Mike Hancox will succeed Fergal McCann, who is set to retire in January after a notable 13-year tenure with Tayto, first as finance director and then as CEO.
Hancox will officially join the company on 1 January 2026, following six successful years as the chief executive of Yodel, a prominent parcel delivery firm.
He brings extensive leadership experience in food manufacturing, retail, and logistics, complemented by non-executive board roles across technology, infrastructure, and licensing sectors.
Tayto Group boasts a diverse portfolio, including well-known brands such as Golden Wonder, Tayto, REAL Hand Cooked crisps, and marmite snacks. Moreover, it stands as Britain’s leading supplier of pork snacks, featuring two top-selling brands: Mr. Porky and Midland Snacks.
“I’d like to thank Fergal for his substantial contribution to our growth and success over the past 13 years,” stated Tayto Group’s executive chairman, Stephen Hutchinson.
“We wish him well in his retirement. I’m delighted to welcome Mike to Tayto, bringing with him a wealth of experience leading similar businesses to deliver outstanding results. We anticipate his contributions in building on the strong foundations we have established.”
Hancox remarked: “I am excited to be joining Tayto Group and helping to unlock the potential of its products and brands. Tayto is a successful business with a solid foundation for growth, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Founded in 1956, Tayto continues to produce its iconic crisps at Tandragee Castle in Northern Ireland. Today, the group employs over 1,600 individuals across its five operational sites.