Wednesday, October 27, 2021

I studied International business and started my career at a consumer goods company as a commercial trainee in the Field Force. This first year in the stores was rich in learnings about the sales fundamentals, the competitive environment and about me. From there I moved first to Marketing as a junior brand manager for 2 years and then joined the world of snacking at Mondelēz International as brand manager on Milka Leo/Melo cakes where I enjoyed developing TV copies locally and working in close collaboration with R&D. 

After 5 years in marketing, the appetite for having more direct impact on the results and for co-creating inspirational plans with retailers, made me decide to go for key account roles. Intense negotiations but also collaborative approaches with some customers confirmed my excitement for functions in sales. Willing to leverage my experience in both marketing and sales front office, I moved to Category Planning where I enjoyed in close collaboration with my team developing Mondelēz International’s capabilities in category management and promo strategy. 

After 4 years came the opportunity to become AFH Director for the new combined Kraft, Lu and Cadbury entities where the entrepreneurial spirit was key to grow the business in new channels. Having seen the different aspects of sales the opportunity came to move to a MD role first for Meals France-BNL and then for Iberia. This commuting 2 years period was very intense and rich. The Iberian team was very engaged and positive. Since 2019, I’m working on European commercial projects leveraging the rich experience in sales & marketing.

Due to medical problems of one of my children, I worked part time (80%) several years. My managers and the HR team have always been very supportive with that choice which didn’t prevent me to grow my career. Working part time meant for me, high focus, flexibility and efficient way of working.  It wasn’t always easy but you learn to be choiceful and intensely aware of what your priorities are.  As leader working part time, I had to optimize all the interactions moments with my team members by sharing a clear direction, empowering them and giving clear constructive feedbacks.

I have no regret that I made that choice for my son who is now few years later in good health.