Foodservice industry veteran Mariko Sakurai was hired to serve as director of business development for the Excell and Nissco buying groups.

Most recently, Sakurai served as sales and account manager for EPI Kitchen, a Dallas-based independent manufacturers’ rep firm. Her background also includes sales and account management experience for such manufacturers as Homer Laughlin, Oneida Foodservice, Victorinox Swiss Army and Mercer. Sakuari also spent time working with TriMark Economy Restaurant Fixtures in purchasing, marketing and operations.

This is the latest in a series of executive appointments for Excell and Nissco. In August, Mike Jewett was named CEO of Excell and Nissco. And in September Excell and Nissco promoted Devyn Kelly to director of business development.