Ihab Leheta
About Ihab Leheta
Ihab Leheta is the Vice President of International Business Development at Beyond Meat, where he has worked since 2018. He has nearly 25 years of experience in the plant-based foods sector and has held various sales leadership roles at companies such as The Hain Celestial Group, Daiya Foods Inc, and Garden Protein International.
Current Role at Beyond Meat
Ihab Leheta serves as the Vice President of International Business Development at Beyond Meat, a position he has held since 2020. In this role, he focuses on expanding the company's international market presence and driving sales growth across various regions. His responsibilities include developing strategic partnerships and managing international sales initiatives. Leheta has been with Beyond Meat since 2018, contributing to the company's growth in the plant-based food sector.
Previous Experience in Sales and Business Development
Before joining Beyond Meat, Ihab Leheta held significant roles in various companies within the food industry. He was the Director of Sales at The Hain Celestial Group from 1997 to 2009, where he worked for 12 years in Canada. He then served as the Vice President of Business Development at Garden Protein International from 2009 to 2016. Additionally, he worked in international sales at Daiya Foods Inc from 2016 to 2018. His career also includes a role as Sales Manager at Campbell Soup Company from 1989 to 1997.
Educational Background
Ihab Leheta studied at McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from 1985 to 1988. His education has provided a foundation for his career in sales and business development, particularly in understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior.
Expertise in Plant-Based Foods
Leheta has nearly 25 years of experience in the plant-based foods segment. His expertise encompasses both international and domestic sales across various channels, including supermarkets, health food stores, clubs, drug stores, and food service. He possesses strong skills in profitability management, focusing on trade spend and mix, which are essential for driving sales in competitive markets.
Bilingual Sales Professional
Ihab Leheta is a bilingual sales professional, which enhances his ability to engage with diverse markets and clients. His conscientious approach to sales is complemented by excellent presentation, selling, and negotiating skills, allowing him to effectively communicate and build relationships in the international business landscape.