Laila completed her BA in International Affairs at the University of St. Gallen, followed by a MA in International Economic Law at the University of Kent in Brussels. After completing university, she worked as an intern for Pernod Ricard in Milan, Italy, where she discovered her love for the FMGC industry.

At Pernod Ricard, while working as a sales assistant she became interested in developing her career in the area of Key Account Management. This led her to finding a job in ARYZTA Switzerland eight years ago, originally as a Junior Key Account Manager. She is now the leading Senior Key Account Manager in Foodservice in ARYZTA Switzerland.

Looking at your current role, what is it like to work for ARYZTA?

In my position, I feel like an entrepreneur in the company. I have a responsibility of a large budget and a team, but I also have a lot of freedom in terms of how I work.

What do you like about your job?

I love the mix of customer and internal tasks. My role involves listening to my customers and providing them solutions to their problems. I also host workshops with my customers to set up new concepts and bring in additional sales with new assortment. In the office, I enjoy analyzing the data, thinking strategically for Foodservice, developing new product concepts with our product management team, and setting up marketing plans with the marketing team.

How have you developed your experience and grown since joining ARYZTA?

I started as a Junior Key Account Manager 8 years ago. Three years later, I took over the biggest Key Account of Foodservice. As the senior Key Account Manager in Foodservice, I essentially lead  our Key Account Management Food-service team. I work closely with the Sales Manager of  Foodservice who considers me to be his “right hand”. These experience have helped me to grow in my strategic competence.

What are your key achievements are to date?

In my first year in the business, I increased the sales volume of IKEA of almost a million CHF. Today, I have a great relationship with my key customers, they trust me a lot. The Product Manager of my biggest customer continues to tell my chef, “If Laila is not the Key Account Manager, ARYZTA won’t be the supplier anymore!”

Going forward, I want to grow my leadership experience, develop new business projects for ARYZTA Switzerland, and become a National Sales Manager.

What advice would you have for new people looking to succeed in the business?

Personally speaking, I love my work and identify with the company. I think critically, look over the edge, and try to achieve my goals persistently. Moreover, I like to work with other people and know how to motivate them.

The more you identify yourself with the business, the more passion you have for your job. And of course, the key question, “Are you a foodie?”

What do you like doing outside of work?

My family with my two children is the most important pillar in my life. As a mother of little kids, I appreciate the flexibility and confidence I have from ARYZTA. We love to go the mountains of the Engadin. Once a week I play soccer with friends, I also practice yoga and go running in the forest.