Paice, who is currently MP for South East Cambridgeshire, is scheduled to take up his position at First Milk from 31 October 2013, when the cooperative’s current chairman, Bill Mustoe, steps down.
According to Mustoe, Paice will bring “considerable knowledge and experience of not only the domestic market, but also the international dynamics of the dairy industry.”
“From our meetings with him, he has demonstrated a detailed understanding of the dairy sector, very strong communication skills and a considerable network of contracts. Equally importantly for our farmer members, Jim has a deep understanding and empathy for farming,” said Mustoe.
Commenting on his appointment, Paice said: “I feel privileged to be invited to lead the largest dairy business owned by British farmers.”
“The dairy sector has gone through difficult times recently but I have long believed there is a good future for British dairy farmers and I look forward to helping to achieve it.”