From Cairo to Freia: Sherif Medhat's 20-Year Journey to Norway's Most Iconic Factory

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Sherif Medhat, Plant Director at the Freia Factory in Oslo, Norway, is helping shape the future of chocolate manufacturing at one of the country’s most iconic production sites. With more than 20 years of experience across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and plant leadership, Sherif brings a global, multicultural perspective to his role at Mondelēz International. This blog explores his career journey, leadership philosophy, and approach to innovation, sustainability and people-led performance at Freia.

You've built an impressive career within Mondelēz International, could you walk us through your journey and what inspired your path to becoming the Plant Director at Norway's iconic Freia factory?

It has been an incredible journey spanning over 20 years, with 12 of them at Mondelēz International, and honestly, it still excites me every single day.

I started my career in engineering, and over time I moved through quality, logistics, manufacturing, planning, customer service, supply chain excellence and plant leadership, 11 different roles in total. Each one gave me a new lens on how an integrated supply chain truly works end to end.

What makes my journey unique is the multicultural dimension. I have worked across multiple countries and regions, leading diverse teams with very different ways of working, thinking, and solving problems. That taught me a lesson no textbook ever could: how to connect with people, build trust across cultures, and deliver results regardless of geography.

What inspired me to take on the Plant Director role at Freia?

It was the combination of everything I love: leading people, delivering operational excellence, and doing it for a brand that means so much to an entire nation. Freia is more than a factory, it is a piece of Norway's heart. Being entrusted with that legacy while pushing it into the future is a responsibility I take seriously.

I am also a deeply curious person. Every single day brings a new lesson, and that curiosity is what has kept me growing and moving forward throughout my career.

Production is at the heart of what we do. As part of the team that creates Norway's favorite chocolate, how would you describe the atmosphere and drive within the Freia factory?

The atmosphere at Freia is truly special. There is an immense pride in what we do here. People know they are making products that are part of Norwegian traditions, family moments, and everyday joy. That sense of purpose is felt on every line, every shift.

Pride is the foundation, but it is the energy behind it that powers performance. I would describe that energy as a combination of passion and precision. Our teams care deeply about quality, about doing things right, and about pushing themselves to be better than yesterday.

There is also a strong team spirit. Production can be demanding, with tight schedules, high standards, and seasonal peaks, but the way people support each other and rally together is what makes Freia more than a factory. It is a community.

How is production evolving at Freia Factory, for example in terms of technology, sustainability, or ways of working?

Manufacturing today looks nothing like it did even five years ago, and at Freia we are right at the forefront of that evolution.

On technology, we are embracing data-led decision making and automation not to replace people, but to empower them, giving our operators better tools to make faster, smarter decisions on the floor.

On sustainability, this is deeply embedded in everything we do. From energy efficiency to waste reduction, we are constantly raising the bar. Norway expects it, Mondelēz demands it. We want to make great chocolate without compromising the planet.

On ways of working, we are evolving through our IL6S journey toward more agile, empowered teams. We are breaking down silos, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and creating an environment where a machine operator can contribute an idea that transforms a process. My experience leading integrated supply chains across different cultures has shown me that the best ideas come from everywhere. You just need to create the space for them.

For anyone considering joining us: this is modern manufacturing. It is dynamic, it is innovative, and it is purpose led.

You lead large teams, how do you create an environment where people can perform and grow?

This is the question closest to my heart, because I believe everything starts and ends with people.

My leadership philosophy is built on three pillars: clarity, trust, and growth.

Clarity means people know what success looks like. They understand the "why" behind what we are doing, not just the "what." When people see the bigger picture, they bring their full selves to work.

Trust means creating psychological safety, where people can speak up, make mistakes, learn, and challenge ideas without fear. Having led multicultural teams across many countries, I have learned that trust is built differently in every culture, but the foundation is always the same: consistency, respect, and genuine care.

Growth means I see my role as developing the next generation of leaders. I invest time in coaching, in giving people stretch assignments, and in celebrating progress, not just results.

I have had the privilege of turning teams from full negative performance to top-tier performance multiple times in my career. And every single time, the transformation started with people, believing in them, unlocking their potential, and giving them the environment to thrive.

That is what I strive to create every day at Freia.

What kinds of career opportunities can someone expect if they start in production at Mondelēz Norway?

I am living proof that the opportunities are limitless. I started in engineering and have held 11 different roles across the entire supply chain: quality, logistics, planning, manufacturing, customer service, supply chain excellence, and now leading an entire plant. All of it within one company.

At Mondelēz, production is a launchpad. If you start on the factory floor, you can grow into team leadership, technical specialist roles, continuous improvement, planning, or business development. The paths are genuinely diverse.

What is even more exciting is the global dimension. Mondelēz operates in over 150 countries. My own ambition and curiosity took me across countries and cultures, and that journey gave me a truly integrated view of how a world-class supply chain operates.

Here in Norway specifically, we invest heavily in developing our people. We have structured IDP development programs, mentoring, and a culture that rewards initiative. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge, there is a path here for you.

For anyone considering a production career with Mondelēz International, whether just starting out or bringing years of experience, what would you encourage them to focus on?

First, be curious. I have learned a new lesson every single day for over 20 years, and that is genuinely true. The moment you stop being curious is the moment you stop growing. Ask questions, seek to understand the "why," and never assume you know everything.

Second, embrace breadth. Do not limit yourself to one function or one way of thinking. The most valuable professionals I have seen, and the career I have built, come from understanding the full picture. Say yes to cross-functional projects, volunteer for challenges outside your comfort zone, and build that integrated mindset.

Third, invest in people skills. Whether you are leading a team of 5 or 500, whether you are in Norway or anywhere else in the world, your ability to connect with people, to communicate across cultures, and to bring others along with you will define your impact far more than any technical skill alone.

Third, invest in people skills. Whether you are leading a team of 5 or 500, whether you are in Norway or anywhere else in the world, your ability to connect with people, to communicate across cultures, and to bring others along with you will define your impact far more than any technical skill alone.

Production at Mondelēz is about making a difference for consumers, for communities, and for your own career. If that excites you, I would say: come join us. The journey is worth it.