How Mohamed Abdelaziz Turned an International Move into a Catalyst for HSE Excellence at Mondelēz

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Tell us something about yourself and your journey at Mondelēz International.

My career in Health, Safety and Environment has always been driven by one simple belief: nobody gets hurt. Every single day, we will continue to WORK, PLAY, LIVE SAFE.

I joined Mondelēz International in Egypt in 2016 as a Maintenance Engineer, where I had the opportunity to support one of the company's largest manufacturing operations. Working in a fast-paced environment helped me grow both technically and as a leader. I then shifted to multiple roles across the manufacturing team, progressing to a Section Lead position in 2021, and finally became the HSE Manager for the site at the start of 2022, gaining experience across risk management, personal safety, process safety, HSE culture, and continuous improvement.

Today, I'm proud to continue that journey in the UK&I business, the home of Cadbury and almost 200 years of heritage.

Although the location has changed, the purpose remains exactly the same: protecting our people while helping the business perform at its very best.

You recently transitioned from an HSE role in Egypt to a similar role in the UK. What motivated this move, and how has the experience been so far?

For me, this move was about growth; challenging myself in a different environment, experiencing another manufacturing culture, and learning from colleagues with different perspectives, all while continuing to contribute to the same global purpose.

The transition has been both exciting and rewarding. Every site has its own history, ways of working, and unique challenges, but what has impressed me most about the Bournville family is how connected we are through our shared values. I felt welcomed from the very first day, and it has been inspiring to see how health and safety are built into everyday decisions across the whole UK&I business.

The move has reinforced that while regulations and cultures may differ, great HSE leadership is universal. All our business leaders are supporting and emphasising one of our core safety principles: Nothing we do is worth getting hurt for.

What aspects of Health and Safety do you find the most rewarding, especially in a food company?

The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do genuinely makes a difference to people's lives and health.

In a food manufacturing environment, we are protecting our colleagues and the environment, but we are also supporting the production of products that millions of people enjoy every day.

I enjoy helping teams identify risks before incidents happen by promoting leading indicators, simplifying safety so it is practical, and building a culture where everyone feels responsible for each other's safety, health, and wellbeing.

When people speak up, challenge unsafe behaviors or conditions, and look after one another because it is simply "how we do things here," that is when you know HSE has become part of the culture.

What makes HSE at MDLZ unique?

What makes HSE at Mondelēz unique is that HSE isn't treated as a standalone function; it's part of how we run our business every day.

People genuinely care for one another, leaders actively engage in safety conversations, and continuous improvement is encouraged at every level.

I also appreciate the balance between strong global standards and empowering local teams to innovate and find solutions that work best for their sites aligned with our strong global HSE management system and our detailed technical standards which were developed across the years led by our Global and Regional SME's.

That combination creates an environment where HSE isn't compliance alone; it's more about caring, learning, and improving together.

What have you learned about yourself, both personally and professionally, through the experience of moving countries and adapting to a new safety environment?

This experience has taught me that adaptability is one of the most valuable leadership skills.

Professionally, I have learned to listen more, stay curious, and understand a site's culture before trying to influence it. Building trust comes before driving change.

Personally, moving countries reminded me that growth often begins outside your comfort zone. Starting again in a new country with a different culture challenged me, but it also strengthened my confidence, resilience, and appreciation for different ways of thinking.

Most importantly, the team I joined provided me with full support from day one to ensure a smooth transition and settling-in for me and my family; and that made all the difference.

What advice would you give to someone considering an international move?

Be open-minded and embrace the experience.

Every country has its own culture, expectations, and ways of working. Let go of comparisons to where you have come from- take the opportunity to learn.

Build relationships, ask questions, listen carefully, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

An international move within Mondelēz is about so much more than developing your career; it is about developing yourself as a person. If you approach it with curiosity and a willingness to learn, it can become one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Finally, we say YOU Make MDLZ. With everything you've experienced and achieved here, how do you feel you bring that to life?

To me, "You Make MDLZ" is a reminder that every one of us is the driving force behind what this company becomes. It puts the person at the centre; your energy, ideas, and commitment are what shape the future of this business.

I bring that to life by leading with care, building strong relationships, and helping create an environment where people feel safe, respected, and empowered to speak up.

Whether it is coaching someone alongside our teams, supporting a colleague through a challenge, or working with teams to improve HSE performance, I believe that small actions consistently make a big difference.

I am proud to be part of a company that invests in its people, encourages continuous learning, and gives individuals the opportunity to grow across borders.

My journey from Egypt to the UK is proof that when people are supported to grow, they can make an even greater impact; for their teams, their sites, and the wider business.