Packer 25 2021 - Candice Herndon
How did you get your start in the produce industry?
I got my start in the produce/food supply chain industry with CHEP in 2006. While in university my interest in the supply chain grew as I learned about all the pieces of the puzzle and how they all fit. Working as a supply chain service provider to the industry helped me realize another strong interest in produce, food, and retailing as I saw how the goods we consume everyday flow from growers to retailers.
What roles have you held during you career?
I spent the first seven years of my career with Accenture performing strategy and management consulting services with a focus on supply chain management, business process optimization, and RFID solutions.
I then spent 14 years with Brambles/CHEP working across many functions including supply chain solutions, strategy, retail and manufacturer sales, marketing, sustainability and regulatory affairs, and general management.
Prior to joining IFCO as president of IFCO North America in January 2021, I spent the previous four years living in the UK as vice president of CHEP Europe. While in this role I led the commercial key accounts and two additional European business units focused on delivering customer solutions that eliminate waste, risk, and cost in the “first mile” of supply chains.
How would you describe your current role?
Simply put, my role with IFCO is to help move fresh products into the hands of consumers safely, efficiently, and sustainably. As a service provider to the fresh industry, my focus is helping to seamlessly connect growers and retailers across North America.
What do you hope to accomplish/contribute through that role?
My goal is to grow IFCO in a sustainable manner through a more dedicated focus on servicing our customers to create long-term grower and retailer customer partnerships. My team and I plan to do this through continuous improvement of service and quality; greater use of process, product and technology innovation; and growing and developing our passionate and committed IFCO employees.
What industry groups are you involved with?
Throughout my career, I’ve been involved with various food, supply chain and sustainability focused groups and initiatives. I will be joining the PMA/United Fresh board of directors in January and am looking forward to the opportunity to serve the produce industry more directly. I’m also very passionate about mentoring women in business and helping to advance diversity & inclusion initiatives both within my organizations and across industries.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
In 2016 I had the opportunity to take an ex-pat assignment in Europe, which was a transformative time in my career. Helping to grow and improve businesses across a diverse and challenging landscape of markets, developing long-lasting relationships with colleagues and customers across the globe, and being able to share that experience with my children and husband abroad was both a professional achievement and an invaluable development opportunity for me.
Seeing first-hand how different supply chains and retailers operate across the globe has helped me to identify leading practices and potential opportunities for IFCO and our customers in North America.
What does leadership mean to you?
I believe that leadership is a behavior, not a title, and ultimately comes down to the positive impact you have on people and the world around you. One of my favorite leadership quotes has always been, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” I’ve been fortunate to have had colleagues, friends, and managers who have done just that for me, and it’s definitely a goal and measure of success I would have for myself.
Who are some of your industry mentors?
I’ve had so many colleagues, peers and managers along the way that have contributed to my professional and personal development. I’ve had two managers in particular who have played a tremendous role in my career – growing, inspiring, and challenging me. This has been critical for me and I would always advise future leaders to seek out impactful mentors.
If you had to pick one fruit or vegetable to eat every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I think I’d have to pick lettuce. I’d then politely inquire if I could also include tomatoes, avocados, and blueberries, though.
