Sysco has promoted its GB merchandising VP, Stuart Smith, to the role of merchandising VP for the company’s Europe division, with David Cole promoted to the role of Sysco GB merchandising director and joining Sysco GB’s executive leadership team.
Smith joined Brakes from Sainsbury’s more than 20 years ago and has worked in a variety of executive leadership roles across the business, primarily leading Brakes’ product proposition. He later took on a broader role following Sysco’s acquisition of Brakes in 2016.
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Since then, he has led merchandising teams across the Sysco GB business and also established a centralised merchandising function across Sysco’s European markets. In his new role, Smith will take responsibility for product and procurement across all of Sysco’s European operations.
Speaking about the changes, Sysco GB Chief Executive, Paul Nieduszynski, said: “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.
“Stuart’s are big shoes to fill, but David has already demonstrated his value to the business. 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 Campbell’s Prime Meats.
