Amul Appoints New Chairman and Vice Chairman: Ashokbhai Chaudhary and Gordhanbhai Dhameliya to Lead India’s Dairy Powerhouse

In a seamless and unified decision reflective of its cooperative DNA, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) — the force behind Amul — has appointed Ashokbhai B. Chaudhary as its new Chairman, with Gordhanbhai P. Dhameliya stepping in as Vice Chairman.

The announcement, made on July 22, 2025, signals a new chapter for India’s largest food products marketing organization, at a time when Amul is enjoying strong financial momentum and venturing into bold new categories.

What sets this transition apart is the clarity and consensus it was born from. All 18 member unions of GCMMF backed the two leaders, reinforcing the time-tested cooperative model that powers Amul — a brand built not by boardrooms, but by farmers.

Chaudhary currently chairs the Mehsana Milk Union, while Dhameliya leads Rajkot’s. Their nominations were endorsed by seasoned cooperative voices like Shamalbhai Patel (Sabarkantha) and Valamjibhai Humbal (Kutch). The election, supervised by the Anand district administration and cooperative registrar, reflects the democratic and transparent nature of GCMMF’s governance.

Numbers That Tell a Story

The timing of this leadership shift couldn’t be more strategic. GCMMF recently closed FY 2024–25 with impressive figures:

• Federation Turnover: ₹65,911 crore (~$7.7 billion)

• Milk Procured: Over 12 billion litres from member farmers

• Total Brand Turnover (via all unions): ₹90,000 crore (~$11 billion)

These aren’t just numbers. They represent millions of smallholder farmers, over 75 years of institutional legacy, and a brand that has redefined India’s relationship with dairy.

Legacy That Built a Movement

Amul’s story is inextricably linked to India’s White Revolution. From Tribhovandas Patel, who organized farmers in Gujarat in the 1940s, to Dr. Verghese Kurien, who gave the movement national shape, Amul has always been led by those grounded in rural realities and driven by collective purpose.

More recent leadership, including Shamalbhai B. Patel, brought about strategic modernization — expanding Amul’s product base and opening new global markets.

Challenges and Opportunities on the Horizon

Now, as Chaudhary and Dhameliya take the reins, Amul is preparing for a more complex future — one that will require balancing innovation with its grassroots foundation. Among the key focus areas for the new leadership:

• Product Diversification: Scaling up non-traditional categories like chocolates, cheese, and plant-based foods

• Global Push: Expanding Amul’s reach in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East

• Tech-Enabled Supply Chains: Leveraging digital tools for milk traceability, procurement, and logistics

• Sustainability: Moving toward eco-friendly packaging and carbon-conscious operations

• Farmer First: Ensuring stable incomes through better veterinary support, feed programs, and productivity tools

What the Leadership Says

In his first statement post-election, Ashokbhai Chaudhary said:

“Amul is more than a brand. It is a living example of what collective strength can achieve. We remain committed to the values of inclusivity, service, and innovation that have made us what we are today.”

With more than 3.6 million farmers behind it, Amul isn’t just a dairy brand — it’s an idea. And with this new leadership at the helm, the cooperative is positioning itself for its next phase of growth, built on legacy but driven by vision.