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Sandra Loader
FMCG - CEO - Executive Director I Non Executive Director I Mentor I Science, Commercial & M&A
Professional Background
Sandra Loader is a distinguished executive and non-executive director with an impressive track record of leadership in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Currently, she serves as the Chief Executive Officer of HSFresh Foods, a prominent salad company dedicated to providing fresh salads and meal solutions to Australia’s largest retailers. Under her guidance, HSFresh has positioned itself as a trusted supplier in the competitive Australian food market, emphasizing quality and innovation.
Sandra’s exceptional leadership extends to her roles as Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director with The Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL) and as a Non-Executive Director with the Sports Environment Alliance. Her expertise is vast, covering key areas such as strategy, planning, risk management, governance, compliance, and innovation. Throughout her career, Sandra has actively contributed to various boards, showcasing her skills and influence within both corporate and non-profit organizations.
Education and Achievements
Sandra’s educational background is as impressive as her professional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Food Science and Technology from Deakin University, equipping her with a solid foundation in the principles of food production and safety.
Additionally, Sandra has pursued further professional development through prestigious programs, including the Board Orientation Series and the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), where she graduated with distinction. Her commitment to governance and strategic oversight is evident in her studies focused on Not-for-Profit Boards at the AICD.
Moreover, Sandra has served on various advisory boards and committees, including her role as a member of the Container Deposit Scheme Advisory Committee for the New South Wales Government. Her dedication to enhancing sustainability practices in the food and beverage industry is commendable.
Notable Roles
Sandra’s impressive career includes significant executive positions that have shaped her expertise and leadership style. Prior to her current role, she was the Executive Director for The Better Drinks Company, a division of Asahi Beverages based in New Zealand. During her time there, she made impactful contributions to the organization’s strategic direction and innovation initiatives.
Her prior experience as Science and Technology Director at Schweppes Australia spanned over eight enriching years, where she led teams focused on innovation, new product development, and quality assurance in the Asia Pacific region. Sandra's tenure included significant contributions to mergers and acquisitions, business integration, and the development of technical sales strategies across various food and beverage sectors.
In addition, Sandra has held positions in Cadbury Schweppes Pty Ltd, where she served as General Manager for Integration Beverages and Confectionery. In these roles, she successfully directed teams toward achieving operational excellence and implementing strategic initiatives that ensured the sustained success of the brands.
Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond her executive roles, Sandra is deeply passionate about coaching and mentoring individuals, small businesses, and communities. She dedicates her time to supporting burgeoning leaders in strategy development, innovation, and organizational change. With her wealth of experience, Sandra shares invaluable insights that empower others to achieve their career aspirations.
As a Victorian Advocate representing Hargraves, an organization known for connecting leaders of innovation, she further promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration within the community. Her work reflects her commitment to fostering environments where innovation thrives through collective wisdom and new perspectives.
Conclusion
Sandra Loader is an exemplary leader whose career is characterized by a dedication to innovation, strategic governance, and mentoring. As she continues to influence the FMCG sector and foster growth in various organizations, her passion for leading with purpose and making a positive impact resonates throughout her professional journey.