"Our passionate leaders inspire their employees day after day and help them develop their professional skills."

Name: Dieter Follens

Position: Manager, Product Costing Coffee, European Union

Location: Kraft Foods Europe, Zürich, Switzerland

Education: Master’s in Commercial Engineering with Major in Finance; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium

Year Joined Kraft Foods: October 2002

What I do:
When I signed up with Kraft Foods in 2002, I quickly realized that I didn’t sign for a finance job but for a finance career. I started as an assistant with internal controls, and then I worked as a financial analyst and a cost controller. I was always based in Belgium, until I was promoted to finance manager in our European Union (EU) office supporting the cheese and dairy business. For this job, I moved to Zürich, Switzerland, and I haven’t regretted that decision for a minute.

During my three years in that role, the job brought me the broadest possible view of finance. From analyzing and consolidating the financial performance of 19 EU countries to working closely with the category teams on business decisions. I recently took on a new role as product cost manager for our EU coffee business in February 2009.

Why I love my job:
Kraft Foods has helped me develop various skills, like analytical, communication and people management, and to apply them to create real value for the company. The feeling to actively contribute to the company’s growth provides me with a lot of satisfaction. And if that contribution happens every day in a new way, satisfaction turns into real pleasure.

Every day is still as different, as challenging and as interesting as in the beginning. This is due to the various career opportunities Kraft Foods has offered me so far. But in order to “love” your job, you need even more. And that’s where people can make the real difference! The inspiring, professional and easy-going colleagues and passionate leaders are still what I adore in my job and what makes my day “delicious” every day.