What was your first-ever job? Store development executive with Spar UK, working in a team of 25 refitting stores from top to bottom. It was a steep learning curve but I really enjoyed it.

Give us a quick rundown on your career to date. I spent four years with Spar before joining Kimberly-Clark. Since I joined 11 years ago, I've enjoyed a variety of roles in marketing, category management and sales both in the UK and across Europe.

How did you get to where you are today? Having previous experience of working for a retailer has been an enormous benefit. I have been lucky that I have been able to gain considerable experience across a number of different functions. I've also been able to take on a number of new-to-the-company positions that have allowed me to shape and define the job.

What is the best decision you have made in your career? The first was to go to university after leaving Spar. This gave me the qualifications to secure a step on the fmcg ladder. The second was joining Kimberly-Clark. It is a very successful global business that puts great emphasis on its people.

Who do you most admire in the grocery industry? Sir Stuart Rose. The turnaround in the M&S business is phenomenal.

Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you? Yes, Kimberly-Clark has a mentoring system that is linked to career development reviews. I have had several mentors throughout my career and they have been instrumental in helping me to focus on the big things to ensure I can progress.

What is the most important thing you have ever been told? The best products will benefit the consumer, shopper, retailer and manufacturer all at the same time.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? More focus on understanding the shopper and specifically which promotional activities in the marketplace are of true value to them.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry? Get broad experience and focus on the parts of your day job that add the most value.

Where do you hope to be in five years time? In a role that further broadens my experience and is mentally stimulating.

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