The Path to Becoming an Influential Packaging Director: Inside Marcia Demetrio Gasparini's Incredible Career

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Starting as a Trainee, you've built a long and successful career here. What opportunities for growth and development have kept you engaged and motivated over the years?

I am motivated by the feeling I’m learning something new every day and I have always had many learning opportunities inside of Mondelēz. From starting on the R&D Product team, getting to a managerial role, moving into Packaging and then relocating from Brazil to the US, I learned a lot by having challenging, but rewarding experiences. I also established trust relationships with great leaders, that allowed me to have really transparent and rich conversations about my career goals. Being inspired, challenged, coached and recognized by them along the way was also a key component of my trajectory. Lastly, but also very important, is the opportunity of interacting with the great brands and amazing people we have in Mondelēz around the world. These diverse interactions broadened my perspective and helped me develop my leadership and collaboration skills.

What are the most significant advancements or shifts you've witnessed in the packaging field throughout your career?

Packaging has always been a key contributor to the success of a product, and, throughout my career, I have seen its relevance increasing even further, driven mainly by sustainability concerns, evolving consumer needs and the competitive landscape. The packaging developed today should be more sustainable and we need to evaluate the impact of these new structures to our manufacturing network and to our products, guaranteeing the material will keep playing its main role of preserving freshness and protection. On top of this, in an ocean of good products available on the market, the packaging also acts as a marketing tool, guaranteeing high visibility on shelf and a good consumption experience throughout all interactions consumers will have with our products. To keep up with this dynamic environment, being agile, developing new capabilities and technologies have been essential for remaining competitive.

What were the key factors that influenced your decision to pursue a career opportunity in the United States after working primarily in Brazil?

The opportunity of moving to the U.S. was aligned with both personal and career goals. On the personal side, it would be the experience of a lifetime. My family and I would have the opportunity of being immersed in a different culture, getting to know new people, places and habits. On the professional side, until that point, I had experienced all the categories Mondelēz plays with, and although I had local, regional and global roles, I have always worked with developing markets. Moving to the U.S. would bring me the opportunity to learn the dynamics of a developed market and with a huge scale, as North America is Mondelēz largest market. Furthermore, the move offered a chance to be based out of one of the most important Technical Centers in our network and engage with a diversity of people and functions.

How has your experience working in Brazil shaped your perspective and approach to your current role in the United States?

While working from Brazil, I had the opportunity of working with both Product and Packaging development. I led teams spread across Latin America and in the AMEA region and worked with all our categories – Chocolate, Biscuit, Gum & Candy, Powdered Beverages and Meals. These experiences helped me create a solid technical foundation, develop a broad perspective, lead with diversity and to adjust and interact effectively with different cultures. Another important element that was key to shaping my background was the constant challenging economic scenario of developing countries, which demands a resilient and open-to-change mindset, very valuable on a post pandemic world with so much change happening constantly. These skills have been instrumental in navigating the North American market, where the scale of the business brings a completely different level of complexity.

Can you describe a typical day in your current role as a packaging director?

A typical day involves a blend of internal and external collaboration. I start with meetings with my direct reports to check on them and their teams, verify project progress, and provide necessary support. Next, I engage with packaging peers and business partners to assess business performance and discuss our priorities and short and long-term strategies, ensuring alignment and identifying actions and support needs. Along the day, I will also hold meetings with suppliers and consultants for developing innovative materials and technologies that align with our strategic plan. Periodically, I attend consumer research sessions to gain insights that inform our packaging material development. This mix ensures we're supporting our team, driving business objectives, and delivering our packaging priorities with excellence.

Mondelēz NZ has a number of community and brand partnerships – what does this mean for you?

Mondelēz's Packaging group is a dynamic and welcoming environment where collaboration and teamwork are extremely valued and recognized. The team's increasing importance in achieving business goals, through innovative packaging solutions that meet client and consumer needs, creates several opportunities for learning and growing. The role of the developers has been evolving to deliver packaging that will generate impact on shelf, translate the brand essence, provide a great consumer experience, and address sustainability concerns. Key qualities for new team members include adaptability to a fast-paced environment, curiosity to explore new ideas and new ways of working, and a willingness to continuously learn. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are also highly valued. Being proactive and showing initiative in problem-solving will generate a big positive impact, setting individuals apart.

If someone is considering a career in packaging at Mondelēz, what should they know about the team, the challenges, and the opportunities for growth?

A Packaging career at Mondelēz means joining a highly collaborative, talented team, where teamwork and knowledge sharing are valued. You will face technical challenges to deliver innovative, sustainable packaging solutions that meet consumer needs for iconic brands. At Mondelēz, you will have the opportunity of interacting globally, working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and locations, expanding your network and gaining a broader perspective. Expect diverse experiences to solidify your technical skills and develop leadership competencies, preparing you for your next career steps. If you're driven and seek a dynamic environment with global impact, Mondelēz Packaging is the ideal place to grow your career.