Ajinomoto Foods Appoints Executives to Foodservice Division

ONTARIO, Calif. – Ajinomoto Foods North America, a specialty frozen food manufacturer, announced two executive appointments to its foodservice division. Bill Flack joins as senior vice president, head of foodservice, and Ed Shabaz has been named director of C-store sales.

Ajinomoto's move comes as operators look to meet surging demand for global flavors, bold innovation and high-quality ready-to-prepare foods, said Ajinomoto. From broadline distribution and national accounts to the booming convenience channel, Ajinomoto is doubling down on leadership to unlock new growth opportunities and cement its role as a go-to culinary partner, said the company.

Flack brings decades of leadership experience across foodservice, convenience stores, CPG and distribution. He has held senior roles at Kerry, Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), Schwan's and American Hotel Register, where he delivered record sales, profitability and long-term growth, said Ajinomoto. Flack has built strategic account teams that delivered double-digit revenue increases, restructured organizations to accelerate performance and forged partnerships with industry giants including Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Wawa, Costco and Sysco, said the company.

"I'm thrilled to join such an iconic company with incredible growth potential," said Flack. "Ajinomoto has a long history of bringing crave-able 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."

Flack will oversee the entire foodservice division, seeking to strengthen relationships with distributors, national accounts and convenience store operators. His cross-channel expertise in branded and private label manufacturing, hospitality and CPG positions him to accelerate Ajinomoto's momentum in key markets, said Ajinomoto.

Shabaz is a veteran sales leader with more than 20 years in the convenience channel, said the company. Shabaz will drive sales strategy for both foodservice and CPG.

"With convenience stores looking to transform their food offerings, Ajinomoto is well positioned to lead," said Shabaz. "Backed by my two decades of experience, we'll drive innovation, establish powerful partnerships and make Ajinomoto a brand consumers know, crave and trust."