Niamh Preston (née Lynch)
Donnybrook,Dublin
Summary
Visionary senior executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in retail and commercial transformation. Proven track record in strategic planning, revenue generation, and operational efficiency across global Blue-chip organizations and SMEs. Expertise in FMCG sectors, with a focus on innovation and measurable business growth. Adept at navigating complex market conditions and driving organizational change to achieve substantial business results.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Category and Innovation Director
BWG Foods
Dublin
2025.03 - Current
- Responsible for defining and delivering the strategic direction for Category, Shopper Experience, Foodservice and Innovation, driving sustainable growth, retailer success and competitive advantage.
- Leading the transformation of category management through shopper-led strategies, range optimisation and insight-driven solutions that enhance sales, profitability and retailer performance.
- Developing and executing growth strategies across Bakery, Deli, Coffee, Chilled Convenience and Impulse, creating differentiated propositions and strengthening brand competitiveness.
- Directing the strategic growth and expansion of the Brevato coffee brand through new channels, partnerships, formats and commercial opportunities. Leading the development of next-generation coffee propositions, driving innovation across product, technology, shopper experience and operating models
- Influencing and engaging independent retailers to adopt shopper-centric strategies, category excellence and insight-led decision making, strengthening business resilience and long-term profitability.
- Building strategic partnerships and collaborations that accelerate innovation, enhance shopper propositions and unlock new revenue opportunities.
- Driving cross-functional alignment across commercial, retail operations, marketing and supply chain functions, ensuring effective execution of strategic priorities.
- Transforming the Fresh Solutions on the ground support function into a structured, performance-driven capability, enhancing retailer support, operational effectiveness and commercial outcomes.
- Redesigning operating models and ways of working, moving teams from siloed structures to collaborative, outcome-focused delivery.
- Championing organisational change and innovation, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and shopper-focused thinking.
Chief Commercial Officer
Navi Group, CarePlus Pharmacy
Dublin
2017.06 - 2023.08
- Spearheaded retail division transformation, driving P&L optimization and brand growth for a dynamic start-up Pharmacy group
- Orchestrated integration of 100+ independent pharmacies into CarePlus & StayWell Pharmacy franchise brands, significantly expanding market presence
- Developed and implemented comprehensive sales strategy, resulting in substantial revenue increase, supported by robust road map and objective setting
- Pioneered new revenue channels and negotiated best-in-class supplier deals, enhancing profitability and operational efficiency
- Led innovation initiatives, introducing first-to-market customer engagement technologies in Irish pharmacies, including electronic price tags and touchscreen ordering systems
- Implemented sales training programs, enhancing pharmacy team performance and profitability across the network
- Delivered network operational efficiencies through development and implementation of effective systems and processes, including ordering systems, price file automation, and business intelligence tools
- Directed Business Development, Operations, Marketing, and Customer engagement teams to execute strategic plans
Global Business Unit Director
Tesco PLC
Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England
2013.10 - 2015.08
- Managed global relationships with 20 Blue-chip FMCG companies, overseeing £20 billion in annual sales globally with Tesco
- Developed and executed strategic growth plans across international markets, driving substantial year-on-year growth
- Identified growth opportunities using market and customer data, coupled with deep understanding of each company's strategies and assets
- Facilitated C-suite engagement and executive-level governance across complex organizational structures
- Served as primary point of contact for partnerships, ensuring healthy and growing relationships both internally and externally
- Reported directly to Executive board member, building and managing UK and internationally based teams
Fresh Food Category Director
Tesco PLC
Dublin, Ireland
2012.04 - 2013.10
- Led €1 billion+ fresh food business, achieving market share, revenue, and profit objectives in highly competitive market conditions
- Developed and delivered product and proposition strategies using customer insight tools, category trend information, and market share data
- Optimized product portfolio and pricing strategies, significantly improving category profitability
- Managed relationships with external supply base to ensure continued best-in-market support for Tesco
- Oversaw quality and technical teams, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality products in compliance with safety standards
- Managed team of 30, focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent
Commerical Business Manager (Senior Buyer)
Tesco PLC
Dublin, Ireland
2008.06 - 2012.03
- Directed category strategy for 30% of company turnover, consistently meeting sales, profit, and market share targets for Beers, Wines, Spirits, Health, Beauty, Baby, Household, and Frozen food categories
- Pioneered Tesco Pharmacy launch in Ireland, navigating complex regulatory landscape and establishing new operational models
- Implemented operational efficiencies, reducing commercial activities duplication by 30% as part of alignment with UK operating model
- Supported delivery of aggressive business restructure, reducing headcount by 20% while ensuring optimal organization design
- Delivered significant cost savings in Beers, Wine, and Spirits category by overcoming complex historical barriers
National Account Manager
Unilever
Dublin, Ireland
2005.09 - 2008.06
- Drove sales performance and profit growth for key accounts, achieving volume growth and share targets
- Developed and executed annual joint business plans with major retailers
- Built and maintained relationships with buyers across categories in Tesco
- Secured new product listings, negotiated pricing, and promoted brands effectively
- Collaborated with cross-functional internal teams on brand development initiatives
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Business
University College Cork
Cork, Ireland2002
Skills
- P&L Management
- Brand Development
- Team Leadership
- Negotiations
- Innovation Management
- Market Analysis
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Change Management
- Revenue Generation
- Operational Efficiency
- Customer Engagement
- Supply Chain Optimization
Additional Information
- Nationality: Irish
- Driving Permit: Full clean
Interests
- Cardio and strength training
- Continuous professional development in retail and business strategy
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Category and Innovation Director
BWG Foods
2025.03 - Current
Chief Commercial Officer
Navi Group, CarePlus Pharmacy
2017.06 - 2023.08
Global Business Unit Director
Tesco PLC
2013.10 - 2015.08
Fresh Food Category Director
Tesco PLC
2012.04 - 2013.10
Commerical Business Manager (Senior Buyer)
Tesco PLC
2008.06 - 2012.03
National Account Manager
Unilever
2005.09 - 2008.06
Bachelor of Science - Food Business
University College Cork