First Milk has announced the appointment of Nasair Hussain as its new chief executive, following an extensive search process. Nasair will succeed Shelagh Hancock, who announced in April that she will retire next spring after ten years leading the farmer-owned dairy co-operative.

Hussain will join First Milk on 1 March 2027. He brings 30 years’ international experience across dairy, fresh produce and food manufacturing, with a track record of driving commercial growth, strengthening operational performance and developing customer relationships across the retail, foodservice and industrial sectors.

He joins from APS Group, where he serves as group chief executive, having previously held the role of managing director at Dale Farm and several executive positions within Kerry Group across the UK and Asia. His background includes extensive experience in the dairy and co-operative sectors.

Hugo Mahoney, chairman of First Milk, says, “We are delighted to appoint Nasair as our new Chief Executive following a thorough and rigorous search process led by the Board. He combines deep experience in food manufacturing and primary production with a strong track-record of building high performing teams and leading multi-site operations. I look forward to working with him to build on the significant progress made under Shelagh’s leadership, while also bringing a new perspective as we continue to evolve and develop the business for the long-term benefit of our members.

“I also want to reiterate my thanks to Shelagh for her leadership of the business over the last ten years, which has been transformative, and want to wish her all the very best in her retirement when it comes. In the meantime, I’m pleased that she will remain with us until the end of March, allowing for a comprehensive handover and ensuring continuity as we make this important transition.”

Nasair Hussain, chief executive designate of First Milk, adds, “I am delighted to be joining First Milk. It is a business with a strong sense of purpose, a distinctive farmer-owned model and an excellent reputation across the dairy industry. The dairy industry and wider agrifood sector is evolving at pace, and I’m looking forward to spending time with First Milk members and colleagues, learning about the business, and working with the team to build on the progress made in recent years. There is a strong platform in place and I’m excited about the opportunity to help shape the next chapter for First Milk to create sustainable, long-term resilience for farmer members.”