative capable of creating value for its customers, and most importantly for our members.’’