Boost sales director leaves after 11 years

Riddle me this: When does a gun go off without being fired? When it’s Al Gunn, the legendary sales director at Boost Drinks, who has decided he needs a fresh target to aim at in his career.

In a statement released by the convenience energy drinks specialists yesterday, it was revealed that, “After a very successful eleven years Al Gunn is moving on from his position as Sales Director at Boost Drinks, to look for new challenges that will enable a better work life balance. Al has been with Boost since June 2010 and in his time, he has been a key driving force in the company growth.”

11 years ago Al and I met and began the amazing journey of good to great, fun, friendship, bad golf and more. As the elder brother I never had embarks on his next chapter, wherever that may be, it’s the biggest thank you from me for everything and for the memories we’ll cherish – Simon Gray, CEO

Listing his key achievements, Boost pointed out that during more than a decade with the firm, Al had:

• Established an internal sales infrastructure that evolved from an agent based model, and installed ways of working that have transformed the way Boost do business.
  Led the unlocking of significant growth in the GB wholesale cash and carry sector.
  Been instrumental in leading the business growth within the Island of Ireland and helping Boost obtain status as the No.1 energy brand in the convenience channel in Northern Ireland
• Successfully led numerous successful key account negotiations with customers and executed highly effective joint business plans in an ever-changing wholesale landscape. Most recently he has been the Boost senior team lead on initiating a growth strategy into new and alternative channels.
• Been a highly visible, recognised, and respected industry figure to peers and customers throughout the wholesale sector, and a committed Boost brand ambassador.
• Al has been a passionate advocate of the business and as a member of the Leadership Team, he has been the voice of sales around the executive table. His extensive industry knowledge and keen sales and commercial skills have been key in achieving Boost’s current market position and our strong reputation in the industry.

A glowing encomium to the departing SD said that “Al is possibly the most passionate person you could ever had the pleasure to meet. His enthusiasm for life, boundless energy and great sense of humour help him through both the good times and the bad, and his heart of gold is infamous. Al will be the first to reach out to colleagues in need, offering his support both professionally and personally.”

It gave as reasons behind his departure a pandemic-provoked re-evaluation of his work-life balance and the need for a shorter commute than Brighton to Leeds!

“Al and his big heart will be missed enormously,” said Simon Gray CEO, paying tribute to his “elder brother I never had”:

“I would like to take a moment to personally thank Al for his commitment, passion, relentless energy, friendship, support and invaluable contribution over the last 11 years. Whatever Al decides to do next; I know his 40 years plus experience in sales and in the Wholesale industry will make a hugely positive contribution to any other company he joins”