How long have you been working for JBS and how has the company changed in that time?

In 2004, after 5 years’ experience in the meat industry, I joined JBS SA where I was responsible for sales of industrialized products. Six years later, I moved to a different part of the JBS group – JBS Toledo in Belgium. Initially a Commercial Manager, I became Managing Director in 2016.

During my 16 years at JBS, the company has grown exponentially from a solely Brazilian-based company in 2004, to branching out internationally a year later and becoming the largest animal protein company and the second largest food company in the world.

It has been a great journey to witness, experience and be a part of this growth, where the company’s mission and values have always been respected.

It has been a privilege to be a part of the fantastic history of JBS as it has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified professionals every day – increasing our desire to do more, do better and grow with the company.

How has your job changed during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Well, as I am sure many would agree, it has not been an easy time and the current working situation is new for all of us. If we think about life 6 months ago when it all started and compare it to now, uncertainty plays a greater part in our daily activity.

The first and most important concern and priority for us was to adjust measures to ensure the safety, well-being and health of our team members. This includes the crucial measures that needed to be taken in our factories, to ensure production continues in order for the entire supply chain work and our customers and final consumers have access to our products.

Managing a strategic commercial office in the EU, I was used to working remotely when travelling to visit customers, partners and also our factories in Brazil, but working from home was still a new experience and learning curve for all our team members.

During the past months across Europe, we have experienced some challenges in our prepared foods business but  in comparison to last year, the overall business has grown in our area, proving that even in difficult times, we need to make the best of all situations and always look for opportunities.

What does the next year hold for JBS?

Due to the global pandemic, I believe we are now living in a historical time and facing unforeseen uncertainties.

Just like many, I am unsure when we will go back to ‘normal’ or what the ‘normal’ will be in the near future, but this uncertainty gives us different perspectives, taking us out of our comfort zone and forcing us to look for new opportunities. What we are sure of is that we will take these opportunities and continue our efforts in what we are good at and ensuring our customer received the best products and services, as it is our mission to be the best in everything we do.