Leading and managing a global business: Lessons from the world's largest food company
On 11 March the Business School welcomed Managing Director of Nestle Confectionery UK and Ireland, Mark Davies, as part of the International Executive Speaker Series.
This dynamic programme of guest speakers offers students a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from senior executives operating at the highest strategic levels of business.
Mark delivered his talk Leading and managing a global business: Lessons from the world's largest food company, to over 200 students, with Senior Teaching Fellow, Rebecca Padgett, facilitating.
Mark has been with Nestle since 1991 as a member of the marketing team, progressing through various roles and working all over the world.
During his talk Mark shared his vast experiences of operating cross-culturally and covered topics including diversity, effective communication, adopting AI. He perceived that AI is incredibly useful in reducing errors in technical operations and can be a powerful complement in the data-driven future. The sustainability issue was also covered in the last part of the discussion, in which he perceived that corporations now need to commit to caring for the environment apart from merely making a profit, and it can be achieved through a systematic rethinking of the production system.
Marketing student, Jason Axellino, asked about the qualities Mark sees in young people in the workforce. Mark said that young people are not naïve, but rather they are highly realistic, incredibly active, and adaptive to face life challenges.
Mark commented:
It was a real pleasure to be here. I really felt the energy in the room. I know that people are having a hectic life, but I appreciate that they came here: They listened, paid attention, and asked fantastic questions. I enjoyed it a lot.
The next event in the International Executive Speakers Series will take place in May with a focus on entrepreneurs. Information will be released closer to the time.
