In this episode, I interviewed Victor Shevtsov, Executive Vice President Supply Chain and a Member of the Executive Committee at The Carlsberg Group. We discussed Carlsberg’s significant health and safety achievements, including zero life-changing accidents, a 10% reduction in lost time accidents, and a 15% drop in accident rates.
Victor shared Carlsberg’s sustainability efforts, such as reducing energy and water consumption by 20% and CO2 emissions by 15%. He also mentioned the acquisition of Britvic to expand Carlsberg’s product portfolio. He emphasized the importance of a diverse, adaptable team and continuous learning in supply chain leadership. We also discussed Carlsberg’s new brewery in China, which is equipped with advanced sustainability technologies and proves its commitment to environmental responsibility and employee safety.
Listen to the full discussion here:
Connect with the Guest:
Victor Shevtsov, Vice President of Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) in Asia, has been appointed as Executive Vice President for ISC and will thereby join the Executive Committee (ExCom) of Carlsberg Group as of 1 July 2021.
Victor initially joined Carlsberg in 2015 after a long and successful career in various supply chain roles with PepsiCo.
Since joining Carlsberg, Victor has been Vice President for ISC in Asia, driving significant improvements in the supply chain organization, and has been part of the Regional Leadership Team. Since 2020, he has been leading Carlsberg Group’s global Diversity & Inclusion Council – driving our work towards a more inclusive workplace for our 40,000 colleagues.
Highlights & Show Notes:
- [02:40] Reducing total accidents by 10% and accident rates per man-hour by 15%, ensuring a safer workplace for their 40,000 employees.
- [05:20] Making another step forward towards sustainability.
- [06:58] Expanding beyond brewing while keeping beer at its core and focusing on both organic and non-organic growth.
- [08:58] Navigating industry headwinds with smart, agile supply chain solutions.
- [10:39] Restructuring supply chain to enhance collaboration and efficiency, managing the end-to-end supply chain, and the launch of the “One Plan” solution.
- [14:26] Focusing on strategic resource allocation and not on headcount reduction to drive transformation, and readjusting structure yearly.
- [16:44] Constant balance between talent movement around the organization, with European talents gaining experience in Asia’s fast-changing markets and Asian talents adopting Europe’s long-term strategic planning.
- [19:18] Carlsberg’s supply chain leadership visiting China to mark the opening of its most modern brewery in Foshan, near Guangzhou.
- [21:46] Foshan brewery integrates cutting-edge sustainability technologies, reducing energy consumption and providing a top-tier work environment.
- [24:32] Moving towards sustainable packaging, marking a significant transformation in the beverage and CPG industries.
- [26:27] Balancing sustainability costs with supply chain efficiency while building agility.
- [28:08] Characteristics of future supply chain leaders— the desire to learn and having positive energy, and understanding business complexity.
- [30:11] The importance of having a diverse and well-balanced team in driving an agile supply chain.
- [32:52] Advice to supply chain professionals: “Success in supply chain will look different in the future, so leaders must embrace continuous learning and think beyond their industry.”
Quotes from the Episode:
About the Host:
What an insightful conversation with Victor Shevtsov! I am your host, Fei Yu, Managing Director for Europe and USA at Alcott Global. I have 15+ years of experience.
Alcott Global provides executive search solutions for key positions at all pillars of end-to-end value chains, from general management to overall supply chain operations, including executive and non-executive board roles.
On April 9-10, 2025, we are bringing together 80 C-level executives from multinational companies to connect, collaborate, and innovate on a forum focused on business value creation at Makers & Movers.
Yearly, we celebrate and award the Top 30 Supply Chain Leaders who push for excellence and inspire the future of the industry.
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#199: Formula for a Successful Leadership
#200: Building a Supply Chain Career & Season Finale
#201: Formula to Success – People, Innovation, and Impact with Eduardo Bachiega of Nomad Foods
