Navigating Change, Dimitra’s Career Path at Mondelēz

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Can you tell us about your career at MDLZ and how you reached the role of Sales Operations Manager?

I’m Greek, and I live and work in Athens. My journey with the company began in 2000 when it was still known as Warner-Lambert before it became a division under Pfizer and later Cadbury, Kraft Foods, and Mondelēz International. At that time, I was a university student studying History, Archaeology, and Art History.

Over the years, I transitioned into permanent roles within the Accounting Department. However, in 2008, after gaining valuable experience, I decided to pursue a different career path, one aligned with my academic background and qualifications as a Certified Sign Language Interpreter. Everything went according to plan until 2011 when the company invited me to rejoin as a Finance Analyst to support the merger with Kraft Foods. I realized this was the path I wanted to follow, and it marked the start of the second phase of my career journey, which was accompanied by further studies in Business and Finance.

Since 2011, I have worked in various departments within finance (e.g., treasury, customer service, and commercial finance). In 2018, I shifted into Sales, taking on Sales Projects, POPM, Category Planning, and Sales Operations roles. While these roles were exclusively related to the Greek market, they exposed me to a broad aspect of business processes and ways of working. In 2023, after accumulating all the above experiences, I was promoted to the position of Sales Operations Manager responsible for the South-Central Europe (SCE) Cluster.

What makes your role exciting & unique?

At 45 years old with a 6-year-old daughter, I often say, "My current role connects me with my daughter." She will grow up in a rapidly evolving world, with innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping the landscape. Through my role, I am exposed to the latest technological advancements, which gives me insights into how her future interactions and experiences will be shaped.

Recently, I had the opportunity to represent Mondelēz Greece at a Sales Conference, where I contributed to discussions about the role of the Sales Field Force in the new era of AI. Being part of such a forward-thinking conversation and exploring how AI is reshaping the future of sales was exciting and inspiring. It reinforced my enthusiasm for the changes to come.

What is the most exciting project you have worked on?

The digital transformation project of sales in Greece called “Metamorphosis” has been the largest and most demanding project I’ve worked on. This initiative replaced legacy systems with an integrated Sales Force Automation (SFA) tool and a new reporting system (OSA), impacting almost 300 Mondelēz users. The goal was to deliver a unified SFA platform that included journey planning, order management, in-store execution, and digital audits using image recognition.

Since July 2024, the new SFA solution has been live and provided significant benefits. By leveraging leading technologies, data, and analytics, we’ve driven better decision-making, increased market share, and positioned Mondelēz Greece as a Sales Center of Excellence.

What specific skills or experiences do you believe were most valuable in allowing you to transition between different roles and functions successfully?

Dealing with uncertainty is one of the most common challenges I face as I transition between roles. However, challenges evolve into opportunities. I possess knowledge and skills from previous roles, approach problems from new angles, and challenge the status quo for the company's benefit. I thrive on discovering more efficient methods to complete tasks and passing these learnings to my team. The excitement I feel when learning something new is even more fulfilling when I see my team members experience the same.

What is your most significant learning experience since working with us?

One of my most impactful learning experiences was the “Being At My Best” training series many years ago. These sessions taught me to be at my best in any situation, whether under stress, in front of others or not, to value the perspectives of others, and many more. I often say, "Mondelēz made me a better wife, mother, daughter, and friend, not just a better coworker!”

Lastly, what is your favorite Mondelēz snack?

My favorite Mondelēz snack is a Greek dark chocolate called “Pavlides.” It’s produced by the oldest Greek confectionery plant, which started as the first candy shop in Athens over 180 years ago. The chocolate’s unique recipe has remained unchanged, and I especially enjoy the new Pavlides Almond and Cherry!