Yakult appoints Joe Gailani as national sales manager

Yakult has named Joe Gailani as its national sales manager for the UK and Ireland. The appointment covers the company’s next phase of commercial activity, including closer work with retailers and wider availability through key channels.

Gailani will be responsible for Yakult’s sales strategy in both markets. His remit includes developing existing retail partnerships, supporting category growth and expanding the brand’s presence across additional channels and consumption occasions.

He has more than 18 years of experience in the food and drink industry. His background includes national accounts, commercial planning, customer development and channel expansion across retail, wholesale, foodservice and online commerce.

Gailani joins from Cotswold Fayre, where he managed commercial activity with major national retail accounts. At the company, he created growth plans and handled relationships involving retail, wholesale and independent businesses. Earlier in his career, he held senior commercial positions at Bonraw Foods and Unilever, working across health, wellness, plant-based and functional food.

During his career, Gailani secured product listings with Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado, Whole Foods Market, Asda and Holland & Barrett. He also developed distribution plans and commercial partnerships intended to support longer-term sales growth.

Gailani said Yakult had “strong foundations”, citing a global history of more than 90 years and 30 years in the UK. He said the company’s brand strength and the opportunity to build on it had attracted him to the role. He added that his priorities would include developing customer relationships and working with retail partners on their priorities as interest in gut health increases.

Shinji Yamaguchi, managing director of Yakult UK and Ireland, said Gailani brought relevant experience in national accounts, channel development and strategic customer partnerships. He said the appointment strengthened the company’s commercial leadership while it continued to invest in the market. Alongside his sales responsibilities, Gailani will work with Yakult Europe’s new research and development team on future product development.