Sysco, the world’s leading foodservice supplier, has promoted Sysco GB Merchandising VP, Stuart Smith, to the role of Merchandising VP for Sysco Europe. 

Having joined Brakes from Sainsbury’s more than 20 years ago, Smith 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.  

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. 

Taking over responsibility for the British market will be David Cole, who is promoted to the role of Sysco GB Merchandising Director. This move will see Cole joining Sysco GB’s Executive Leadership Team. 

Since joining Brakes as Category Merchandising Director in 2023, Cole has been responsible for a number of key initiatives, including the transformation of the organisation’s critical centre of plate meat proposition, and supporting with the acquisition of Campbells Prime Meats. 

He brings extensive experience in own-label and branded business to his new role, having previously worked at 2 Sisters Food Group, M&S, Aldi and Kerry Foods. 

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.  

“He has a particular strength for building collaborative relationships with Sysco, its suppliers and its customers, helping to create some fantastic success stories for the business.”