Growing Globally: Diren's Story of Opportunity and Culture at Mondelēz International

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Can you describe your career journey with Mondelēz International, starting from your role in the Gebze facility in Turkey to your current position?

I joined Mondelēz International in 2016 as a Quality Engineer at the Gebze plant in Turkey. Over the years, I held various roles within the Quality organization, driven by a strong desire to learn, grow, and broaden my expertise. After nearly three years, I began seeking opportunities that would allow me to stay close to science and technology, while also gaining broader corporate experience.

Around that time, I came across an opportunity as R&D project Lead based in Turkey, leading the commissioning of a new production line at the Gebze facility. I saw it as a perfect bridge to transition into the RDQ (Research, Development & Quality) organization and build a more diverse skill set. This project gave me hands-on experience on the factory floor and a deeper understanding of both the technology and the product. I built strong relationships across all levels — from operators to leadership — and eventually became recognized as one of the subject matter experts in jellies technology. This experience was pivotal. It reshaped my career ambitions and helped me discover a true passion for food processing. I communicated this evolving interest to my leaders, and soon after, I transitioned into a Senior Process Developer role in Candy RDQ for the North America region. I led multiple development projects and continued to grow within the role.

A year later, seeking to further expand my responsibilities and international exposure, I expressed my interest in relocating to the U.S. With the strong support of my leaders, I assumed the role of R&D Process Lead for the North America Candy team in 2023 and relocated to New Jersey. This new chapter has been both challenging and exciting—I’m currently focused on building and developing a high-performing process team while delivering a fun and innovative product pipeline for our consumers.

What initially attracted you to Mondelēz International, and how has your experience aligned with your expectations?

My strongest motivator throughout my career has been continuous learning and development. I was drawn to Mondelēz International because of its well-known commitment to growing its people. From global career paths to job shadowing, GIG opportunities, mentorship programs, and access to incredible internal talent, the company truly invests in professional development.

Another important factor for me is working for a company with brands I believe in and feel proud to represent. I’ve always loved talking about our brands with friends and family — hearing their feedback, excitement, and even their suggestions. There’s a unique joy in seeing a consumer’s eyes light up when they talk about a product I helped bring to life. It’s those moments that make the work feel especially meaningful.

Leading the rebuilding of the Confectionary Process Team sounds like a significant challenge. What strategies did you employ to successfully navigate this project, and what were some key learnings?

My strategy was straightforward: understand the needs of both my team and the business. I spent time listening—really listening—to my team members to understand their capabilities, aspirations, and challenges. This allowed me to better support their development and align their strengths with the needs of the organization. I also engaged with our stakeholders and cross-functional partners to understand what they expected from the role and how we could better serve them.

One of the most important lessons I learned as a new manager was to focus on team strengths. Each person brings something unique, and by building subject matter expertise within specific areas of process development, we were able to increase agility, improve ownership, and strengthen collaboration across the board.

How has Mondelēz supported your professional growth and development, especially in terms of providing opportunities for international mobility and taking on new responsibilities?

One of the things I value most about Mondelēz is how it empowers individuals to stretch and grow. I’ve always been transparent with my leaders about my passions and career aspirations, and in return, they’ve supported me by offering programs, projects, and opportunities aligned with both my goals and the business needs. The company has created an environment where development is encouraged and supported—not just through formal training, but also through real, hands-on experiences across functions and geographies. My international move to the U.S. is a great example of this — made possible by the support of leaders who believed in my potential and were invested in my journey.

What aspects of the Mondelēz culture do you find most rewarding, and how have they contributed to your success and overall job satisfaction?

What I find most rewarding about Mondelēz is the strong culture of learning, inclusion, and collaboration. As a global company, you’re constantly exposed to new perspectives and best practices from all over the world. This creates a truly enriching environment where you're always learning — whether it’s from colleagues in other regions, functions, or categories.

A standout moment for me was when I transitioned from a plant-based quality role into a corporate R&D role without prior product or process development experience. What made it possible was the culture: people were willing to share their time, knowledge, and support to help me succeed. There are extensive internal resources, technical and soft skills training, and a collaborative network of experts that make development part of the everyday experience.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Mondelēz, particularly in the R&D function, and what are some of the exciting opportunities they can look forward to?

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself — our growth often starts outside of your comfort zone. Mondelēz is full of exciting opportunities if you’re open to learning, asking questions, and staying curious. Whether it's working across categories, moving between countries, or exploring different functions within RDQ, there’s so much room to expand your expertise and make a real impact. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll be supported by passionate people who are just as excited about innovation and development as you are.