Toku Saké appoints new chief operating officer

Toku Saké Limited, a premium sake brand from Japan’s coldest prefecture, Hokkaido, has appointed its former head of advocacy Grace Hunt as its new COO to “lead acceleration within the UK sake market”.

Toku Saké has appointed Hunt as its new chief operating officer with the aim of driving strategic growth and further establishing the brand as a global leader, it said in a press release.

Hunt takes on the role from her previous position as head of advocacy. Toku Saké launched in November last year, and has experienced an “exceptional first year”, the company has said, growing account targets by an impressive 33%, including over 15% with Michelin-starred restaurants.

Peter Hudson, one of the company’s co-founders, praised Hunt for playing a “crucial role in our brand, greatly contributing to boosting Toku’s visibility and reputation”.

He added: “I am confident that in her role as COO, she will continue to lead our acceleration within the UK sake market.”

Hunt said of her new position: “Since our launch in late November, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones, securing partnerships with some of the UK’s finest establishments and working alongside the brightest talent in our industry. I’m thankful to be part of a team led by visionary founders who prioritise personal and professional growth and value the women within its ranks. While continuing my advocacy efforts and collaborating closely with our partners, I’m laser focused on propelling Toku into the global brand it deserves to be.”

Toku Saké is produced by one of Hokkaido’s oldest breweries. Almost every day the Toji (Master Brewer) visits to check its progress. Using knowledge passed down through generations of Toji, slight changes to the conditions are made by hand until the final product is ready.