Estelle Quek, Editorial Director of CIO ASEAN, recently spoke with Adnan G.A, Digital Services Lead for Africa, the Middle East, and Asia at Mondelez International. They discussed how the company is translating its digital goals into measurable business outcomes.
Adnan explained how Mondelez tackles rapid technological changes by adopting a principle of being “as common as possible, as different as needed.” This approach allows the company to scale artificial intelligence (AI) platforms effectively while customizing experiences for different regions. He pointed out that the key to success lies not just in technology, but in data quality, governance, and the readiness of talent.
Mondelez views AI adoption through two primary lenses. The first is the use of everyday productivity tools for employees. The second involves more significant, enterprise-level changes that reshape operations in manufacturing, supply chain, and sales. Central to the company’s strategy is governance, with a global AI board in place to ensure ethical AI use, control bias, and safeguard consumer data. The company also invests heavily in capability development, which includes technology and business functions supported by upskilling programs and platforms like Workday.
When integrating AI into legacy systems, Adnan emphasized that people and data are more important than the systems themselves. Effective change management and strong data governance are critical components. In the future, Adnan believes FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) companies will need to collaborate on industry standards and share data responsibly while continuing to compete in the marketplace. For talent development, Adnan supports a “step in, step out, step up” model, which encourages employees to adopt AI, offload routine tasks, and move into more valuable roles.
Balancing Innovation with Ethical Responsibility
Mondelez’s approach to AI is rooted in both innovation and ethical responsibility. The company recognizes the transformative power of AI but places equal importance on responsible deployment. Central to this is ensuring that AI systems are implemented with fairness and transparency.
A critical part of scaling AI responsibly is managing data correctly. This means ensuring that consumer data is handled securely and that AI algorithms are free from bias. The global AI board at Mondelez ensures these ethical principles guide every AI initiative. The company also focuses on maintaining data privacy and adhering to industry standards for ethical AI deployment.
Additionally, the role of governance cannot be overstated in AI implementation. Adnan emphasized that companies must ensure AI decisions align with ethical standards and long-term business goals. This process requires continuous monitoring and adjusting AI systems to meet both regulatory and ethical benchmarks.
Driving AI Adoption through Employee Engagement
For Mondelez, AI adoption isn’t just about new technologies. It’s also about empowering employees to embrace these tools to enhance productivity. Adnan highlighted that the company’s AI initiatives are designed not only to improve operational efficiency but also to transform the work environment.
The “step in, step out, step up” talent strategy encourages employees to start by using AI for routine tasks. As employees grow in their understanding of AI, they are encouraged to take on higher-value roles. This strategy aims to build a workforce that is not only technologically skilled but also equipped to tackle more complex, strategic challenges.
Furthermore, Mondelez ensures that employees are supported in their AI journey with ongoing training programs. These programs are designed to foster a deep understanding of AI’s potential while focusing on its responsible and ethical use. By integrating AI into employee workflows gradually, Mondelez creates an environment where AI can thrive alongside human creativity.
Governance and Data Stewardship in AI Integration
When scaling AI, data governance is of utmost importance. Adnan explained that AI systems must be backed by strong governance frameworks that ensure ethical use and consumer protection. This includes developing protocols for AI that prioritize transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Mondelez’s approach to data stewardship is holistic. The company doesn’t just rely on technology to enforce data governance; it also focuses on fostering a culture of responsibility among employees. This ensures that everyone, from top executives to entry-level staff, understands the importance of ethical AI practices.
Strong data governance also plays a vital role in controlling AI biases. AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on, and biased data can lead to unfair outcomes. By instituting rigorous oversight, Mondelez ensures that its AI systems remain objective and trustworthy.
The Role of AI in Transforming Business Operations
AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of business operations, from supply chains to manufacturing. For Mondelez, AI is more than just a tool for automation; it’s a strategic enabler for long-term growth. By applying AI across various areas of the business, the company enhances both efficiency and innovation.
For instance, AI is helping to optimize supply chain management. Through predictive analytics, Mondelez can foresee disruptions and adjust strategies accordingly, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Similarly, AI is used to streamline manufacturing processes, improving quality control and reducing production costs.
Sales operations are also being transformed by AI. By analyzing vast amounts of customer data, AI helps Mondelez better understand consumer preferences and adjust its product offerings. This data-driven approach enhances customer satisfaction and drives higher sales, creating a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Collaborating Across Industries for AI Best Practices
As AI continues to evolve, collaboration between industry players is essential. Adnan emphasized that companies, particularly in the FMCG sector, must work together to set common standards for AI deployment. This collaboration will ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively across the industry.
Sharing data and best practices can help companies avoid pitfalls and accelerate the adoption of AI. However, this collaboration must be done with caution, ensuring that sensitive information is protected. Adnan believes that responsible data-sharing will be key to accelerating AI’s transformative impact on industries worldwide.
By working together, companies can also ensure that AI is deployed in a way that benefits society as a whole. This includes ensuring that AI’s impact on jobs is positive and that it contributes to economic growth without exacerbating inequality. The future of AI in business relies on responsible, ethical practices that benefit both companies and communities.
