Sinéad Duffin

With over 14 years of diverse experience in roles such as Strategy, National Accounts, Category Management, Insights, and Field Sales, I have been fortunate to grow my career within Nestlé. The company's extensive portfolio across various categories presents endless opportunities for professional development and advancement.

What excites you most about your role and working for Nestlé?

I take great pleasure in collaborating with passionate individuals, and I appreciate the emphasis on fostering a fun work environment, as work occupies a significant portion of our lives. I am particularly enthusiastic about our exceptional brands, especially in the Coffee and Pet categories.

Recently, we launched a new product line in Iced Coffee, marking an exciting venture into a completely new segment and consumer base for Nestlé. This initiative has encouraged us to think innovatively about how we engage with these new consumers.

I feel privileged to collaborate with the UK & Irish teams, where I have gained invaluable insights from our leadership about embracing our unique strengths, practicing radical candor, and focusing on coaching. At Nestlé, every voice is heard and valued.

What has been the best advice you've been given in your career? Do you have any top tips of your own for new starters?

The best piece of advice I have received is, “not making a decision is making a decision.” It’s essential to make a choice and take ownership of it. I also encourage new starters to take charge of their development plan. Schedule regular discussions with your manager and senior leaders to focus on your growth.

Are you involved with any of Nestlé's inclusion and belonging initiatives?

Throughout my career, I have participated in various initiatives. Currently, I am a member of the charity committee, collaborating with our partner, Barretstown, which provides residential camps and programs for children facing cancer and other serious illnesses in Ireland. Their work is truly remarkable, and I look forward to contributing positively to this partnership and supporting our Nestlé Ireland efforts over the next three years.

Is there anyone that inspires you, either personally or professionally?

I am fortunate to have a wonderful group of female friends who are my biggest supporters. They challenge, coach, and inspire me daily. One individual who particularly inspires me is my good friend Lisa. She is a strong advocate for fostering a supportive environment for women in the workplace. Lisa has led numerous initiatives, including those focused on fertility at work and supporting caregivers returning to the workforce. Her strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, combined with her collaborative approach, have made a significant impact.

What has been your proudest moment at Nestlé?

I have experienced many proud moments at Nestlé, but one that stands out is securing my current role. I had been working towards a category lead position for several years, broadening my experience in sales and line management to achieve this goal. It is an incredible privilege to lead such a dynamic category and collaborate with exceptional talent on the coffee team.

What one thing would you like to see more people doing to be more inclusive?

I would like to see more individuals ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard in meetings. When all participants feel included, meetings become more collaborative and yield better outcomes. Every experience and opinion is valuable and deserves acknowledgment.