Ajinomoto Foods North America is making a push into the foodservice sector with two new executive appointments aimed at strengthening its leadership in one of the country’s fastest-growing food industries.
The company named Bill Flack as Senior Vice President and Head of Foodservice, while appointing Ed Shabaz as Director of C-Store Sales. The moves underscore Ajinomoto’s commitment to an industry that generates more than USD 900 billion annually in US sales and continues to reshape consumer dining habits.
Ajinomoto’s strategy comes as restaurant operators and convenience retailers seek to meet increasing demand for global flavors, innovative offerings, and high-quality prepared foods. The company is betting on its ability to build stronger ties across distribution, national accounts, and convenience stores as it seeks to expand its role as a partner in culinary innovation.
Flack brings decades of senior leadership experience across foodservice, convenience retail, consumer packaged goods, and distribution. He previously held positions at Kerry, Olam Food Ingredients, Schwan’s, and American Hotel Register, where he built account teams that consistently delivered double-digit revenue gains and forged partnerships with companies such as Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Wawa, Costco, and Sysco.
“I’m thrilled to join such an iconic company with incredible growth potential,” Flack said. “Ajinomoto has a long history of bringing craveable shareables and bites to foodservice through broadline distribution. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to expand our leadership in the Latin Mexican and Asian cuisine categories. Bringing authentic Asian offerings such as Gyoza, Shumai, and bold-flavored dumplings to more foodservice and convenience store customers across North America represents a tremendous growth opportunity.”
In his new role, Flack will oversee Ajinomoto’s entire foodservice division, working to deepen relationships with distributors, national accounts, and convenience store operators. His expertise in branded and private-label manufacturing, hospitality, and consumer packaged goods is expected to help accelerate the company’s expansion in key markets.
Shabaz, meanwhile, will focus on advancing Ajinomoto’s presence in the convenience channel, where prepared foods account for more than two-thirds of total foodservice sales, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. With more than 20 years of experience in the sector, he will direct sales strategy across foodservice and packaged goods, as convenience retailers look to reposition themselves as full-fledged food destinations.
“With convenience stores looking to transform their food offerings, Ajinomoto is well positioned to lead,” Shabaz said. “Backed by my two decades of experience, we’ll drive innovation, establish powerful partnerships, and make Ajinomoto a brand consumers know, crave, and trust.”
Find out more at: https://www.ajinomotofoods.com