Sysco, the Irish foodservice specialist, has appointed two new members to its senior management team in Northern Ireland, in line with its long-term growth strategy, which aims to see its Northern Irish operations double over the next four years.
Mark O’Gara has been appointed as general manager of Sysco Northern Ireland and Gareth Clements has been appointed as head of sales for Sysco Northern Ireland. The appointments come as the foodservice specialist prepares to open its new, state-of-the-art facility at Nutt’s Corner next year.
“I am delighted to welcome Mark and Gareth to the Sysco team,” said Mark Lee, chief executive of Sysco Ireland. “Together, they bring a combined 55 years’ experience and an unparalleled knowledge of the hospitality and foodservice industry.”
Lee added, “They will play a key role in leading the Sysco team, as we bring our enhanced services and extensive high-quality product range to new and existing customers throughout Northern Ireland.”
Mark O’Gara
O’Gara has more than 25 years’ experience working in wholesale and supply chain operations. His previous roles include warehouse manager at Wincanton plc and operations and regional manager at AAH Pharmaceuticals.
In his new role, O’Gara will be accountable for all operations across Northern Ireland and play an important role in the company’s overall network on the island. His role will entail managing warehouses and transport depots within the northern region, where he will be responsible for operational decision-making, as well as professional development and succession planning.
He will also work closely with Sysco’s commercial team to develop and support meaningful partnerships with the foodservice specialist’s customers.
Gareth Clements
Clements was previously national head of sales at Lynas Foodservice and has more than 30 years’ experience in the foodservice industry.
His career began in his family’s off-sales and alcohol wholesaling businesses, before he made the move into the hotel sector, where he qualified as a chef.
Following his culinary career, Clements took up a sales role at the O’Kane foodservice business in Lisburn and has spent the past 18 years in frontline sales and management roles. As head of sales for Sysco in Northern Ireland, Clements will play a critical role in driving revenue growth, exploring new business opportunities across Sysco’s channels and marketplace, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
