FACING CHALLENGES

What has been the greatest business challenge you have faced, and how did you overcome it?

“I’ve had the opportunity to work across the world and experience the unique challenges of each of the continents and countries I have operated in. In all cases what I remect on is the strength of the teams I’ve worked with and how important developing and harvesting talent is. I have used the multicultural experience I have to overcome many challenges I have faced. I led an M&A in Lagos Nigeria. Weeks after the completion, the currency devalued by 200% in an import driven economy, the ebola virus crisis hit and the local economy ground to a halt. Here I learnt adaptability, re-establishing everything from price to supply. Many businesses failed in that time period, we focused on setting three-month plans as anything longer was too unpredictable. I’m pleased to say that business absorbed $35 million of gross margin impact and with as a result of our plans, it is operating today successfully in the region.”