Ann-Maarits Bjorkel’s Journey at Mondelēz International

Friday, October 18, 2024

Tell me about your career journey at Mondelēz International, including when you joined.

I joined Mondelēz in April 2021, and it’s been an exciting three and a half years so far. My background has always been rooted in sales and the FMCG industry. I’ve held roles such as Field Sales Manager, Key Account Manager (KAM), and Sales Representative. Moving into Category Planning at Mondelēz has been a thrilling experience. I initially started as a Perfect Store Specialist, where I focused on eCommerce during a period of growth. While the eCommerce side was evolving rapidly, I’ve also had the chance to take on more customer-facing responsibilities, which has complemented my overall experience. Working with iconic brands has been a significant highlight of my journey so far.

What is your current role, and what excites you about it?

At the end of 2022, I transitioned into the role of Activation Manager & eCommerce KAM. What excites me most is the variety of responsibilities I’ve been able to take on, especially in marketing and media planning.

My team has evolved since I started in this role in November 2022. Initially, I had one team member, but now we’ve grown to two. We’ve formed a strong, tight-knit group that works well together. I’ve seen my management skills improve significantly during this time, and leading this team has been incredibly rewarding.

At the beginning of this year, I became part of the Nordic Sustainability team, serving as the Sustainability contact for Finland. In this role, I act as a link between Mondelēz and our customers, ensuring that updates and important information are communicated effectively. I’ve gained valuable insights, particularly regarding the upcoming EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation), which has greatly expanded my knowledge in this area.

What do you like most about working at MDLZ?

I feel fortunate to be part of a fantastic team at Mondelēz, not to mention working with incredible brands. MDLZ provides a lot of opportunities for career growth, with options to explore different roles and access to learning resources. The company’s “test and learn” mindset allows for creative experimentation, which I find very empowering.

What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on?

One of the most exciting projects was the Marabou Ice-Hockey campaign we ran in spring 2023. I was involved in creating in-store visibility for the campaign, and we extended our reach through various trade media channels. This campaign really solidified the emotional connection between the Marabou brand and Finnish Ice-Hockey fans, and it was incredibly rewarding to see its impact.

Can you give us an example of how you stepped outside your comfort zone in this role?

In the beginning, I found myself in unexpected leadership situations, overseeing key projects and making sure everything stayed on track. It took about six months to fully get into the groove of things, but now I feel more confident and capable in my role. While there’s always more to learn, I’m much more comfortable with my responsibilities now.

What’s been your biggest learning experience since joining MDLZ?

Being part of the Global and MEU eCommerce teams has been a huge learning opportunity. I’ve been able to learn from diverse markets and gain insights into how eCommerce operates on a global scale, which has broadened my understanding tremendously.

How would you describe the work culture at Mondelēz International and within your function?

The work culture here is dynamic and fast-paced, which keeps things interesting. Our team is collaborative and supportive, and we’re lucky to work with such amazing brands. It’s a place where colleagues genuinely care about one another and are eager to help each other succeed.

What’s your favourite MDLZ brand?

Definitely Daim! It’s been my favorite since I was a kid.

What advice would you give to someone looking to join MDLZ in the Sales function?

In the fast-moving world of MDLZ, there’s always something exciting happening. If you enjoy a dynamic environment and have an open mind, this is the place to be. It’s challenging but also a lot of fun!