Discover How Mariam's 8 Years at Mondelēz Shaped Regional Forecasting and People Leadership

July 14, 2026

With eight years at Mondelēz International, Mariam Jabauri has grown from an IMS Planner in Georgia to a Demand Planning Supervisor for the CAU & BEL cluster in Eurasia, leading forecasting for Pastry, Gum, and Candy categories. Working within the CS&L department, she manages forecasting accuracy that directly impacts product availability, working capital, and consumer satisfaction across distributor networks. Mariam's journey is a testament to how you make MDLZ unstoppable when you take ownership of your growth, embrace new challenges, and step into leadership when the moment calls for it.

Maria, tell us a little about yourself and your current role in Demand Planning at Mondelēz.

This July, I will celebrate eight years with Mondelēz International. Looking back, it has been a journey filled with learning, new challenges, and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

How has your career evolved over the past eight years at Mondelēz?

I joined Mondelēz as an IMS Planner for Armenia and Georgia, where I built a strong foundation in planning and business operations. Later, I moved into a Demand Planner role for Confectionery in Eurasia, which gave me broader regional exposure and helped me further develop my planning expertise. Today, I am proud to be a Demand Planning Supervisor for the Caucasus and Belarus (CAU & BEL) cluster while also leading the Pastry, Gum, and Candy categories as Demand Planner for Eurasia.

Can you give us a closer look at what the Customer Service & Logistics (CS&L) team does and why it matters?

Being part of the CS&L department means working in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Over the years, I have learned that forecasting is much more than numbers. The quality of our forecasts directly influences product availability, working capital, and overall business performance. Over-forecasting can lead to excess inventory and inefficiencies, while under-forecasting can result in missed sales opportunities and disappointed consumers. What I find most rewarding is working with teams across markets to maintain the right inventory balance across our distributor network- ensuring products are available when consumers need them while keeping stock levels healthy and sustainable.

You stepped into the role of Demand Planning Manager during a transition period - what did that experience teach you?

Yes, a recent highlight was acting as Demand Planning Manager for Eurasia for four months while the organization searched for a new manager. One of the things I appreciate most about Mondelēz is that growth is truly encouraged. Throughout my career, I have been given opportunities to take on new responsibilities, learn from experienced colleagues, and step outside my comfort zone.

This role was a challenging experience that pushed me to think differently, balance competing priorities, and support the team through a period of transition. Looking back, it is one of the achievements I am most proud of. It strengthened my confidence and reinforced the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and trust. Over the years, I have also invested significant effort in developing my communication skills and emotional intelligence. While technical expertise is essential, I have learned that understanding people, listening actively, and building strong relationships are just as important. These skills have helped me collaborate more effectively, navigate challenges, and grow as a leader.

How would you describe Mondelēz culture?

What makes Mondelēz special for me is its culture. People are encouraged to take ownership, collaborate, and continuously improve. I have had the opportunity to work with talented colleagues across different markets and functions, and those relationships have played a key role in my development.

What is your advice for new hires at Mondelēz International?

For anyone starting their journey at Mondelēz, my advice is simple: be curious, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. Some of the best opportunities come when you step outside your comfort zone. Trust yourself, take ownership, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

After eight years, I am still excited about what comes next and grateful for the experiences, opportunities, and people who have shaped my journey so far.