Stilton producer Long Clawson Dairy has appointed Martin Taylor as chief executive.

Taylor, who takes up his new role in the New Year, has held a number of senior management positions in the dairy sector, including general manager of Dairy Farmers of Britain's Llandyrnog Creamery.

He replaces Neil Bailey, who led the transformation of the company over the past decade into a model farmer-controlled business that has been an impressive performer in the dairy sector, the company said.

Bailey worked at the company for more than 30 years in various management roles before becoming CEO 11 years ago. He will be retained as a consultant and will continue to sit on the board of Somerdale International, which is part owned by Clawson.

"I am excited to be joining a forward-looking company with an impressive track record," said Taylor. "I hope to develop the company further by breaking into new markets and developing new products."