Experience

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  SHS Sales & Marketing Ireland

  • Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

  • Head of Sales Ireland

    • Nov 2021 - May 2024
    • Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

    Led a turnaround strategy that returned the Ireland division to profitability through tenacious pursuit of cost price increases and a forensic review of the brand portfolio that resulted in the removal of a number of unprofitable brands and achievement of improved distribution agreements with other key brand partners.Oversaw the implementation of a far-reaching Integrated Business Planning system and supported the long-established team through the significant process and behavioural changes needed.Collaborated with a cross-functional group of stakeholders to address issues due to historic debt and price queries. Resulted in significant improvement in cashflow and introduction of new measures to minimise generation of new pricing mismatches and queries.

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  LINWOODS HEALTH FOODS

  • Ireland

  • Global Head of Sales

    • Oct 2015 - Oct 2021
    • Ireland

    Driving the global expansion of a pioneering and world leading Northern Ireland plant-based food company with an export-focused Health Food division operating in the most exciting and dynamic category in FMCG today and in the coming decades - Health & Wellness.Setting the strategy for development of our existing business in the UK & Ireland and 30+ export markets, partnering with distributors and major retailers such as Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, Ocado, Dunnes Stores, Musgrave, Albert Heijn, El Corte Ingles, Carrefour and Bed, Bath & Beyond (US).Identifying and managing the entry strategy for new export markets - recent new markets entered include Germany, Finland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia.Leading a team of National Account Managers, International Sales Executives and market-based consultants.

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  Self-employed

  • Belfast, United Kingdom

  • Business Consultant

    • Sep 2009 - Sep 2015
    • Belfast, United Kingdom

    Self-employed Business Consultant undertaking assignments for Blue Chip, SME, local and national Government clients including:Unilever Ireland | Molson Coors | Richmond Marketing | Drinks Inc | Invest NI | Northern Ireland Cooperation Overseas | Armagh. Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council | Ards and North Down Borough Council

• 

  Anheuser Busch Europe Ltd

  • United States
  • Food and Beverage Services
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • General Manager - N Ireland

    • Jan 1995 - Aug 2009

    Appointed by Anheuser Busch - the World's No.1 brewer - to address the declining Budweiser sales trend with their Northern Ireland distributor. Designed, established and managed the highly successful ABEL N Ireland direct sales and marketing operation. The sales and logistics teams supplied all routes to market - wholesale, cash & carry, on and off trade retail and delivered total sales growth of over 400% in a declining market before the takeover by Inbev in 2009. Budweiser regained the position of brand leader in 1997, growing to a market share three times that of the No.2 brand. Promoted to National Account Controller and then Country Manager to more fully reflect the wider commercial, marketing and general management scope of the role as the corporate face of ABEL in N Ireland with full P&L accountability and responsibility for setting and delivering strategic five-year and tactical annual sales and marketing plans.

  • National Account Controller - N Ireland

    • 1997 - 1999

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  Anheuser Busch European Trade Ltd

  • National Account Manager

    • Jan 1995 - Mar 1997

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  Cantrell & Cochrane Ltd

  • Belfast, United Kingdom

  • Trade Sector Manager

    • Apr 1991 - Dec 1994
    • Belfast, United Kingdom

    Managed the full range of trade sectors including Multiple Grocery, Wholesale, Cash & Carry and Independent Retail and a variety of FMCG sales teams. Soft drinks product portfolio included market-leading global and local brands (Pepsi, 7Up, Club Orange, C&C range). Consistently exceeded sales volume and profitablility objectives