How HR Leadership Shapes Careers and Business Growth at Mondelēz International

Wednesday, November 04, 2026

Building strong teams, developing talent, and creating opportunities for career growth, that is how Katarína Pálffyová makes MDLZ every day. As People Lead at the Kostolné Kračany plant in Slovakia, she has shaped HR processes, strengthened employee engagement, and supported organisational growth since joining as the site's fourth employee in 2019. What started as a greenfield operation is now a 600-strong team, and Katarína's journey is proof that when you grow alongside the business, you make MDLZ stronger. She shares her insights on Human Resources leadership, workforce planning, talent development, and what it takes to build a workplace where people can thrive.

Please introduce yourself and your role at Mondelēz International.

My name is Katarína Pálffyová, and I am the People Lead at the Mondelēz International plant in Kostolné Kračany, Slovakia.

Within my role, I am responsible for site labour relations strategy, including works council relations and compliance, collaboration on people decisions in order to fulfil business objectives, participation on strategic priorities from workforce planning insights and decisions to talent acquisition, leadership development, early career programmes, career pathing, succession planning and mobility, strategic talent review, driving employee engagement, enhancement of our employer branding and overall well-being.

How would you describe your career path in Human Resources?

I started working in HR while still at university. After graduating, I worked at a recruitment agency in Prague and Budapest before moving into HR management roles in Slovakia.

I joined MDLZ in 2019 as part of Chipita, which was a brand-new, greenfield operation. I was the fourth employee on the site. Today, we have 600 employees, two Croissant Jumbo lines, and one Bake Rolls line.

I also had the opportunity to be part of the integration when Chipita became part of the Mondelēz family. As a member of the integration team, I was responsible for harmonising HR processes and implementing Mondelēz HR policies. I am excited for the future and the chance to take on new challenges, push boundaries, and continue building meaningful connections with colleagues and industry leaders.

What are your proudest moments or biggest challenges while working as People Lead at Mondelēz?

Because our plant started as a greenfield operation, there has always been plenty to build. I am proud that we have staffed the entire plant, across both core production and support functions, and that our engagement scores have consistently exceeded targets.

I am also very happy that we have a functioning career path system within the plant. In collaboration with our Plant Director and Section Managers, I was responsible for implementing the new Plant Operating Model (POM) shop floor organisation. Similarly, I am proud of the successful creation and implementation of the Technical Operators programme, which is the result of our entire team's effort.

These days, we are focusing on a major automation project where I am part of the project team. Probably the biggest challenge was that we had to "catch up" with factories that have been operating longer than us. That challenge taught me a valuable lesson about motivating teams and finding creative solutions to unforeseen problems.

How would you describe Mondelēz International's culture at Kostolné Kračany as a plant?

Mondelēz is one of the greatest places to work. It is a place where people genuinely care about each other and are supportive, which creates a strong sense of community. Our top priority is everyone's safety and well-being. It is also an environment where there is always an opportunity to learn new things and grow professionally. Each of us has the chance to contribute to the overall results of the plant.

What is your message for those building a career in such a fast-moving environment as Mondelēz?

My advice: embrace adaptability, resilience, and a passion for continuous learning. Leverage every opportunity for growth, whether it is upskilling, mentorship, or diving deep into industry trends. Knowledge is your most valuable asset, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone is what sets you apart. Stay curious and stay connected.