Eva Braem

Commercial & Growth Leader | FMCG & Retail | Key Account + Field Sales | Driving Execution & Business Performance | Building Teams | International | 4 Languages #FMCG #Retail #Growth #SalesLeadership

Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium

About

I build businesses that work. Commercially driven, operationally grounded, and focused on execution. With 20+ years across FMCG and consumer industries (DIY), I’ve worked at the intersection of (field) sales, pricing, supply chain and customer strategy — always with one goal: making the business simpler, smarter and more effective. I’ve built my career in both local and international roles, working across markets and cultures, and developing a strong affinity for connecting people, aligning organizations, and driving consistent execution across geographies. I’m known for developing teams into strong business partners — people who understand their numbers, challenge assumptions, and drive performance with clarity. I thrive in environments where things need to move forward: structured enough to operate, but open enough to improve. Today, I’m particularly interested in opportunities where I can contribute to building and scaling businesses internationally, bringing structure, commercial focus and execution discipline into growing organizations. Strategy matters. Execution makes the difference.

Experience

  • Henkel (18 yrs 6 mos)
    • General Manager BNL Henkel Adhesives for Consumers and Craftsmen
      Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

      GM with strong commercial and execution focus +General Manager of the BeNeLux business, leading cross-functional teams (Commercial, Marketing, Controlling) across two countries, with full team responsibility (25+ people). +Led the development and execution of a comprehensive turnaround plan for the DIY business, addressing structural decline in core DIY channels through changes in portfolio, route-to-market and commercial approach. +Combined general management with a strong commercial leadership role, actively coaching both key account and field sales teams on negotiations, pricing strategies and customer development. +Strengthened commercial discipline and execution, introducing clearer prioritization, structured planning cycles and more focus on follow-up and delivery. +Redesigned the go-to-market approach in Belgium, rebuilding presence with independent retailers and adapting the commercial model to better reflect market realities + Expanded field sales presence in Belgium (incl. external teams), defining clear KPIs, incentives and first steps towards CRM-enabled execution. +Adapted distribution and service model to better meet customer needs, improving flexibility, efficiency and service levels. +Oversaw broader business functions including marketing direction and performance tracking, and led alignment with HQ through structured reporting, forecasting and business reviews. +Active member of the Western European leadership team, contributing to broader strategic discussions and transformation initiatives. Brands: Loctite, Pattex, Rubson, Perfax, Pritt, Tangit.

    • Commercial Director Henkel Consumer Adhesives BNL
      Nov 2022 - Oct 2024 · 2 yrs

      Commercial Director with full responsibility across diverse channels (DIY, independents, PRO, value retail, e-commerce and stationery) in 2 countries +Transformed both key account and field sales teams from execution-focused to commercially accountable, with clear ownership over contracts, margins and customer profitability +Significantly strengthened commercial capability, transforming the team into more analytical, business-driven partners with stronger ownership of customer P&L, contracts and negotiations. +Introduced Net Revenue Management (NRM) principles, including margin pool thinking, pay-for-performance and systematic evaluation of promotional investments. +Challenged legacy promotional models, highlighting inefficiencies and driving a more disciplined approach to investments, focus and performance. +Built stronger alignment between sales and supply chain, improving forecasting, collaboration and operational execution. +Delivered consecutive years of improved profitability by combining better commercial discipline, sharper prioritization and stronger execution. Brands: Loctite, Pattex, Rubson, Perfax, Pritt & Tangit

    • Head of Demand Planning BNL (Henkel Beauty Care)
      Jul 2020 - Oct 2022 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      +Led the Demand Planning team and implemented a structured S&OP process, improving cross-functional alignment, supply reliability and inventory balance. +Transformed Demand Planning into a more business-oriented and customer-focused function, strengthening collaboration and joint planning with Sales and Marketing. +Improved alignment between commercial and supply chain teams, enabling better decision-making and more effective execution. +Delivered strong improvements across key KPIs, including forecast accuracy, service level and reduction of obsoletes, supporting business & client relation. +Introduced a more structured approach to (the many) launches and relaunches, improving planning, coordination and control over listings, delistings and assortment. +Strengthened team capabilities by building business acumen and communication skills, enabling clearer stakeholder dialogue and more solution-oriented collaboration. +Successfully led the team without prior functional expertise, focusing on people development, clarity and structured collaboration to drive performance. Brands & Productcategories: Schwarzkopf Retail & Professional Hairdresser business (Taft, Got2B, Gliss Kur, Junior, colorations), Syoss, Fa Showergel & Deodorant, Diadermine skincare, Theramed oral care & trend brands Nature Box, Barnängen, Naturale Antica Erboristeria (N.A.E)

  • Brand Manager at LU - General Biscuits
    2004 - 2008 · 4 yrs