Smarter Capital has appointed Vikas Sharma as Managing Director of UNNU, strengthening the leadership team behind one of the UK's leading distributors of endurance sports nutrition, protein-based snacks and sporting essentials.
A major milestone in UNNU's growth journey
Following the recent appointment of industry leader Neil Turton to lead its Health & Wellbeing vertical, Smarter Capital is pleased to announce the appointment of Vikas Sharma as the new Managing Director of UNNU.
The appointment marks the next major milestone in UNNU's development following Smarter Capital's acquisition of an 80% stake in May 2024.
The strategy is clear: invest in a world-class leadership team, scale the business ambitiously and position UNNU as a market leader in protein and healthy snacks.
A strategic leadership transition
As part of the transition, UNNU founder Nick Gracie will move from Managing Director to Sales Director. The change will allow him to focus fully on organic growth, customer relationships and new commercial opportunities.
Vikas will take the operational helm, leading delivery of the growth strategy and helping position UNNU as the go-to wholesaler for protein-based snacks, endurance nutrition and sporting essentials.
“This transition allows me to focus on what I'm most passionate about: building relationships with our customers and driving sales growth.”
Nick Gracie, Founder and Sales Director, UNNU
Combining commercial focus with operational leadership
Nick said he is excited to hand the operational reins to Vikas, whose experience and vision will help take UNNU to the next level.
With Nick concentrating on sales and Vikas leading operations, the business is well placed to accelerate growth and create greater value for customers, brand partners and shareholders.
A proven growth leader
Vikas brings a strong record of scaling businesses from the ground up. After starting his career on the Enterprise graduate scheme in 2006, he went on to lead Cheshire Retail NW Ltd from one outlet with two employees to a 15-location operation employing 170 people, achieved entirely through organic growth.
His experience spans operational efficiency, commercial negotiation and the development of high-performing teams.
Known for a people-first approach, Vikas believes that treating people well and leading with integrity creates the foundation for lasting success.
“I believe that if you treat people well and lead with integrity, success naturally follows.”
Vikas Sharma, Managing Director, UNNU
A clear three-year vision
Vikas's immediate priority will be to build on the foundations established by the UNNU team, open new market opportunities, support operational excellence and prepare the business to scale at pace.
Over the longer term, his ambition is to secure strategic partnerships with leading retailers, develop exclusive product agreements and strengthen UNNU's distinctive market position.
“UNNU is a hidden gem. Over the next three years, my goal is to build on the fantastic work already in place, drive sustainable growth and create even greater value.”
Vikas Sharma, Managing Director, UNNU
The right leader for UNNU's next stage
Mark Callaghan, Group CEO of Smarter Capital, said the original plan following the May 2024 investment was to transition Nick into a sales-focused role while appointing an operations-led Managing Director to take the business forward.
He described Vikas as commercially sharp, operationally disciplined and culturally aligned with the group.
“With Nick, Vikas and Neil providing strategic oversight at vertical level, UNNU is not just transitioning; it's stepping up.”
Mark Callaghan, Group CEO, Smarter Capital
Supporting the wider Smarter Wellness strategy
Neil Turton, who leads Smarter Capital's Health & Wellbeing vertical, said Vikas combines entrepreneurial drive with strong operational discipline.
Neil will work closely with Vikas and the wider team to unlock UNNU's full potential as part of Smarter Capital's ambitious growth plans for the vertical.
A leader with passion beyond business
Outside work, Vikas is a part-time scout for Liverpool Football Club and volunteers for the Liverpool Schools Football Association, reflecting his commitment to identifying and nurturing potential.
A keen runner and cyclist, he shares his interest in fitness with his family and brings energy, curiosity and a people-first mindset to both business and life.
About UNNU
UNNU is a UK-based distributor of endurance sports nutrition, protein-based snacks and sporting essentials, serving retailers, gyms and specialist outlets nationwide.
Known for strong brand partnerships and an expanding product portfolio, UNNU operates within Smarter Capital's Health & Wellbeing vertical.
Visit UNNUAbout Smarter Capital
Smarter Capital acquires and scales high-potential UK SMEs, building connected groups of complementary businesses through a hands-on and founder-friendly approach.
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