Robin, 
Capability Manager 
Europe
 

 ?  What inspired you to apply for the SMT Programme at AB InBev, and how did it shape your leadership journey? 

When applying for the SMT programme, I was inspired by the balance between the operational and leadership focus, and the fact that the programme allowed me to explore different operations across different countries.

During each step of the recruitment process and interaction with AB InBev, I was convinced that AB InBev I was the right company for me, a company of people who dream big and are never satisfied with themselves.

Today, I am convinced that no company could have offered me the same journey that I am still having with AB InBev.
 

 ?  How did the programme prepare you to take on leadership responsibilities, and can you share a moment when you demonstrated leadership?

To be a good leader, you need to understand what is happening in the shops and connect it to the business strategy. That is exactly what the SMT programme offered me. It allows you to have extensive contact with the frontline employees and learn from them, and at the same time, you will receive extensive trainings in finance, strategy, logistics, etc.

One of my projects was linked to the creation and implementation of a new process on a packaging line. Very early in the traineeship, I had to show leadership by explaining to the frontline staff this new process and making sure it was executed properly.
 

 ?  Can you share a project from the programme where your leadership or decision-making made a significant difference? What was the impact?

As a project, I was tasked to improve our inbound ordering process in our distribution center in Belgium. After gathering inputs from all distribution centers, we managed to successfully roll out the process with great adoption from the team.

The thing that I am the most proud of ? When I go back later to these distribution centers, they are still using the tool that I built during my SMT project!
 

 ?  What would you say to candidates considering the SMT Programme about how it helps build leadership skills and opens doors for their future career?

The SMT programme gives you a unique opportunity to explore the full AB InBev supply chain and work on various projects in different fields while delivering real results. It also comes with a lot of opportunities to network with AB InBev's top management and to build connections that will last and be very important for the rest of your career.
 

 ?  How has your role evolved since completing the traineeship, and what responsibilities do you now manage that inspire you the most?

Since the traineeship, I have held a wide range of positions in logistics in different departments: operations, project management, finance, and now process excellence. At some point, I even had to manage a team of more than 40 people !

What inspires me the most is that I'm able to support more than 25 operations across all of Europe by focusing on operational excellence to make sure we operate safely and efficiently.