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"There are many opportunities to further your career." |
Location:
Bangkok, Thailand
Current Role:
Finance Director, Cadbury South East Asia
"To date I have had a varied and very rewarding career. I started out in our Group Audit function and from there I took an opportunity to relocate to the US where I worked in a commercial finance role and was then promoted to Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. I returned back to the UK after 3 years in the US to a commercial strategy role and then from there was promoted to Financial Controller, Operations Development within the Supply Chain. Following completion of a project to build one of our biggest gum plants I moved to my present role, Finance and IT Director for our South East Asia business unit based in Bangkok, Thailand. I head the function which covers six markets and am a member of the leadership team for the business.
So in summary, in 12 years I’ve worked and lived in three different continents, had 8 different roles, visited over 50% of our businesses worldwide, had experience of commercial, supply chain and Group, managed large and small teams, worked with and presented to all levels including the CEO and achieved a personal career goal of reaching Finance Director. Its been a truly fantastic time and I would say a real adventure both from a professional and personal point of view. To have the chance to live and work in different countries has been the highlight for me – its developed me as a person, broadened my experience and has been great fun – I live an hour away from white sandy beaches and tropical islands!
The variety of experiences and challenges on offer at Cadbury are a key driver of why after 12 years I am still with the company. For me the best way to develop is to take on new challenges in different environments and to learn by doing – Cadbury offers numerous challenges and opportunities for those that put themselves forward. For example, in addition to my job roles, I have run training courses on Strategy and Finance, have been a member of a Global Diversity Team and I currently mentor 2 young managers in the company.
It's the ability to get involved and contribute in areas such as this as well as taking on challenging job roles that develops you into a rounded and well groomed business executive.
Personal development is very high on the Cadbury agenda but it's a very good balance of training courses, on the job learning and sharing of experiences from colleagues. There is so much talent in the organisation that can be tapped - for me this beats any training course. Our culture is one of collaboration and working together – egos are put to one side and everyone is equal and judged on nothing more than the contribution and impact they make to the business. In my time I have been able to turn to numerous managers both within my function, Finance, and in the Human Resources community for career advice and guidance. This support network has been invaluable as I progressed through the organisation, particularly when I have relocated overseas. This atmosphere and culture is a very rewarding one to work in and its an inspirational environment as we have many role models that anyone can identify with and aspire to be.
If you truly are ambitious and willing to take on challenges and get out of your comfort zone then Cadbury is a great place to be. There are many opportunities to showcase your ability and make an impact – for me that is the essence of Cadbury – a fun place to work with numerous opportunities to learn, develop and progress all in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere – all this in an environment where you are surrounded by chocolates and sweets!"