Welcomes Ryan Harris and Meredith Blackburn to the HARIBO team.
HARIBO of America has announced that Eric Gafkjen has been appointed to vice president of sales. Allyse Weston has been promoted to director of sales convenience, and Ryan Harris and Meredith Blackburn have joined the expanded HARIBO Convenience team as national account managers.
Eric Gafkjen
Gafkjen, who started his role as director of sales over the convenience as well as other segments of the HARIBO business, was promoted to vice president of sales on Jan. 1, 2017. Previously, he has worked for Acosta, Nestle Professional, as well as Agropur.
In this role, Gafkjen will lead the U.S. Sales team across all channels of business, including the Convenience team.
“Eric has made an immediate and significant impact on the HARIBO Convenience business since joining the company, enabling HARIBO to be named the fast growing sugar confection brand in the U.S.,” said Rick LaBerge, chief operating officer of HARIBO of America. “He has developed a go to market strategy that will enable HARIBO to grow both the Gummi Category and our brand in the Convenience Channel. We look forward to seeing his continued contributions to our national business.”
Gafkjen will be reporting to LaBerge.
Allyse Weston
Weston will be promoted to take on Gafkjen’s previous role as director of sales convenience. She was previously senior national account manager at HARIBO of America, since joining the company in 2015. Previously, Weston worked for BIC Consumer Products, USA.
In this role, Weston will lead the HARIBO Convenience sales team. She will be responsible for advancing strategic sales initiatives within the channel, executing brand strategies, driving revenue and aligning brokerage support.
“Allyse’s in-depth knowledge and experience within the Convenience channel, as well as her track record for building strong relationships will undoubtedly set her up for success in her new role at HARIBO,” said LaBerge. “We look forward to seeing her contributions to the Sales team and supporting our growing Convenience business.”
Ryan Harris
HARIBO welcomes Harris as a national account manager convenience within the Convenience Sales Team. Harris has over 20-years’ experience within the Convenience channel, most recently working for Ferrero, USA and Convenience Valet.
In this newly created role, Harris will be responsible for driving sales and profitability with Convenience retailers and distributors. Additionally, he will be responsible for identifying business building opportunities to further HARIBO’s growth within the channel.
“We are very excited to have Ryan join our team at HARIBO of America,” said Weston. “Ryan brings his passion for sales and business development, and his key understanding of customers within the Convenience channel. We welcome Ryan to the HARIBO family.”
Meredith Blackburn
HARIBO is pleased to welcome Blackburn as a national account manager Convenience within the Convenience Sales Team. Blackburn brings 20-years’ experience of sales and customer marketing within the Convenience channel, most recently working for Amplify Brands and Oberto Sausage Co.
Blackburn will be responsible for planning and executing sales objectives within Convenience retailers and distributors in the Eastern U.S. Blackburn will focus on growing the HARIBO brand and building strategic relationships within the Convenience channel.
“We are excited to have Meredith join our growing team at HARIBO of America,” said Weston. “Meredith‘s drive and extensive experience, in both sales and customer marketing within the Convenience channel, will ensure her success in her new position. Meredith, welcome to the HARIBO family.”