Arnott's Brand Manager Innovation Graham Fairbairn, former winner and judge, mentor and moderator of the Joe Berry Award (JBA), tells Retail World about his passion for building meaningful relationships with FMCG brands and sharing knowledge gained through mentors and executives have been given something back he feels obliged.
Graham Fairbairn
Where did your career at FMCG begin?
I had recently arrived in Australia after graduating from Oxford University and was late trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I took up an advertised position for a customer service representative at Aztec (now IRI) and offered an exciting advisory service in which you could "work with organizations that provide us with the household brands that we use in our daily lives".
I didn't think about it at the time, but that was the catch. Until then lived in seven different countries, a thread of consistency when moving from place to place (involved) favorite drinks, chocolate, detergent and so on.
I found that I already had a significant relationship with these brands and loved working with them every day.
Guide us through the journey that led you to your current role.
After a few years at Aztec, I wondered what happened to my customer recommendations after the deck was delivered. So I decided to manage the supplier side and switched to Arnott.
I moved up in sales / category and decided to do my MBA after winning the JBA in 2013. I was lucky enough to come to Harvard and had a great time learning from so many different, inspiring people.
I used my time at Harvard to do marketing and work in the United States. I took on a role at Beam Suntory in Chicago and managed the super premium whiskey portfolio. Then, after a few years, my wife and I called to go home.
The recent acquisition of Arnott by KKR (New York-based private equity firm) created an opportunity for the Arnott innovation team. It was incredible to be part of the transition effort and to help develop the company's new long-term strategy.
What inspired you to be where you are today?
The myriad of managers and mentors that I have had during my time and who have all helped to support me in my efforts. I am grateful to each of them. You can never repay these people, but you can pass them on to the next generation of talent.
Is there any advice you have received throughout your career?
A quote from Clayton Christensen (American academic and business consultant who developed the theory of "disruptive innovation"), one of the most inspiring professors at Harvard Business School (HBS): "Don't worry about the level of awareness you have achieved. Worry about the people you have helped to become better people. "
Smart advice for all of us. I support and support candidates through the JBA and HBS application process so that others have the same opportunities as me.
What were some of the biggest challenges along the way?
The application process for Harvard: It took 18 months. I had to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) three times before I got a good score and put together a decent application.
To be successful, you have to have two contradictory ideas in your head: total commitment and confidence that you can do it, and the fact that you have less than a percent chance of getting started. I was very lucky to do the cut.
What are some of your biggest career highlights / successes so far?
The good fortune of having an exceptional education associated with upward movements in my career has allowed me to celebrate my own and others' successes. It was very rewarding to see how Clem (Clementine Churchill) and Mike (Cullerne) (both from Campbell Arnott) received the Joe Berry Award and the TPF grant (Trading Partner Forum) in 2016. I had strongly supported the award this year and was thrilled that the organization was gathering around the candidates and giving them the support they needed for convincing presentations. That makes Arnott a great place to work.
My engagement at the JBA brings a lot to my career. I love having a forum where I can look at the current state of the industry and share my thoughts about the future.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would either like to be a country head or run a medium-sized FMCG company. Ultimately, I see general management as my long-term calling. I want to create a job that people would be proud of.
What advice would you give to others looking for a career in the FMCG sector?
The nice thing about FMCG is that there are so many functional areas that you can build a convincing career in each of them. However, this freedom goes hand in hand with the responsibility to take responsibility for your own development.
Choose something that interests you and take every opportunity to get there. Don't be afraid to make career changes if you do something wrong, but don't ask yourself.
