Blending Science, Culture and Everyday Joy: How Mitu Sarma Built a Global Career at Mondelēz

Thursday, September 18, 2025

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

My day begins early, connecting with colleagues across Asia, Middle East, and Africa, and often extends late into the evening given the global collaboration with teams in MENAP, Latin America, and the US. A large part of my role involves problem-solving with our factories worldwide, guiding and mentoring my team, and shaping strategy in partnership with commercial stakeholders. Whether it’s troubleshooting, building long-term brand pipelines, or bringing the consumer voice into strategic discussions, every day is about balancing execution with forward-looking growth.

Tell us about any one project that you’re especially proud of, and one dream project that would love to work on.

In 2019, I led one of my most challenging projects in a Southeast Asia, when certain changes in taxation impacted the outlook for one of our key product portfolios. While other major players found some challenges, our team worked across geographies, to reformulate the beverage. In just eight months, we were able to deliver a consumer-approved product that maintained taste, improved quality, and resulted in significant savings for the business. It was a defining experience in my career that taught me technical problem-solving and also made me realize the importance of navigating cultural nuances, consumer behavior, stakeholder management across geographies and complex regulatory environments.

As for a dream project, I’d love to be part of a breakthrough innovation as iconic as Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk in India; something that becomes a household favorite and showcases the true impact of R&D.

In what way has Mondelēz shaped your approach to collaboration and experimentation?

The culture here is open, supportive, and free of hierarchy, making it easy to seek guidance and learn from anyone across the globe. With state-of-the-art R&D facilities and exposure to diverse markets, I’ve had the chance to experiment with new technologies, partner with startups, and adopt a culinary mindset that blends science with consumer emotion. Working across regions and cultures has not only strengthened my approach to innovation, but also deepened my understanding of consumers who are at the heart of everything we create.

In what way does Mondelēz help you strike a work-life balance? How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What helps you recharge and unwind?

Mondelēz provides a very supportive environment, with mentoring systems that help manage the stress of a high-energy role. For me, balance comes from staying active.

My day starts at 5.30 am with yoga, which keeps me both physically and mentally refreshed. Besides, I love cooking and traveling with my mother whenever I get the chance, to explore new places and enjoy good food.

I’m also a trained Odissi dancer and recently performed on stage after many years, which was deeply fulfilling. And as a lifelong pet lover, I look forward to becoming a pet parent again soon.

It’s important for me to give back to society. I’m part of the Rotary, where I volunteer in community projects like health camps and blood donation drives that bring me great contentment and satisfaction.

All of these pursuits give me joy; they rejuvenate me and keep me energized for work.

What career advice would you give to a younger person who's entering the industry or would like to join Mondelēz?

Today’s generation is very smart and well-informed, but my advice to them would be to focus on building a strong foundation. Because as you grow, you rarely get the chance to go back and relearn the basics. So you need strong fundamentals to develop a clear thought process. Secondly, never stop learning. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance. The internet can give you information, but true learning comes from the experience and wisdom of people who’ve navigated real challenges.

If you could enjoy a glass of your favourite beverage anywhere, absolutely anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you share it with?

It has to be chai. I’m from Assam and grew up with a love for tea, something I fondly connect with my late father who was an ardent tea lover. I’d love to share a cup with my mother, or even enjoy it alone, as it helps me reflect and think with more clarity. And of course, Tang, the brand I work on, is another favorite I enjoy sipping, anywhere in the world! Sometimes it even serves as inspiration… when I sip on it while creating new products, I feel joy and pride!