Supply Chain Stories
Supply Chain Stories is a series of recorded interviews with Chief Supply Chain Officers to provide advice, guidance and mentorship to the Supply Chain community.
Jose Antonio Echeverria Villar, Chief Customer Service & Supply Chain Officer, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Sam Berke, Head of Global Supply Chain Search at Pod Talent, spoke with Jose Antonio Echeverria Villar, whose extensive career spans senior roles at Procter & Gamble, Danone, and over two decades with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, where he currently oversees supply chain operations across 31 countries and a team of over 25,000 across the Supply Chain.
Key Themes and Insights
1. Career Journey and Professional Growth
Jose Antonio shares his extensive career journey, transitioning from a technical background in engineering to a leadership role overseeing supply chains across 31 countries. He highlights the diverse experiences he gained in companies like P&G and Danone before joining Coca-Cola, where he has managed roles in manufacturing, engineering, and strategic integrations.
2. Leadership Philosophy
- Work Hard and Stay Humble: Jose reflects on the value of a strong work ethic, as advised by an early mentor. He emphasizes that consistent effort often yields greater rewards than expected.
- Enjoy What You Do: He stresses the importance of aligning one’s career with personal passion, warning against blindly pursuing traditional career paths that may not bring fulfillment.
- People Leadership: Supply chain is a "people business," requiring leaders to manage diverse teams effectively. Jose prioritizes communication, adaptability, and motivation as critical leadership skills.
3. Advice for Early-Career Professionals
- Focus on learning and enjoying the process rather than obsessing over rapid progression.
- Build foundational skills such as people management and understanding the end-to-end business.
- Develop curiosity by exploring cross-functional projects and gaining insights from colleagues in different areas.
4. Future of Supply Chain Leadership
Core Skills for Success:
- People leadership: The ability to manage and inspire large teams.
- Business acumen: Understanding the supply chain’s role within the broader company strategy.
- Adaptability: Keeping up with emerging trends like AI, sustainability, and resilience.Jose notes that while technical skills like AI and data analytics are crucial, they must complement strong leadership and communication abilities.
5. Advice for Ambitious Leaders and Senior Executives
- For young professionals: Embrace a slower career pace in supply chain to master essential skills like team management and operational strategy.
- For senior leaders: Self-assess readiness for C-Suite roles by evaluating skill sets, organizational fit, and risk tolerance. Be honest about goals and willing to pursue opportunities beyond the current company if necessary.