This leadership transition at Tayto Group signals continuity and growth for the established snack maker as it looks to enhance its market position under new management.

UK – Tayto Group, the largest British-owned crisp and snack manufacturer, has appointed Mike Hancox as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026.
Hancox will succeed Fergal McCann, who is retiring after a 13-year tenure with the company, serving first as finance director and later as CEO.
Hancox brings significant leadership experience from his previous role as CEO of delivery service company Yodel, where he served for six years.
Tayto Group’s executive chairman, Stephen Hutchinson, praised McCann’s substantial contributions to the company’s growth and success over his long service.
Hutchinson expressed gratitude for McCann’s leadership and warmly welcomed Hancox, highlighting his wealth of experience in leading businesses across the food manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectors.
Hutchinson expressed confidence that Hancox would build on Tayto’s strong foundations and deliver outstanding results.
Mike Hancox commented on his appointment, saying he was excited to join Tayto Group and eager to unlock the potential of its products and brands.
He described Tayto as a thriving business with a solid foundation for future growth and expressed enthusiasm to begin his new role.
His background includes executive and non-executive roles across industries such as technology, infrastructure, and licensing, as well as leadership experience at Yodel.
Headquartered in Corby, England, Tayto Group focuses on a range of popular savory snacks, including crisps, popcorn, and salted pork snacks.
The company’s portfolio includes well-known brands such as Tayto and Golden Wonder, and it holds own-label contracts with major UK supermarkets.
Tayto also operates manufacturing sites across England and Northern Ireland with around 1,600 employees.
This leadership transition at Tayto Group signals continuity and growth for the established snack maker as it looks to enhance its market position under new management.
Hancox’s appointment reflects Tayto’s strategic focus on leveraging experienced leadership to navigate evolving consumer demands and expand its brand reach in the competitive UK snacks sector.
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