Corby, England, United Kingdom, November 2025 – Mike Hancox has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Tayto Group Limited, effective 1 January, marking a significant leadership transition for the UK’s largest British-owned snack manufacturer. He succeeds Fergal McCann, who retires after thirteen impactful years with the organisation, during which he helped strengthen Tayto’s position across crisps, popcorn and salted pork snacks while expanding its iconic brands and private-label partnerships.
In his most recent role, Mike served as Chief Executive Officer at Yodel (Yodel Delivery Network Ltd), where he led the organisation for nearly six years. His tenure included steering large-scale transformation across operations, delivery networks and customer experience, positioning Yodel more competitively within the rapidly evolving consumer delivery and logistics landscape.
Before joining Yodel, Mike founded Judge Logistics Limited, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen by shaping a business focused on innovative logistics solutions. Alongside this, he continued contributing to industry growth through boardroom leadership, serving as Honorary President at the China Europe E-commerce Logistics Club and as Advisory Board Member at IORMA — roles he continues to hold while supporting strategic thinking on global retail, logistics and e-commerce trends.
Earlier, Mike spent several years as Senior NED and Non-Executive leader across multiple consumer, retail and tech-enabled organisations. His roles included serving as Senior NED at Fruugo.com, Non-Executive Chairman at Sigma, and Non-Executive Director at Sorted Group, where he worked closely with management teams to strengthen global retail expansion, store development, and digital operations. His influence during this period spanned high-growth marketplaces, supply chain optimisation, and retail infrastructure services.
Mike’s earlier executive leadership includes a transformative nine-year tenure as CEO of Ideal Shopping Direct, where he led a sales-driven turnaround, executed two major private equity transactions, and expanded operations into the United States. His extensive experience before this includes roles as Director at the Electronic Retailing Association, Chairman of Character World Limited, Non-Executive Director at Manchester Airport, Chief Executive of Otto UK, CEO/COO of Shop Direct/Littlewoods, Finance Director at GUS Home Shopping, and Deputy MD/Finance Director at Premier Brands. Across these positions, he built a reputation as a seasoned retail and consumer leader with deep expertise in commercial strategy, digital transformation and operational excellence.
Tayto Group Limited is the UK’s largest British-owned snack manufacturer, producing more than five million packs of crisps and snacks daily across its five manufacturing sites. Founded in 1956 by Thomas Hutchinson, the company remains proudly family-owned and headquartered at Tayto Castle in County Armagh. Over the decades, Tayto has built a powerful portfolio of beloved brands including Tayto, Golden Wonder, REAL Hand Cooked Crisps, and the leading pork snack ranges Mr Porky, Midland Snacks, and Real Pork Co. Beyond its household brands, the company is also a major manufacturer of private-label snacks for leading UK retailers. With a legacy of quality, innovation and craftsmanship, Tayto continues to shape the UK snacks market with a passion for delivering great-tasting products.
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