December 2025/January 2026 housewareslive.net


PEOPLE Brief Encounter Black + Blum’s Nitin Goyal, Director of Sales, shares his Housewares journey.


What is your current role and how long have you been doing it? I am currently Director of Sales at Black+ Blum and a Board Member.


I joined the business in 2022. My role combines commercial responsibility with strategic oversight at Board level.


What does your role entail? I am responsible for driving commercial growth across the UK and international markets, overseeing multi- channel sales, distribution, budgeting, forecasting, P&L, JBPs, promotions and trade shows. A key focus of my role is developing premium retail partnerships to ensure Black+Blum stands out with distinctive, curated product ranges. As a board member, I am also involved in NPD, go-to-market


strategy, recruitment, and long-term planning to support sustainable business growth.


How did you get started in the industry? After completing my Masters from Nottingham Trent University,


I


started my career in fashion and lifestyle premium goods and have always been attached to creative businesses. I worked with various brands in my early career and then launched my own business thereafter. Having stepped out of it after a good run of 10+ years I started working full time within the fashion industry. Having worked with some of the biggest retailers and household names in the UK, I developed a strong commercial acumen however my growing passion for sustainability inspired me to transition into mission- led and sustainable first consumer goods.


What roles were you doing before and how did they prepare you for this one? My early career in premium fashion and lifestyle provided a strong foundation in branding, design, materials and craftsmanship, alongside market analysis and consumer insight. Running my own business gave me a full 360-degree understanding of business operations. Moving into the corporate sector deepened my experience of large- scale operations, efficiency and scalability, while strengthening my skills in stakeholder management, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration and global markets.


What would you like to achieve in this role? I would like Black+ Blum brand to be widely recognisable as a market


leader in delivering innovative products that can transform the simplest moments into something special. We want to transform everyday food and drink moments into extraordinary experiences. I would like to continue to grow and elevate our presence internationally and make this message part of our culture – bringing joy to our customers globally.


What has been the highlight of your career so far? A key highlight of my career has been working on impact-driven projects at the intersection of business, academia and social responsibility, including a collaboration with the London School of Economics and Middlesex University focused on empowering displaced women across Asia. I later worked with the Aditya Birla Group to help translate CSR initiatives into scalable, commercially viable brands, shaping my view of sustainability as a strategic business driver. In 2025, Black+Blum, in partnership with City Harvest London, donated 342,393 free meals, rescued 144 tonnes of surplus food and prevented 357 tonnes of GHG emissions. We are proud members of 1% for the Planet and passionate about making a tangible impact in local communities.


What do you see as the main issues for retailers and the industry at the moment? Retailers are navigating a perfect storm right now with cost-of-living pressures, changing consumer spending, fierce competition and supply chains being unpredictable. Consumers expect differentiation, value, sustainability and purpose in the products they buy, while constant digital and lifestyle shifts are reshaping demand and distribution rapidly.


What one piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your career? To focus on longevity, build relationships, stay curious, listen more, adapt quickly and trust your instincts. Consistency and integrity compound over time.


What keeps you busy at the weekends? Weekends for me are about fashion, arts and culture, visiting exhibitions, theatre, love travelling whenever I can! Enjoying long conversations over good food – my happy place.


If you’re at the bar, what are you drinking? Espresso Martini!


What is your favourite book? Favourite film? I don’t have one favourite book but I am currently reading ‘ Diary of a CEO’ by Steven Barlett. Truly inspirational! Favourite Film - Bend it like Beckham, I just love the cultural blend with superb comedy and romance.


If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?


Nelson Mandela because his ability to lead and inspire with purpose, integrity, and empathy is unparalleled. Having a dinner with him would have been a rare opportunity!


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