Q . PLEASE COULD YOU START BY INTRODUCING YOURSELF AND YOUR ROLE ?
» I ’ m an innovative , inventive , and resourceful senior procurement director , with over 20 years of experience in procurement , supplier management , digital transformation , and sustainability in the food industry . I ’ m never afraid to take my chance , and , because my mind allows me to venture beyond the obvious , I always entertain ideas about the best ways to reach a goal , increase productivity , or solve a problem .
As a strategic thinker , I easily pinpoint trends , identify problems or opportunities that many people overlook .
In the last few years , I have actively worked on Packaging Transformation Plans to minimise the environmental impacts of packaging – including recyclability , greenhouse gas emissions and even the reduction of food waste . One of my greatest professional accomplishments was to win the 2021 Sustainable Packaging Coalition Innovator Award in Recovery , helping to raise consumer awareness about the Stop Dropoff stream in the US .
Q . HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF TO BE IN THE PROCUREMENT INDUSTRY ?
» I started my career in research and development ( R & D ), but I realised very quickly that I wouldn ’ t be able to fully capitalise on my strengths in this function . It took me a few years to understand how I could leverage my creative mindset in my day-to-day work .
The product development process was too rigid for me , with engineering and R & D making design decisions in functional silos . The focus was often on embedding advanced technology without enough input from sales and marketing about what customers and consumers actually want or from procurement about what the supply market and supply chain have to offer .
Many companies focus on creating innovative products but struggle with escalating costs and inflexible supply chains .
With my dual background , I strongly believe in the power of procurement in shaping the next generation of products . Improving cross-functional engagement is a common issue in the organisation , but procurement could play a major role by focusing on joint innovation with suppliers .
I had the chance to work for leading food industries and worked for direct and indirect categories in Europe and in North America .
Q . YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS ; WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED AND WOULD PASS ON TO OTHERS ?
» The best advice I have received in my career is to stay compassionate , driven and motivated , and focus on achieving my own goals . Don ’ t be afraid to make mistakes , just go for it .
Q . LOOKING BACK , WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF STARTING OUT ?
» Be clear about your purpose and be driven by values . A leader ’ s role is to live by your personal values , explicitly promote them and make sure they are part of your day-today and never make any compromise .
Q . WHAT CURRENT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE INDUSTRY ?
» Forward thinking companies are working on :
• Full transparency – sourcing and procurement are well-positioned to
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