Paul J. Whitaker
Paul J. Whitaker – Vice President Sales
Paul Whitaker is elevating strategic planning and sales support to drive operational excellence, strengthen customer relationships and expand business into new markets as Vice President of Sales at Imperial Sugar. In this role, he is responsible for managing the sales teams, pricing decisions, service offerings and customer satisfaction for each of the company’s three customer segments: consumer, industrial and distributor.
Whitaker has launched a more responsive and accurate customer service enhancement process dubbed “Right the First Time.” His team combines 21st-century business efficiencies with the company’s 150+ years of dedicated customer service to deliver the right product, at the right price, at the right time.
With the reopening of Imperial Sugar’s Port Wentworth refinery, Whitaker launched a customer-focused sales strategy to rebuild visibility and awareness of Imperial Sugar and Dixie Crystals brands. This strategy includes regaining share of private sugar labels, filled by competitors when the company’s sugar production was cut – as well as winning new private label business with major retailers.
Whitaker joined Imperial Sugar in 2006 as director of sales for the foodservice channel. Later, he was promoted to senior director of sales, consumer and foodservice channels. Previously, he worked in a broad range of sales and marketing roles for more than 18 years with Unilever’s North American Foods Division.
Whitaker holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in marketing from the University of North Texas.
