KellyDeli names global head of new product development

Lesley Fong’s appointment will help brand build on “exciting offering”

KellyDeli, owner of international franchise Sushi Daily, has appointed Lesley Fong as global head of new product development. 

She has experience working as an innovation manager and sushi product development manager for a major convenience food manufacturer.

Lesley says: “It’s amazing that 50 per cent of the UK population have never tried sushi before, so this is still a relatively new category with tremendous opportunities for growth.

“This role combines my love of Japanese food and sushi with my passion for new product development. 

“When I heard about the job, I thought this is so rare to find an opportunity that ticks all my boxes.

“KellyDeli has always been a benchmark for me - I love its values, precision and focus on quality. The culture is also friendly, caring and appreciative.”

Steve Flanagan, KellyDeli’s chief marketing officer, says: “Lesley’s impressive experience in delivering creative new product innovations and applying consumer insights and trends to her work will help KellyDeli build on our exciting offering.

“Her passion and enthusiasm make her the perfect fit for this role and we look forward to her driving forward innovations which will delight our fans and help grow our audiences too.”

Sushi Daily has more than 900 counters in 11 countries, including over 100 in the UK.

It’s recently launched click and collect services at selected Waitrose and ASDA stores.