In this new episode of Leaders in Value Chain, I had as guest Maria Pia De Caro, the EVP of Integrated Operations and S&R at Pernod Ricard. We looked back at her career and reflected on the lessons learned. Initially, Maria strived to be the “best,” but later realized the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. Her ambitious transformation agenda focuses on digitalization, supply chain optimization, and adapting to emerging trends.
Maria Pia highlighted projects on sustainability addressing areas such as packaging, agriculture, and energy use. She also stressed the value of diversity and inclusion, recognizing the unique gifts in all individuals. This conversation offers leadership advice on embracing one’s authentic self and unlocking potential in others to find what Maria calls “the magic” in people.
Listen to the full discussion here:
Connect with the Guest:
Maria Pia De Caro is currently the EVP of Integrated Operations and S&R at Pernod Ricard. During her more than a 25-year international career in Supply Chain and Operations, she has led engineering, manufacturing, M&A, and supply chain transformation teams for several international FMCG companies. Before joining Pernod Ricard Group in 2023, she held several Operations leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Mondelez, Unilever, and Nomad Foods in Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, China, and the UK.
Questions I Asked:
- What are some of the lessons learned in your career that have been a true game changer?
- What is the transformation agenda for the coming years?
- How big is the challenge at hand regarding ESG and sustainability?
- Any insights for the listeners in terms of diversity? And any advice you would give to your younger self?
Show notes:
- [01:16] Looking at your career, what are some lessons learned in your career that have been true game changers?
- [06:11] Can you share some of your transformation agenda for the coming years? And maybe some of what you want to achieve, but also the market dynamics that you see influencing the supply chain value chain in the world of tomorrow.
- [13:25] How significant is the challenge in managing your ESG portfolio, and what actions is your company taking to advance ESG initiatives further?
- [20:48] Do you have any insights regarding diversity, and what advice would you give to your younger self?
Quotes from the Episode:
About the Host:
What a great discussion I had with Maria Pia De Caro. 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:
#179: What Makes the Beauty Supply Chain Beautiful
#180: Managing Retail Transformation, Talent, and Leadership
#181: Think Remarkable, Don’t Follow Your Passion, and Leadership
