Post by Angelito Lacson

As a member of the Founding Advisory Council for the WorldOpex Awards, I have the unique privilege of helping celebrate the very best in global operational excellence. But today, this role feels deeply personal. ​I recently submitted my nominations for two major categories, and I couldn't be prouder to shine a spotlight on five extraordinary leaders who have profoundly shaped my own journey, inspired thousands, and transformed some of the world's largest organizations. ​🏆 For the World OpEx Pioneer Awards: I have nominated three visionary leaders who took Lean methodologies to new heights at Nestlé: Gustavo Rodrigues Zenaide – For his brilliant leadership in deploying and elevating the global Lean initiative across the Nestlé world. Rajesh Singh – For his inspirational leadership in driving Nestlé Continuous Excellence (NCE) and Lean across Asia, proving that culture always drives metrics. Philippe Moritz – For being the pioneer lead of the Lean Office in Global Nestlé, demonstrating that continuous improvement belongs in the office just as much as on the shop floor. ​🏅 For the Lifetime Achievement in Operational Excellence: I have nominated two of my former bosses—true giants of industry who taught me what world-class leadership looks like: ​Don Wirth – My former boss at DuPont, who pioneered and embedded the spirit of Six Sigma and Lean across Asia-Pacific and globally when these methodologies were still relatively unknown. ​Andreas Berger – My dear boss at Nestlé, who was the driving force responsible for implementing and scaling the Nestlé Continuous Excellence (NCE) system worldwide, making it a living, breathing part of the company's DNA. ​To all five of you—thank you for your guidance, your trust, and for showing us how to lead with both head and heart. You are the true definition of pioneers. ​Join me in wishing them the best of luck! ​#OperationalExcellence #WorldOpEx2026 #ContinuousImprovement #LeanSixSigma #Leadership #NestleContinuousExcellence #DuPont #LeanOffice #Inspiration