The precision of production
I come from a production background. I had a 14-year career at a global production giant before joining AS Watson. My focus was always long-term and planned. Writing strategies, looking ahead and finding opportunities to win in the category you were part of. Eventually, however, I came to a point in my career where I wanted to take on a new challenge and broaden my experience. I’d worked across so many different aspects of the business, but I needed something with more impact and purpose.
The connection to the retail customer
The conversations I had with AS Watson made me realise that what I needed was a complete shift from my production background. Retail is all about the customer and I wanted that direct connection to help people. I joined the Own Brand team and was responsible for the sourcing and contract negotiations for our Own Brand products. We were a small team, and I suppose at the time Own Brand was still relatively unknown.
A much needed option
The last six years have seen such a change in attitude towards Own Brand. COVID and the increased cost of living have highlighted the need for people to buy quality at fairer prices. And we were perfectly placed to support customers who needed us. This attitude shift has brought new customers in as well as the strong Kruidvat brand and the competition for Own Brand is fierce. For me, it’s given me a purpose beyond production and a sense of pride knowing that me and my team can help so many people.
Raising the standards
For me, Own Brand is all about giving our customers a valid choice. The products we source and sell are high quality. In many cases, we know that our Own Brand is better than branded goods. This raising of standards has seen a cultural shift in customer shopping habits. We listen to them and learn what they like and don’t like. And we know we can meet their expectations and price point with better Own Brand products.
A connected team
Since I started here in 2017, the team has grown by over 40%. The Own Brand team is so reliant on the skills of each other. And I love that we are only as good as Contracting & Sourcing, Product Management, Quality and Design complementing each other, working towards a common goal. We’ve created an environment of sharing knowledge and delivering the best products at the most competitive prices.
A bigger purpose
Mars was a great place to work. But ultimately, I wanted to find a business where my own personal values matched the values of the organisation. I wanted to be part of a business where the vision is clear. I have seen how AS Watson operates around the world and the values and the vision are at the heart of everything everyone does. For me, that is super important!
Autonomy and trust
The biggest factor for me is the freedom to make decisions that can benefit the team and the customer. This autonomy and trust from leadership is so different to where I was before and it gives me the confidence to look forward to a career with a business with a real heart.