Food and Drink Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Network Breakfast Reception

09 September 2022

Carrying on from the successful launch event of the FDF Food and Drink Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Network – previously the Food and Drink Inclusion and Diversity network – in November 2021, the network met again for a breakfast reception on Friday 9 September.

Topics

The network was established to bring together representatives from food and drink manufacturers to share best practice relating to workplace ED&I, and hear from experts in this increasingly important policy area. 

Karen Betts, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation chaired a panel discussing ED&I policies and practices in relation to attracting, retaining and progressing talent. She was joined on the panel by:

  • Nina Ohol, People Partner - Commercial and Support Functions, Weetabix
  • Maree Moore, Assoc. Director, Org. Learning, Talent & Inclusion, Diversity & Equity GB, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
  • Carol Robert, Chief Operating Officer, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I

Guests also heard from Richard Werran, Director – Food and Retail Supply Chain at BSI.

Speaker profiles:

Nina Ohol, People Partner - Commercial and Support Functions, Weetabix

Nina Ohol is the Senior People Partner for Commercial and Support Functions  for Weetabix UK. Nina joined Weetabix in 2017 as Head of HR Services and Reward and in 2019 , alongside her day role, initiated the company’s Inclusion Without Exception journey with a handful of colleagues sponsored by the Executive Leadership team.  She led the early Inclusion work within Weetabix for two  years, setting out the strategy, statement and action plan with the Steering Group and the Inclusion Forum to formalise the inclusion agenda within Weetabix. The inclusion project is now part considered part of Weetabix's DNA and forms an integral part of the company’s ongoing strategy. 

Maree Moore, Assoc. Director, Org. Learning, Talent & Inclusion, Diversity & Equity GB, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Maree Moore leads the Organisational Learning, Talent and IDE agenda for CCEP within GB.  This newly created role was to help make continued focus on the Talent and IDE strategy for the GB Business.  As an experienced people leader, Maree has spent the last 11 years at CCEP either leading teams or building capability within teams.  Recently she has completed an adult apprenticeship which really challenged her personally and professionally.  Maree truly believes that fostering a diverse and collaborative work environment is the key to success. Being authentic in the actions you take and ensuring all employees voices are heard, can step change culture.

Carol Robert, Chief Operating Officer, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I

Born and raised in Glasgow as part of a working class family of 4.  I studied business and languages at Strathclyde university and was lucky enough to be able to spend time in France and Spain as part of my studies.My biggest achievement is taking my first GM role at age 35.  Becoming the first female COO in the company 4 years ago. Staying true to my authentic self whilst growing and developing in parallel.  Helping other people reach their fullest potential through feedback and coaching.  From early in my career I stretched my learning through breadth moves ie marketing, sales,  category management, RGM, shopper marketing…and also different geographies (Spain/Belgium/Netherlands) and cultures.  As a  leader I favoured learning over advancement and ultimately was able to grow myself and my career in parallel. I seek full enjoyment from both life and career and don’t compromise on either!!

Richard Werran, Director – Food and Retail Supply Chain, BSI

Richard’s food career began as a food technologist and spans 40+ years and has worked in all aspects of international food ingredient and food manufacturing sectors. Richard pioneered the import, processing and distribution of Non-GMO soy lecithin from Brazil designing and building a unique soy lecithin processing plant in the UK. Richard founded Cert ID Europe a UKAS accredited certification body, FoodChain Europe and Cert ID Asia; as BSI’s Director for Food and Retail Supply Chain for Africa, India, Middle East, UK and Ireland driving the BSI food initiative across the region. Richard is an acknowledged expert on genetic modification and is a Fellow of the IFST and the Society of Food Hygiene & Technology.

 

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