Susanne Gerhard shares experience and insights for International Women’s Day

1. Can you explain your role as the Director of Program Management Operations?

I have responsibility for program management activities within Amcor Flexibles Europe, Middle East & Africa. My team assists on a range of different projects, with no two ever being the same. We could be working on market growth projects involving new machine technologies one day, then machine installations to help supply more sustainable packaging the next. Alternatively, we could be supporting business transformation projects that require a quick turnaround to swiftly bring new product innovations to market.

2. What was your career path?

I've been working with Amcor for over 20 years now. I started working in Germany back in 2000, after moving from my home in sunny Cape Town, South Africa. My first role was in sales with the Amcor Specialty Cartons business group. From there, I’ve worked my way through several Plant General Manager positions around the world, including in the Netherlands, the UK, Argentina, and Mexico. I then became Operations Director for Latin America, based in Atlanta in the U.S, before heading back to Europe to become Operations Director, Snacks & Confectionary prior to my current role. I also have a degree in Internal Auditing.

3. What is your proudest achievement while working at Amcor?

I’ve had so many over the years! What has been consistent throughout my time is that all my best moments have come from working with great teams. As a standout, one of my proudest achievements was working in the team tasked with transforming the performance of our LATAM plants. It was a wonderful experience, as it felt great to be part of a major project like that. I had such a blast working with that exceptionally talented team.

4. Who is your inspiration, and why?

As a South African, for me it has it has to be Nelson Mandela. He was the most forgiving human of all time. Despite all the years of wrongful imprisonment, he was still committed to building a unified nation where equality and harmony rule. We can all learn a great deal from his integrity and his humbleness. He was an incredibly special person.

5. What is the most important piece of life or career advice you have been given?

Concentrate on the things you can change, don’t waste time on the things you can’t. That’ll only lead to frustration. I try to live this every day.

6. What message would you send to young people thinking about their careers?

Focus on what you want to achieve and make sure you have a strong plan in place to help you reach your goals. It’s important to be resilient and to remember that it’s always about people. Together we are strong; alone it is hard to succeed.

7. When you’re not working, where are we likely to find you?

I love being in my garden at home. I’m always planting something new, especially roses. We have over 200 rose bushes in our garden!