Koen Saels

Senior Director Customer Sustainability Strategy Europe - The Coca-Cola Company

Brussels Metropolitan Area

About

Experience

  • Senior Director Customer Sustainability Strategy Europe at The Coca-Cola Company
    Feb 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

    Working with the Commercial team for development of a strategy and framework for sustainability across both European and international customers to achieve significant progress on the Sustainability agenda (Packaging, Water, Energy & Carbon, Social Impact) by working in partnership with customers. • Partner with Commercial and Customer European Leadership team to craft holistic and integrated business goals and priorities with regards to sustainability • Partner with the broader Sustainability organization and cross-functional stakeholders to advance key projects, investments and business partnerships across the Customer landscape in support of the Sustainability agenda. • Support business case development and business model valuations. • Partner with leaders across PACS to develop and execute Customer-facing Communications and Advocacy agenda in support of the larger Sustainability agenda and expected outcomes. • Key connector to the category & marketing team. • Direct representation and advocacy of the sustainability strategy with customers.

  • Coca-Cola European Partners (5 yrs 5 mos)
    • Sr. Manager Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
      Jan 2019 - Feb 2022 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Development of CCEP’s sustainability strategy at Belgium-Luxembourg level, lead the delivery of local specific sustainability and community partnership initiatives and to ensure CCEP is positioned externally within Belgium & Luxembourg as a sustainability leader. • Implementation of CCEP’s sustainability strategy and coordination of all sustainability initiatives • Supporting the commercial agenda by overseeing strategic partnerships with customers and acting as a subject matter expert to support customer engagement/dialogue on sustainability and creation of joint action plans. • Stakeholder engagement strategy with influential sustainability stakeholders • External spokesperson on sustainability issues/topics at Belgian-Luxembourg level - representing CCEP amongst senior level sustainability stakeholders, on relevant trade associations and sustainability think tanks and by speaking at conferences and conducting media interviews. • Lead the strategic development and execution of local sustainability programs and partnerships. • Develop and deliver the local community strategy – including community programs and coordinate an employee volunteering program.

    • Manager Leisure
      Oct 2016 - Dec 2018 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      • Managing, coaching and developing a team of 9 people • Leading the negotiating with our Key Accounts. • Implementing, monitoring and reviewing regional plans to ensure achievement of volume and profit. • Developing the plans for events, sports, hotels, nightlife & petrol.

  • UEFA EURO 2016 Venue Ops Manager at Coca-Cola France
    Apr 2015 - Oct 2016 · 1 yr 7 mos

    • Lead, develop, the national logistic plan and building a supply chain organization. • Developing, supporting and executing the VIK plans. • Building, developing and executing the recycling plan. • Set up a detailed ‘Bump In/Out’ planning for all venues. • Responsibility of the complete development of the Fan Zones and Stadiums in the North of France. • Build strong relationship with the UEFA stakeholders. • Recruiting, building and leading a team of 50 persons. • Manage the national budget for Logistics, VIK, Recycling and Venues in the North of France. • Development of the ‘All in One’ digital tool for Venue Ops & Field Sales. • Set up the activator assessment and training program.

  • Coca-Cola Enterprises (12 yrs)
    • Field Sales Manager Beverage wholesalers & wholesalers
      Jan 2014 - Mar 2015 · 1 yr 3 mos

      • Managing, coaching and developing a team of 7 people. • Leading the negotiating with our Key Accounts. • Implementing, monitoring and reviewing regional plans to ensure achievement of volume and profit.

    • Field Sales Manager Beverage Wholesalers
      Jan 2009 - Dec 2013 · 5 yrs

    • Venue Manager London Olympic Games
      Jul 2012 - Oct 2012 · 4 mos

      • Developing and executing the venue plan for 2 highest profile venues (Excell & 02 arena). • Managing and coaching a team over 50 people. • Build a strategic venue costs saving plan for the Paralympics. • Managing and Executing the VIK plan. • Ensure a 100% Look of Success implementation.