Who got that job?

Martin Bolton

Business development manager - sports brands, Nutralife Health and Fitness Ltd

Martin Bolton

What were you doing before accepting your new position?

I was the national sales manager in a successful, privately owned business called Delmaine Fine Foods.

This was purchased in 2002 by the owners of the Mother Earth brand, a business for which I had worked for in the previous five years. The Mother Earth brand name was sold in 2001 to Cadbury.

Tell us a bit about your last role and how this new job fits or follows on from the last.

This is a distinct change from my last two roles which were focused on sales management, the grocery channel and food products.

Previously I was part of the senior management teams and managed the relationships and distribution channels for grocery and foodservice. I also lead the key account and regional sales management teams.

We had an experienced external marketer take on the "pure" marketing functions.

At NutraLife my responsibilities will be split, 80 per cent marketing and 20 per cent sales.

It is targeted more in the health food and pharmacy environments and the brands I am responsible for, NutraLife Sport and Balance, are food supplements.

Why did you apply for this job?

I needed a new challenge and have always wanted to be involved in sports marketing. Sport has always been a passion. I hold a Sports degree from Manchester University and have played competitively in several sports in Britain. The company is a privately owned NZ business and has a successful Transtasman reputation; I look forward to working in both countries.

What are the major challenges ahead of you?

Initially to gain full understanding of the industry, the customer base and the competitors within it. To then re-define a clear strategy for the brands and implement the initiatives in NZ and Australia, maximising profit for the category segments for the retailer and the brands within it. Learning to speak Australian.

What qualities do you bring to the job?

Passion for the sporting environment and work experience in privately owned organisations; these offer both interesting challenges and opportunities. Good experience and education in both sport and marketing.

What do you expect to be the most enjoyable parts of the job?

The people, it's always the people isn't it? Having fun with colleagues and customers. Seeing through, from start to finish, new products, new categories, invigorating existing brands and opening up new market segments and gaining existing share and profitability of established ones.

How will you judge success in your new job?

Having a great time at work with colleagues and customers. Achieving the agreed KPI's expected within this role and developing further the opportunities for the Sports brands in NZ and Australia profitably.

What are your hobbies?

Outside of enjoying time with my wife and child, with number two on the way, any form of exercise and the odd autobiography when time allows - Richard Branson at present.

POCKET CV

Martin Bolton

2002-2005: National sales manager, Delmaine Fine Foods

1997-2001: National sales manager, Mother Earth

1994-1996: Key account manager, SmithKline Beecham (UK)