Kal Zayed
Glendale,CA
Summary
Accomplished Head of Partnerships with a refined background in sales, marketing, and leadership. With experience in all sectors of hospitality I've devised GTM strategies on behalf of boards of investors, led a hospitality tech company salesforce, and unlocked revenue generating partnerships with Fortune 100 companies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Partnerships
Bear Robotics
Redwood City, CA
07.2023 - Current
- Devised and led a US sales strategy campaign on behalf of our national salesforce.
- Spearheaded national partnerships with major broadline food distributors for sales to hospitality sector customers (US Foods, Gordon Foods, Performance Food Group, Sysco Foods).
- Achieved a 300% increase in US division sales revenue from Q1/Q2 to Q3/Q4 in 2024.
- Presented and advised on US sales market strategy to Bear Robotics Board of Investors, on behalf of our CEO & Founder (LG Electronics, Softbank, Cleveland Avenue).
- Implemented joint marketing collaborations on a national level with various corporate partners.
Business Development Executive
Jacmar Foodservice Distribution
Los Angeles, CA
11.2020 - 07.2023
- Negotiated client contracts to cultivate profitable business transactions.
- Supported and advised our regional salesforce on customer penetration in various restaurant concepts.
- Reported directly to our President & CEO, advising them on new sales strategies and developed a sales training program.
- Led the salesforce in both new revenue generated and most customer accounts opened during my tenure.
- Consistently achieved highest lead conversion rate YOY in the organization by tactful follow through on the full sales cycle.
Regional Account Executive
Sysco Foods
Riverside, CA
05.2015 - 04.2020
- Successfully increased annual sales revenue in largest regional company client from $750,000 to $2,500,000, with 15% increase in gross profit margin.
- Enhanced client base by consulting, prospecting, networking, and penetrating sales in existing accounts.
- Spearheaded a Halal protein sales campaign amongst our salesforce, opening up a new revenue stream at Sysco.
- Facilitated sales team management meetings, trained new sales executives, presented strategy to both C-suite executives and various departments.
Owner/Operator
Mediterraneo Restaurant & Wine Bar
Ocean Springs, MS
08.2008 - 10.2014
- Designed and operated an upscale Mediterranean seafood restaurant specializing in Italian, Spanish, and Greek cuisine along the Gulf Coast.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of South Alabama
Mobile, ALBachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Missouri
St. Louis, MOSkills
- Leadership & Team Building
- GTM Strategies & Data Analytics
- Partnerships & CRM
- Hospitality Sector Guru
- Sales & Marketing Expertise
Websites
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Full Professional
Arabic
Full Professional
Interests
- Culinary arts, travel, history, diving, and boating
Awards
- Achieved Sysco Chairman's Club Sales Excellence Awards (Top 10% of national salesforce).
Timeline
Head of Partnerships
Bear Robotics
07.2023 - Current
Business Development Executive
Jacmar Foodservice Distribution
11.2020 - 07.2023
Regional Account Executive
Sysco Foods
05.2015 - 04.2020
Owner/Operator
Mediterraneo Restaurant & Wine Bar
08.2008 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of South Alabama
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Missouri