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25
Alan McKeown in the Hot Seat
2009 | Filed under Personal Focus | (0) 
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Alan McKeown is the Customer Business Manager for PepsiCo International, managing the Walkers brand across the NI Grocery Channel.
Briefly outline your career to date
I started my career in London as a retail manager for Sainsbury’s. After working there for over eight years, I returned back to Northern Ireland in 1996, where I was involved in the initial set up of Sainsbury’s in the province as a Deputy Store Manager before being appointed as the Trade Development Manager for NI to focus on local sourcing and trading issues.
In 2001 I took the decision to move to the ‘other side of the fence’ when I joined LMI Foods working on the Walkers brand, before my employment was fully transferred to PepsiCo International two years later.
In 2005 a great opportunity came up which saw me manage another strong brand within the PepsiCo portfolio – Quaker cereals and snacks – on an all-Ireland basis.
In mid 2006, I then moved to my current role, with a mainly Walkers focus.
What does your current role involve and what is a typical working day for you?
My current role is the Account Manager of the Walkers brand on a local basis across the NI grocery channel. It involves building and executing adaptable business plans with our NI customers in order to mutually deliver further consecutive years of sustainable growth. I also oversee the Quaker Cereals business across impulse. Working in a FMCG channel that is constantly changing, there is no such thing as a ‘typical day’. However it will generally start with a review of current sales, followed by promotional and NPD management, driven by maximising our fantastic 2009 marketing calendar. At times, meeting my customers’ needs can also alter how the day is prioritised.
What professional and personal qualities does it take to do your job effectively?
First and foremost it takes organisation, forward planning and continual prioritisation – underpinned, of course, by the ability to deliver. I believe that it is equally important to develop and support our people in their work to help them realise their potential.
What has been your greatest career accomplishment to date?
It is always difficult to pinpoint a single event, as there have been so many highlights over the years. However, the most memorable would include being selected to relocate from London for the set-up of the first Sainsbury’s store to trade in NI back in 1996, as well as setting up and evolving the grocery capability on the Walkers brand for NI over the past number of years.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Think before opening your mouth… I am still on a learning curve with this one!
Whom do you most admire and why?
My wife Samantha, for putting up with me!
Where is your favourite place and why?
It has to be the sunshine state of Florida. There is so much to do and keep the family entertained, plus it beats lying by a pool for two weeks. I also got married out there!
What makes you laugh … and cry?
My two children Katie, eleven, and Mark, nine, make me laugh… and cry when they are looking for more money for the latest ever-changing kid’s craze.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Alan Carr, Justin Lee Collins and Peter Kay for the instant comedy value and Sir Alan Sugar.
Your biggest fault is … and your redeeming feature?
My biggest fault is at times being too much of a perfectionist, yet I guess my redeeming feature is that things get done to a high standard most of the time.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working in a grocery channel that has changed dramatically over the past ten years and continues to do so, ensuring constant variation and stimulation. With a portfolio of fantastic brands and talented colleagues, I also find that working for a global, innovative and dynamic company like PepsiCo can be rewarding.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I didn’t have a clue, so when being in the fortunate position to have been offered a retail manager training programme or a bank job with Lloyds at the same time (both in London), the retail manager job was taken purely because they provided accommodation support. It was a simple as that!
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Six numbers on the National lottery – roll over and sole winner of course!
What is your greatest extravagance?
It has to be holidays and red wine.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Those who promise the earth and deliver nothing
Your food vice is?
KFC – on a morning after a heavy night it works wonders.
How do you relax?
I relax by spending time with family and friends, plus the gym a couple of times per week.
What are your all-time top five grocery brands?
Walkers Doritos, Quaker Oatso Simple, Heinz soup, Cadbury’s chocolate and Ambrosia custard.
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