FONTERRA BRANDS LANKA (FBL)
Q: Could you tell us about your journey at Fonterra Brands Lanka (FBL)?
A: My career path at Fonterra began three years ago as an Assistant Manager and subsequently, the Head of Customer Service and Logistics.
Although I studied transport and logistics, Fonterra considered my passion to grow in the supply chain and provided me with the opportunity to lead manufacturing where I oversee approximately 300 people today. Moreover, I also lead a pillar of our Integrated Work Systems work stream, all of which are non-traditional roles!
It is essential for manufacturing companies to foster environments that empower women in the supply chain. Fonterra builds leaders by providing the right capability development opportunities coupled with offering talent critical experiences for growth.
Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of being picked as a subject matter expert for a key roll out in a regional market, which was another great experience.
Q: What would you want women to know in the context of undertaking leadership roles in manufacturing – especially in these challenging times?
A: Most successful leaders in manufacturing are people oriented. This is a function that comprises people, processes and machinery. As technology and processes are always evolving, ensuring people’s participation and acceptance to be future ready is important.
The health, safety and wellbeing of our teams is our first priority. In this ‘new normal’ era, the core priority for us at FBL has been our teams’ safety while ensuring an uninterrupted supply to valued consumers.
True leaders are driven by their passion for life, the execution of what they believe in and most of all, they put others before themselves wherever necessary. I’m very thankful that I have been able to establish myself in a career that drives me and my passion.
Q: Could you shed light on your personal experience with regard to being part of the various diversity and inclusivity initiatives at FBL?
A: I was part of an agile cross functional team driving engagement at Fonterra Brands Lanka. Our chief focus was embedding diversity and inclusivity in the workplace through impactful interventions that helped teams come together.
Aranthi Fernando
Head of Manufacturing
Fonterra Brands Lanka
Winner – Fonterra’s 2019 Emerging Leader Award
Executive Committee member
Women in Logistics and Transportation (WiLAT)
Q: How has your career been shaped at Fonterra?
A: My journey with Fonterra began three years ago to support the organisation’s growth, focussing on building a future ready sourcing function.
As the Head of Procurement in the company today, I manage an 850 strong local and international supplier partner network, which ranges across ingredients, packaging materials, marketing and branding, engineering and so on.
I’m inspired by the opportunity to encourage local supplier development using our global expertise. Furthermore, I drive sustainability initiatives from a manufacturing and sourcing perspective.
Q: What has been your experience when it comes to leading in non-traditional roles at the organisation?
A: I am continuously encouraged by seeing women in leadership roles, from the regional Asia-Pacific CEO to our own Managing Director and other senior leaders.
Leading roles in integrated supply chains may be traditionally male centric but I have never felt challenged by being a woman. Fonterra believes in the ‘skill and will’ of its employees, prioritising inclusivity, and providing opportunities based on attitude and capability.
I’ve experienced a strong mentoring programme that creates a support system to build extraordinary careers.
Procurement and sourcing is a great field for women to be at the forefront of industry innovation – be it the trends of digitalising sourcing using AI and robotic solutions to improve purchasing decisions, automation of work processes to focus on the core, or being a part of sustainable solutions around packaging, and water, energy and emission reduction.
Q: How important is corporate culture in fostering diversity and inclusion?
A: At Fonterra, what matters is what’s ‘good together’ for us – our people driving our purpose and strategy while living our values.
I am part of Fonterra’s recently launched inclusive mental wellness programme, which is focussed on establishing a mental first aid system in the organisation, encouraging employees to open up and seek help when needed.
Navigating multiple roles from daughter to mother to corporate leader is easier when flexible work options are the norm. This enables everyone to balance their responsibilities, be agile and build resilience during times of uncertainty.
We celebrate our employees’ children and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Recently, we conducted a kids’ art competition, which my daughter was a part of. For me, this serves as a true reflection of the inclusivity that Fonterra promotes.
