Evelyne de Leersnyder has been with The Coca-Cola Company for more than 15 years and is highly recognized for her instrumental role in leading system growth across a variety of local and regional functions in Europe: she started her career in the Technical team in Belgium, after which she moved into Franchise Operations, leading the Marketing team in Denmark and Iceland; driving the Commercial agenda in Austria and was General Manager in Bulgaria. In 2021 she went back to marketing and as Marketing Frontline North Area Director for GB, Ireland, and Nordics, she demonstrated passion to drive change and with a people-focused agenda, she successfully built the north area team, constantly seeking opportunities for cross-functional collaboration in the network, setting a clear business priority and bringing future thinking into the way of working. She has been instrumental in her role as chief of staff to the European president, reviewing and optimizing routines and ways of working and getting Coca-Cola rallied behind Objectives and Key Results linking to the ways the company prioritizes and stays honest. As of April 1, 2023, Evelyne has been appointed as the VP franchise operations for Germany, Denmark, and Finland. Evelyne is a passionate advocate on diversity and inclusion, setting the direction within Coca-Cola Europe but also acting as a mentor and support for upcoming talent. Since 2023, Evelyne also serves as a member of AmCham Germany's Board of Directors.
What are the benefits for companies regarding their effort to promote diversity?
"Throughout our history, Coca-Cola has stood up for – and celebrated – diversity, equity and inclusion around the world, from being the first major business to appoint a female board member to being a founding partner of the Special Olympics. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Promoting diversity is essential for companies in fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace. By embracing diverse perspectives, you may have the chance to tap into a wider talent pool, ensuring a variety of skills and experiences that drive creativity and innovation. Embracing diversity improves employee satisfaction and retention, as a culture of inclusivity often correlates with a more supportive and engaging work environment."
What opportunities and chances do diverse teams offer?
"We leverage the remarkable diversity of people across the world to achieve our purpose of refreshing the world and making a difference. Our aspiration is not only to mirror the diversity of the communities where we operate, but also to lead and advocate for a better shared future. Diverse teams offer a wealth of opportunities. They bring together a broad range of experiences, cultural viewpoints, and problem-solving skills, leading to more innovative and creative solutions. This variety in perspectives is especially beneficial in a globalized business environment. Diverse teams also are better at identifying market gaps and consumer needs, enhancing the company's competitiveness. Furthermore, the interaction within such teams fosters a culture of learning and adaptability, essential traits for staying ahead in the rapidly changing world."
Apart from business opportunities, what else encourages companies to strive for a diverse company culture?
"There are vital societal and ethical motivations to foster a diverse company culture. In our own organization, we want everyone to feel this is a place for all to be included, regardless of their background, identity, or position. We believe difference backgrounds, different perspectives and different ways of thinking create a work environment where we can all learn and grow, and result in better solutions. Within all ambitions, we focus our efforts across five broad dimensions of diversity, both internally and externally: gender, culture and heritage, ability & wellness, generations and life experience, and LGBTQ+. We enable diverse perspectives and foster innovation and collaboration across the company, while promoting a culture of acceptance and belonging. And we recognize, learn from, and elevate one another."
What can we learn from each other with regard to D&I?
"Learning from global Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) efforts highlights several key insights. Leadership commitment is crucial; when leaders actively support D&I, it sets a positive tone throughout the organization. Transparency in D&I goals and progress builds trust and shows genuine commitment to change. Adapting D&I strategies to local contexts while upholding global principles is essential for relevance and effectiveness in different regions. This involves understanding and respecting the cultural, legal, and social nuances. Moreover, fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages a sense of belonging is vital. It's not just about numerical diversity but creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. These learnings are fundamental in developing D&I strategies that are resilient, adaptable, and impactful globally."
