International business leader Hans Melotte has over 30 years of experience that combines global P&L accountability with functional leadership expertise across supply chain, procurement, technology, and sustainability. Hans is originally from Belgium, where he began his career in CPG at Procter & Gamble. Hans then spent over 20 years at Johnson & Johnson in the United States where he ultimately served as the Chief Procurement Officer before moving into food and beverage retail at Starbucks. Hans retired from his role as President of Global Channel Development at Starbucks in 2022 and is now focused on giving back as an adviser and mentor. 

Hans and Roy discuss what it takes to be a modern supply chain leader, the lessons Hans learned working with some of the largest brands in the world, the differences between North American and European business cultures, and much more.

Highlights from our conversation include:

• Factors that influenced Hans’s approach to leadership (5:07)
• CPG experience at P&G and J&J versus retail experience at Starbucks (6:48)
• Differences between American and European business cultures (11:38)
• His motivation to change industries and roles (15:09)
• Assessing and developing the capabilities of teams (18:06)
• The value of authentic leadership (21:06)
• Hans’s hiring strategy (22:40)
• Qualities that Hans looks for in fellow leaders and teammates (24:51)
• Incorporating stakeholders/partner perspectives into the recruitment process (27:42)
• Authentic interviewing and talent evaluation (29:02)
• Essential qualities of a successful supply chain leader (32:26)
• The importance of being in the moment (38:15)

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