First Milk appoints Nasair Hussain as chief executive, starting in March 2027

Hancock will stay until the end of March to support the handover. Hugo Mahoney, First Milk’s chairman, said the overlap would provide continuity during the leadership change. The appointment followed an extensive recruitment process overseen by the board. Mahoney thanked Hancock for her decade of leadership, described her contribution to the business as transformative and wished her well for retirement.

Hussain is currently group chief executive at APS Group. His previous posts include managing director of Dale Farm and executive roles at Kerry Group in Britain and Asia. His career spans 30 years of international work in dairy, fresh produce and food manufacturing, including substantial experience with co-operatives and dairy businesses.

First Milk cited Hussain’s experience in expanding commercial activities, improving operations and developing relationships with customers in retail, foodservice and industry. It said he had managed complex food businesses, combining responsibility for strategy with direct operational involvement. The co-operative also highlighted his work in building commercially oriented organisations and pursuing sustainable growth.

Mahoney said Hussain brought knowledge of both food manufacturing and primary production, alongside experience in developing teams and managing operations across multiple sites. He said he looked forward to working with the incoming chief executive to continue the progress achieved during Hancock’s tenure. Hussain would also bring a fresh perspective as First Milk developed its business for the longer-term benefit of its farmer members, the chairman said.

Hussain said First Milk’s purpose, farmer ownership and standing within the dairy industry were among the features he valued in the business. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the co-operative and said he intended to spend time with its members and employees to learn about its operations. He also said he wanted to work with colleagues to carry forward the progress of recent years.

The incoming chief executive described dairy and the broader agrifood sector as undergoing rapid change. He said First Milk had a strong foundation and that he wanted to help shape its next phase of development, with lasting resilience for farmer members as an objective. His comments placed time with members and colleagues, learning about the business and working with its existing team among his plans for joining the co-operative.