‘Chocolate is in my blood’!
Mondelēz Internat
ional’s associate director for research, development and quality Dave Shepherd talks innovation, brand combinations and why he loves the food industry
Describe yourself in three words
Genuine, collaborative, passionate.
What’s your biggest personal achievement?
I’m really proud of how far I’ve come in my 15 years at Mondelēz International. Having started as a food technologist, I’m now managing a team of 50 technologists who help shape the direction of our product development. Channelling our expert know-how into innovative and exciting products that go on to become consumer favourites is immensely satisfying.
How did you get to where you are today?
After studying Food Science at university, I worked for a pet food manufacturer before moving to United Biscuits. I then joined Cadbury and I’ve been here ever since! I’ve worked my way up through the Research, Development and Quality department (RD&Q) to where I am now and that gives me a real sense of pride.
What is your pet hate?
People who say ‘if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it’ – because we can always find ways to improve. We’re lucky to be working with brands that have been popular for years, but that doesn’t mean we stop creating fresh new product ideas.
Give us a positive prediction for the food industry over the next 12 months
The food snacking industry is innovating at an incredible speed and the last 12 months have seen a great deal of new product design within Mondelēz – from combining well-loved brands such as Philadelphia and Cadbury Dairy Mil
k and creating exciting new cross-category innovations, to creating completely new brands such as Cadbury Bubbly. My biscuit background means I’m particularly excited by brand combinations such as Cadbury Dairy Milk with Oreo!
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Where innovation is involved, I think it’s crucial for leaders to be able to give their teams direction and the high level vision needed, whilst at the same time allowing them to fulfil their own potential and not stifle their creativity.
Who do you most admire?
In the current economic environment, I’m amazed by the resilience and determination of start-ups in particular. These entrepreneurs are developing successful services and products from scratch and identifying innovative gaps in the market, helping the UK back on the road to recovery.
Which people or organisations are the ones to watch right now?
Our Bournville site is located near the Jaguar Land Rover plant in Birmingham. Although chocolate and cars have little in common, we are both businesses who need a sustainable pipeline of young technical expertise. We know that Jaguar has an abundance of young talent, so I think they’re definitely one to watch.
Which words do you most overuse?
Delicious, tasty, indulgent – what else would you expect from a confectioner!
Tell us something about yourself that few people know
My parents worked for a confectionery company and met on one of the production lines, so I guess you could say working with chocolate is actually in my blood!
Any vices?
Whilst I have never been much of a sportsman, I follow sport and take it far too seriously. My mood on a weekend is often governed by my football team’s result. I have three young children, so I seem to spend all my weekends cheering them on from the sidelines of one sporting pitch or another. You could probably say I’m becoming one of those over-competitive Dads who is living his sporting dream through his kids!
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
My role requires me to constantly travel, and whilst I really enjoy working with so many different people, I’d love speedier airplanes to get me to and from my meetings faster!
How do you relax?
Although my day job requires me to spend all my time thinking about food, in my spare time I really enjoy growing it! I have an allotment and find being outside really relaxing – it’s a great way to unwind and I try spending any spare time I have down there. Sadly, the climate in the UK doesn’t allow me to grow cocoa on my plot!
How would you like to be remembered?
I’d like to think that I’ve managed to ensure that the quality of our products is as high as ever and that along with my team, I’ve helped to create products that will excite consumers for years to come.
