Foodservice supplier Sysco, which owns UK wholesaler Brakes, has strengthened its merchandising team with the appointment of two senior hires.
GB merchandising VP Stuart Smith has been promoted to the role of merchandising VP for Europe.
Smith first joined Brakes from Sainsbury’s more than 20 years ago. He worked in a variety of executive leadership roles across the business, primarily leading the wholesaler’s product proposition. He later took on a broader role following Sysco’s acquisition of Brakes in 2016.
He has since led merchandising teams across the Sysco GB business and established a centralised merchandising function across its European markets.
In his new role, Smith will take responsibility for product and procurement across all of Sysco’s European operations.
“Stuart has made a fantastic contribution to the growth and development of Sysco GB, leading a high-performing team and ensuring that all our operating businesses are able to flourish,” said Sysco GB CEO Paul Nieduszynski.
Meanwhile, David Cole will take over responsibility for the British market, having been promoted from category merchandising director at Brakes to GB merchandising director at Sysco.
Since joining Brakes in 2023, Cole has been responsible for key initiatives including the transformation of the organisation’s critical centre of plate meat proposition and supporting the acquisition of Campbells Prime Meats.
He brings experience in own-label and branded business to the new role, having previously worked at 2 Sisters Food Group, M&S, Aldi and Kerry Foods.
“Stuart’s are big shoes to fill, but David has already demonstrated his value to the business,” said Nieduszynski. “In a relatively short period of time, he’s completely transformed the meat category developing both the quality and breadth of the range, and was a critical part of the team that handled the acquisition of Campbells Prime Meats.
“He has a particular strength for building collaborative relationships between Sysco, its suppliers and its customers, helping to create some fantastic success stories for the business.”
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