In this episode, I interviewed Arnoud Buizer, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Interfood. Arnoud talked about critical moments in his career, from wanting to be a farmer to finding his passion in supply chain management.
He shared lessons he learned working at big companies, like the importance of staying curious and not being afraid to make mistakes. Arnoud also spoke about a personal challenge: his son’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis, which motivated him to start a charity that raised over 4 million euros for research.
Arnoud emphasized how supply chain professionals drive sustainability and innovation. He explained Interfood’s approach to cutting emissions and stressed the impact of taking small, practical steps for a greener future.
Listen to the full discussion here:
Connect with the Guest:
Arnoud Buizer joined the Extended Board in the role of CSCO in September 2023.
Arnoud holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Delft University of Technology. Before joining Interfood, he worked in various international roles in Supply Chain Management with ExxonMobil, Royal Nedalco, and, most recently, Cargill. Arnoud focuses on optimizing our global Supply Chain operations to ensure top-quality services for our suppliers and customers.
Questions I Asked:
- What were some of the key inflection points?
- How did you overcome challenges in your career? What strategies did you use?
- What were some of the key lessons learned and mistakes made that the audience can learn from?
- How to shape the Supply Chain of the future?
- What advice would you give your younger self?
Show notes:
- [01:13] What were some of the inflection points in your career that really made you who you are today?
- [02:50] Any other key changes in your life that made you who you are?
- [06:59] What are the things you learned from big companies in the manufacturing environment? And what are the things you are learning now?
- [09:04] What do you think makes great talent? How do you choose your talent?
- [14:12] What would you tell a 20-year-old kid who decided not to be a farmer?
- [16:06] Do you have any tips in managing failures?
- [18:51] How do you address sustainability?
Quotes from the Episode:
Soundbite from the Episode:
About the Host:
What a great discussion I had with Arnoud Buizer. I am your host, Stéphanie Moles-Rota, Managing Director for Benelux and France at Alcott Global. As an executive search professional, I bring experience from start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. I am driven by a strong commitment to embodying my Talent philosophy and sharing my visionary leadership with clients, partners, and my extensive international network.
Alcott Global provides Executive Search Solutions for key positions at all pillars of the end-to-end value chain: planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, and overall supply chain operations.
In our Makers & Movers face-to-face events, we bring together value chain executives to connect, collaborate, and innovate – a forum focused on business value creation.
Yearly, we celebrate and award the Top 30 Leaders in Supply Chain for their achievements in digitizing operations, decarbonization, and sustainability, as well as in creating a diverse and equitable environment for supply chain teams to thrive and excel.
Related Episodes:
#190: Cost Reduction, Supplier Relationships and Innovation
#191: From Finance to Supply Chain and case studies from Intel
