Jason Kirk Email & Phone Number

The Cookware Company - the global leader in the development and production of 100% PFAS free non-toxic / non-stick ceramic coated cookware. Brands include GreenPan, GreenChef and Kitchen Aid.Appointed by the owners to build and execute a new 5 year business, brand and commercial strategy plan to re-launch the UK subsidiary. Main focus areas:- rebuilding the commercial team to improve existing retail customer engagement, win new retailers and extend channel distribution to deliver a platform for sustainable revenue growth and improved profit.

Petersfield, England, United Kingdom

Providing consultancy services on 2 projects:-a) supporting an industry leading premium consumer durables manufacturer in the development of an effective international go to market strategy to deliver planned revenue growth and increased brand share in target markets.b) guiding the senior management team of an Israeli tech start-up business in providing cross cultural insight to improve customer management of Western European retail clients. Areas include personal and physical presentation, handling of issues, communication and behavioural styles, and negotiation workshops.

Le Creuset - renowned international premium cookware and kitchenware manufacturer operating across 75 countries.Appointed to deliver revenue growth in new international EMEA markets across wholesale (instore/online) & retail stores. Responsible for full end to end process of market launch, and on-going management of all new subsidiaries.Deliverables:-Devised and led the strategy for brand launch analysing market landscape, consumer trends and market dynamics identifying suitable wholesale trading partners, retail store locations, and all associated brand building opportunities. Defined all back office and operational requirements to support launch, growth scalability and capital investment needed.Commenced wholesale trading operations directly supplying instore/online retailers and opened 22 company operated retail stores across 4 markets. Recruited Country Managers and built teams including sales, retail store staff, marketing, finance & operations in each market.Secured licence from Indian Government as first international retail brand authorised to use FDI funds to establish new retail operation following changes to Indian commerce law.Directed the negotiation and review of all commercial and operational engagements covering wholesale partners, retail store development and head office property leases to deliver P&L projection.Directed the country management teams ensuring subsidiaries followed all commercial, operational and brand management requirements to achieve plan.Led the process of negotiating and securing business transition agreements and termination of all existing distributor contracts prior to subsidiary launch.Developed and led the longer term brand strategy vision for each market. Ensured consistency with the corporate parameters established in existing markets across all consumer touch points and trade interactions.

Andover, England, United Kingdom

Directed strategic plans, product development, UK brand and trading strategy evolution, and internal systems evolution to support growth plans.Responsible for sales performance, strategy and budget management of UK Wholesale business including national, regional department store groups, independent retailers and big box retail. key customers included John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Harrods, Selfridges, Fenwick Group, Amazon, Jarrold, Makro, Costco, TK Maxx, and independent retail groups.Highlights:-Delivered consistent turnover growth over a 5 year period and achieving a milestone record £17.5m revenue for the Wholesale division. Introduced FMCG sales practices and management controls enabling record revenue and profit growth for the Wholesale division to be achieved.Led and deployed new UK trading strategy for brand to deliver enhanced product category focus and to reduce the extent of brand equity erosion across all National, Regional and independent retailers.Coached and developed team capability and talent enabling successive internal appointments into more senior roles within the National and Regional account teams to take place reducing reliance on external recruiters.Led introduction of the brand store on Amazon UK website delivering improved brand, product range imagery and enhanced consumer communication to drive sales.Developed and led new trade terms agreements generating significant product listing and store distribution increases with national department store retailers.

Surbiton, Surrey

Dairy Crest - leading British dairy company with annual turnover of £1.6bn supplying own label to grocery retailers and brands including Cathedral City, Country Life butter and Clover.Led a team of 4 National Account Managers to deliver sales growth across the Multiples and Convenience channel including Somerfield, Budgens, Londis, NISA, Costcutter, Spar, Booths, One-Stop, and all forecourt operators.Accomplishments:-Directed the development and deployment of new 3 year business plans to deliver sales budget, distribution and new own label business development objectives.Led a new coordinated approach across account team, brand / category managers, finance and business unit MD’s instigating the development of bespoke sector account plans resulting in base business growth of 8%. Spearheaded opening a new trading channel across national petroleum forecourt retailers securing new business across 3 product categories.Directed and managed the negotiation process successfully securing a new £15m own brand juice supply contract.

Surbiton, Surrey

Appointed to drive business in the under-represented convenience retail channel.Achievements:-Developed and introduced new sector wide trading and promotional strategy covering all customers to prevent business cannibalisation across portfolio of brands. Built internal relationships with Budgens Executive team focusing on investments made to improve capability of servicing complex dairy liquids leading to securing new own label milk business worth £5m per annum.Identified new revenue opportunity and proposed to business unit management team for support to proceed and develop new seasonal gifting product proposition utilising selected specialist cheese products. Generated £1.1m following Q4 introduction.

McCain Foods - world's largest producer of frozen potato products with brands including Home Fries, Oven Chips, Micro-Chips and Pizza Perfection.Territory management and business development.

Work placement as part of further education studies.