Yakult appoints national sales manager

Gut health brand Yakult has appointed Joe Gailani as national sales manager for the UK and Ireland as it looks to expand distribution and strengthen retailer partnerships.

Joe brings more than 18 years’ experience in the food and drink sector, spanning national accounts, commercial strategy, customer development and channel growth across retail, wholesale, foodservice and e-commerce.

He joins from Cotswold Fayre, where he led commercial activity across key national retail accounts, having previously held senior roles with Bonraw Foods and Unilever.

During his career, Joe has secured listings with retailers including Morrisons, Ocado, Musgrave, Asda and Holland & Barrett.

In his new role, he will lead Yakult’s UK and Ireland sales strategy, focusing on existing retail partnerships, category growth and increasing availability across new channels and consumption occasions.

He will also work with Yakult Europe’s R&D team on future product development.

Joe said: “Yakult has incredibly strong foundations, with a heritage stretching back more than 90 years globally and 30 years in the UK. 

“What really attracted me to the business was the strength of the brand and the opportunity that still exists to build on that.

“As consumer awareness and interest in gut health continues to grow, Yakult is well-placed to translate its longstanding expertise and research in the category into further opportunity. 

“My focus is on translating that brand strength into further commercial growth by deepening customer relationships and working closely with our retail partners to ensure we are responding to their priorities and supporting sustainable growth.” 

Joe’s appointment forms part of wider investment in Yakult’s UK and Ireland commercial and communications teams, including recruitment across sales, marketing, digital and PR.

Shinji Yamaguchi, managing director at Yakult UK & Ireland, added: “Joe brings a breadth of commercial experience that is highly relevant to our ambitions in the UK and Ireland, particularly across national accounts, channel development and strategic customer partnerships.

“His appointment strengthens our commercial leadership as we continue to invest in the market. 

“Joe’s ability to combine customer insight with a clear growth mindset will be important as we deepen partnerships, develop new routes to market and build on Yakult’s long-term ambitions in the UK & Ireland.”

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