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Sacha Kersten
Senior Director Supply Chain Developed Asia at Pfizer
Professional Background
Sacha Kersten is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of extensive operational and leadership experience in the Supply Chain domain. Throughout his career, he has played pivotal roles in some of the most renowned fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and pharmaceutical companies across a variety of geographical markets. Sacha's expertise spans worldwide operations, having successfully managed complex supply chain frameworks in diverse environments.
His most recent role as the Senior Director of Supply Chain Development for Asia at Pfizer highlights Sacha's capability to lead supply chain strategies in a highly competitive and fast-evolving sector. Prior to this, his trajectory at Pfizer saw him serve as the Regional Supply Chain Director for the ANZ region, where he leveraged his skills in strategic thinking and organizational design to achieve remarkable results.
Sacha's impressive career further includes substantial contributions to Johnson & Johnson, where he held multiple significant positions including Group Manager of Customer Connect for the Asia-Pacific region and Group Supply Chain Manager for Business Improvement in the Pacific region. His ability to turn insights into actions and foster cross-functional collaboration has not only streamlined operations but also enhanced customer satisfaction across markets.
Furthermore, Sacha’s keen sense of supply chain dynamics has been a game-changer in transitioning supply chains from reactive to proactive, thereby creating competitive advantages for the organizations he has served. He is known for being a champion of diversity and talent development, recognizing that a motivated and diverse workforce is key to achieving operational goals.
Education and Achievements
Sacha began his educational journey studying Logistics and Marketing at the Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, complemented by studies at the Hogeschool Van Arnhem en Nijmegen (Han). His academic foundation has been crucial in shaping his strategic approach to supply chain management and logistics.
Over the years, Sacha has not only excelled in operational roles but has also been at the forefront of numerous transformational projects. He has demonstrated profound leadership by being a pivotal sponsor in a variety of initiatives, including M&A integrations, SAP SCM implementations, and the establishment of greenfield mill setups. His adept skill set encompasses portfolio management, secondary repacking, and business process management, where he continually seeks to innovate and optimize processes.
Sacha is also a certified Lean Black Belt, reflecting his dedication to process excellence and his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. His leadership extends beyond operational capabilities; he is recognized for his role on boards and as a thought leader who mentors future supply chain professionals.
Notable Achievements
- Talent & Team Development: Sacha has a proven track record in developing and nurturing talent within the workplace, enhancing team cohesion and performance.
- Diversity Champion: As a strong advocate for diversity in the workplace, Sacha has implemented programs that foster inclusivity and harness the strengths of diverse teams.
- Strategic Thinking: He has demonstrated exemplary strategic oversight in managing supply chain operations efficiently and effectively across various geographical landscapes.
- Project Leadership: Spearheading significant projects such as mill closures and supply chain integrations while utilizing SAP technology to drive operational excellence.
- Innovation Accelerator: Sacha's passion for innovation has led to numerous initiatives that disrupt traditional supply chain methodologies, promoting efficiency and effectiveness.
- Board and Advisory Roles: His expertise has seen him participate in high-level discussions and decisions, contributing valuable insights into supply chain trends and strategies.
With a diverse and rich career, Sacha Kersten is not only a notable figure in the Supply Chain and Logistics sphere, but he is also a motivational leader who is dedicated to the principles of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.