Amul Elects New Leadership: Ashok Chaudhary at the Helm

Pashu Sandesh, 23 July 2025

In a significant leadership transition within India’s dairy cooperative sector, Ashok Chaudhary, Chairman of Mehsana’s Dudhsagar Dairy, was unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF), the apex body that markets the iconic Amul brand, on 22nd July 2025 in Anand, Gujarat.

The appointment, made without contest, reflects a strong internal consensus among the 18 district cooperative milk unions that form the GCMMF. These unions represent over 36 lakh milk producers across Gujarat, and their collective annual turnover exceeds ₹90,000 crore. The election took place in the presence of Anand District Collector and Election Officer Praveen Chaudhary, who confirmed that no opposing nominations were received for the chairman’s post. In line with GCMMF’s cooperative structure, the election process involves the participation of chairpersons of all 18 member unions, with voting power weighted according to each union's annual turnover. However, as has become tradition within the federation, the election was uncontested — underscoring a culture of mutual agreement and cooperative unity.

Ashok Chaudhary’s elevation to the top post is viewed as both timely and strategic. A seasoned dairy sector leader, Chaudhary brings with him decades of grassroots cooperative experience. As Chairman of Dudhsagar Dairy, one of the largest milk unions under GCMMF, he has been instrumental in expanding milk procurement infrastructure, enhancing farmer welfare programs, and modernizing plant operations. Known for his calm leadership style and deep connect with rural producers, Chaudhary has earned respect not only in Gujarat but nationally — winning the OCDC International Cooperative Champion Award in 2024 for his transformative contributions to the Indian cooperative movement.

Speaking after his appointment, Chaudhary reiterated his commitment to strengthening the cooperative spirit that underpins GCMMF. “Amul has always stood for empowering farmers, ensuring fair prices, and delivering quality to consumers. As Chairman, I aim to uphold that legacy while driving innovation and global competitiveness,” he said. He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Shamalbhai Patel, who completed his two-and-a-half-year term with several notable expansions in product lines and exports.

The federation also elected Gordhan Dhameliya, Chairman of Rajkot’s Gopal Dairy, as its Vice-Chairman. Both appointments were unopposed.

GCMMF’s structure is widely regarded as a model for cooperative governance. Every two-and-a-half years, the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected by the board comprising union heads, the Managing Director, and the Registrar. This consensus-led model has ensured organizational stability and consistent growth over decades.

As India’s largest farmer-owned dairy brand and a global symbol of cooperative success, Amul now enters a new phase under Chaudhary’s leadership. With evolving consumer demands, international trade dynamics, and growing emphasis on sustainable practices, his tenure will be closely watched not only by industry insiders but also by millions of rural dairy farmers who see Amul as a lifeline.