The FMCG Guys

Hosted by Dwyer Partners

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

389

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

The leading Consumer Goods and Retail Podcast in Europe and Beyond. We speak with senior leaders and industry luminaries to go deep into some of the most significant burning topics in the industry, leadership experiences, careers and the stories in between.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 202658 min

327. Alina Nickolson, CEO EECM (Direct and licensed markets) at Suntory Beverage & Food: From Lab to GM, Permanent Transformation, Mentoring v Coaching, Career as a Subway Map, High Performance

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NvGIGU_zEk8 Alina Nickolson is the CEO of Europe Licensed & Commercial Markets at Suntory Beverage & Food. In this episode, recorded live at their offices in Amsterdam, she shares her unconventional journey from scientist and forklift driver to FMCG executive, discusses how great leaders balance performance and transformation, and explains why careers are more like a subway than a ladder. The conversation also explores coaching, diversity, AI, and the leadership lessons she's learned managing teams and businesses across Europe. Tune in to hear about: From biochemistry and logistics to leading some of the biggest FMCG businesses in Europe. Why leadership requires both decisiveness and vulnerability—and knowing when to use each. The mindset behind building high-performing teams through coaching, empowerment, and trust. How FMCG companies can navigate transformation, changing consumer expectations, and the rise of AI. Lessons on career growth, work-life balance, and why careers are "more like a subway than a ladder." Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

June 3, 202650 min

326. Rob Manhoudt, VP Digital Commerce Europe at Procter & Gamble: Shoptalk Europe, from eCom to Digital Commerce, Moments of Trush, Shopper & Consumer Merging

Rob Manhoudt is Procter & Gamble's VP Digital Commerce Europe. With the highly anticipated Shoptalk Europe just around the corner (Barcelona, June 9-11), we are bringing one of their top speakers to the show to go over his unique point of view on Digital Commerce, Brands and, to an extent, the future of FMCG. Tune in to hear about: Why after a career in Sales and General Management, he decided to move into eCommerce The transition from eCommerce to a more holistic and impactful "Digital Commerce" How the funnel has collapsed, silos have come down and eCom Leadership needs to think of the company as a whole The merge between Consumers and Shoppers Retail Media and the next steps to become a top pillar of the Media Mix NPD and Consumer Adoption in an increasingly Digitally-Driven world More about Shoptalk Europe Homepage: https://europe.shoptalk.com/home Agenda: https://europe.shoptalk.com/agendas/2026-agenda Speakers: https://europe.shoptalk.com/speaker-list Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

May 27, 20261 hr 11 min

325. Frouke Hakstege, Global Commerce Director at FrieslandCampina in Partnership with the LEAD Network: Women in Sales, Dual Careers, Raising Children, Mentorship v Sponsorship, from Conversation to Action

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_bHAy84bB3A In this special episode, The FMCG Guys partner with LEAD Network Europe for a candid conversation with FrieslandCampina's Frouke Hakstege on one of the most important challenges facing Consumer Goods today: advancing more women into executive leadership positions. Frouke is the Dutch Dairy Leaders Global Commerce Director and Co-Chair at LEAD's Sales Chapter. Recorded at FrieslandCampina's offices in Amersfoort, the episode explores the realities of leadership, career progression, family life, international moves, and what companies can do to create more inclusive paths to senior leadership. Tune in to hear about: Why female representation at executive level remains a challenge across FMCG and Retail The difference between mentorship and sponsorship — and why both matter Leading a global career while balancing family life and raising 4 children How companies can create cultures where women can thrive long-term The role of visibility, advocacy, and leadership support in career progression Practical ways the industry can move from conversations to measurable action Relevant Links Lead Network Website: Women in Retail and CPG Network & Leadership Programmes | LEAD Network Lead Network Sales Chapter Page: Sales Chapter | LEAD Network (If people register they can download the Sales Career Roadmap under "Chapter Content Library") Sales Chapter LinkedIn Page: (17) LEAD Network Sales Chapter: Overview | LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

May 20, 202646 min

324. Patricia Amaro, Global Digital Commerce Sr Director, eB2B at Mars: Responsible AI, Building Trust, iInovation vs. Governance, AI Risks and Guardrails, Data Privacy, Regulation

Patricia Amaro from Mars returns to The FMCG Guys, after previously joining the podcast to discuss eB2B transformation (listen here), this time to explore why Responsible AI is becoming one of the most important topics in business. From enterprise AI adoption and regulation to hallucinations, data privacy, and governance, the conversation looks at how companies can embrace AI's potential while building the right guardrails for the future. How AI can help companies accelerate innovation, efficiency, and growth Why Responsible AI is about enabling innovation — not slowing it down Practical ways companies can create guardrails while still moving fast The importance of AI literacy, training, and responsible adoption across teams How businesses can balance data privacy, governance, and experimentation Why the future belongs to companies that combine bold innovation with long-term trust Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

May 13, 202652 min

323. Francisco Camacho, CEO at Grupo Lala Live from Mexico City: Dairy, Food Trends, Going back home, Consumer Relevance

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Im35OklDTI Francisco "Paco" Camacho is the Chief Executive Officer at Grupo Lala, Mexico's leader in Dairy. We visited him at their Mexico City Office to speak about how, after a long career in global companies, he's back in his native Mexico to lead a company that's an institution. Topics covered: - Grupo Lala's footprint - The Mexican Consumer Goods and Grocery Markets - Making a Consumer Brand relevant to the current consumer - Change management and cultural transformation - Adjusting to food trends Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

May 6, 202655 min

322. Yves Briantais, CMO at Carlsberg: Marketing Fundamentals, Connecting with Consumers, Health Scares, Cultural Adaptation, Generational Changes

Yves Briantais is the Chief Marketing Officer at Beer Leader Carlsberg. Someone with a unique point of view of marketing and the state of the alcohol category, he joins Christina and Daniel to share how after a long stint at Colgate-Palmolive, he's re-discovered himself to be successful at the Danish icon. Tune in to hear about: Moving to Carlsberg after nearly two decades at Colgate What Marketing should be like The alcohol category, what's the gap when connecting with consumers Liverpool FC and sports sponsorships Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

April 29, 202647 min

321. Maria Chong, Managing Director - Europe at Lee Kum Kee Live from London: The Original Oyster Sauce, Changing Flavours in Europe, Speaking with Chefs, A Growing Category

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cD1ge-XvcxY Lee Kum Kee is the company that first commercialized the world-renowned Oyster Sauce back in 1888. Today, it's a world leading condiments and sauces business. Our guest, Maria Chong, leads the business in Europe and we sat down with her at their London Office to discover how they've grown and what their plans are in the coming years. You'll be delighted! Tune in to hear about: The background of this historical company How they've developed in Europe since she stepped in as MD in 2012 Demographic and cultural shifts in the Old Continent The importance of cultivating relationships with chefs to develop new flavours Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

April 22, 20261 hr 0 min

320. Boris Rütten, Global Head of eCommerce at Henkel and Salim Bachatene, SVP eCommerce Sales at NielsenIQ: AI-Ready Data, Taking the Pain Early, eCommerce Becoming a Generalist Role, Lack of Digital Shelf Standards

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P4MZ7Wofuoo Boris Rütten (Global Head of eCommerce at Henkel, who visited us 2023) and Salim Bachatene (SVP eCommerce Sales at NIQ) join us to tackle one of the most critical, and often overlooked, topics in modern commerce: Data. For years, eCommerce teams have focused on growth levers without fully addressing the complexity of bringing data together. But as AI and advanced analytics take center stage, the reality is clear: without strong data foundations, there is no meaningful insight and no scalable impact. In this podcast we explore how brands can connect online and offline data, establish the right governance, and turn fragmented inputs into actionable, cross-functional decisions. Topics covered: Why data has traditionally been ignored in eCommerce—and why that's changing fast The three essential layers of commerce data: online, offline, and the connection between both Why AI and insights are only as strong as the data behind them The consequences of poor data management—and how to avoid them Governance: who should own data internally, and how to structure it effectively Navigating a world without digital shelf standards Practical recommendations to move from siloed data to actionable growth More: Other Webinars with NIQ Boris' 2023 Episode: https://www.fmcgguys.com/henkel-boris-rutten-ecommerce/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

April 15, 202645 min

319. Bart Ongenaet, Commercial, Supply and Wholesale Director Mexico at Decathlon: Sports Consumer, from Store to Leader, Managing Japan, Retail and Marketplaces, Quality for Everyone

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8oc8kc_rdoA Bart Ongenaet is the Commercial, Supply and Wholesale Director for Mexico at sports retailer Decathlon. When Daniel joined him to record live in Mexico City , he had to enter and go through their store before accessing the office. This is very telling about the organisation, always close to the consumer and to Bart's own experience in the company, which started managing a small section of a shop in Belgium and has taken him to Japan and now Mexico in senior leadership roles. Tune in to hear about: Bart's background as a psychologist and playing sports and then transitioning into business Decathlon's "management school" based on empowerment from day 1 The evolution from big stores to a now also having a digital multi-brand marketplace How to deliver quality at an affordable price Brand architecture in their multiple sports His experience in Japan and lessons learnt along the way, both in business and leadership Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/ Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

April 8, 202626 min

318. Amit Keswani, Chief Omnichannel and AI Officer at Chalhoub Group live from Shoptalk Luxe: On/Off Line Intergration in Luxury, AI applications, Licences, Risk-Taking in a Career

Watch on YouTube Live from Shoptalk Luxe: https://youtu.be/vNIJJmgD3Fg Amit Keswani is the Chief Omnichannel and AI Officer at the Chalhoub Group, a leading luxury retail group in the Middle East, where he leads customer, technology, loyalty, and AI transformation across a portfolio of hundreds of brands. In this episode recorded live in Abu Dhabi, we discuss the reality of omnichannel in luxury retail, how AI is being implemented in practice, and why the future of commerce will be driven by discoverability on LLMs and conversational shopping experiences. Topics covered: The Chalhoub Group business model across luxury retail, owned brands, and franchise distribution What omnichannel really means in practice and how to build seamless customer journeys How AI is being applied today: predictive analytics, agentic AI, and conversational commerce Why discoverability on LLMs and conversational shopping will reshape ecommerce Career advice, risk-taking, and the balance between data-driven decisions and gut feel