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CHEWING THE CUD WITH… CHARIF MOKDAD
Each month, we put the spotlight on a Glanbia Ireland employee and for our June newsletter, we spoke to Charif Mokdad
Tell us how long you have worked in Glanbia and a little about your role?
I have just completed my first year with Glanbia and my role is to establish and develop the Consumer category in the Middle East and Africa regions (MEA).
Your department is one of the lesser known teams in GI, tell us a bit about what the team looks after?
The MEA Consumer team’s first task is to make available Ireland’s favourite dairy brand to consumers in MEA as they dine-in and dine-out. The dine-in occasion continues to prove to be important, especially in tough times, so we are especially excited about Avonmore debuting in local supermarkets as soon as possible.
What’s your favourite thing about working in Glanbia Ireland?
My favourite thing is how a business at Glanbia Ireland is supported by multi-functional teams and systems and also enabled to work like an entrepreneur. It’s a rare mix in practice as I have come to experience and it’s a testament to the leadership, culture and the pragmatic and helpful people of Glanbia.
What are you most proud of in your job?
I am most proud of the opportunity to join you as an ambassador of the heritage, culture, milk, quality and values that make up Glanbia. I am also proud that Glanbia is now the sole supplier of UHT cream to the largest food and beverage manufacturer in the Middle East and seventh most valuable dairy brand worldwide – Almarai. It took years of hard work from the Ingredients folks to build enough trust combined with months of hard work by the Consumer folks to deliver this. To be part of this one multi-category team has truly been a memorable experience.
How do you describe GI to friends or family outside of work?
I tell them GI already feels like home in the first year and even from a distance, I know that we are going to accomplish great things in this region and that having been lucky enough to visit Kilkenny a few years ago, that Ireland is just beautiful.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am very interested in health and wellness, so I start my day with a good run. I spend part of my spare time in the kitchen (nothing fancy) and practicing coaching in the emotional wellbeing space.
What are you most looking forward to post Covid/lockdown?
Just to be out there without masks, sanitizers and restrictions and to once again enjoy those tiny liberties that add to life.