36 / Next-Gen Forum
Our next generation Introducing our Next-Gen Forum – the place for our industry’s future leaders to voice their thoughts on key issues and help drive the sector forward The next generation of onboard hospitality decision-makers needs to be heard, that was the conclusion of the Get Onboard Now! Peoples' Action Group. We responded and the next-gen stepped forward... The Next-Gen Forum will feature in each issue of Onboard Hospitality giving their fresh perspectives on top topics. To begin, let us introduce you to the founding members… Bernd Koperdraad Export manager, Sola The Netherlands Route into the industry: I worked for JOE & THE JUICE as an operational manager and was looking for a new challenge. A friend of mine worked for a hiring agency and sent me a vacancy at Sola The Netherlands. If you'd have asked me five years ago if I would ever work in this sector, the answer would have been no – simply because I didn't know it existed! What is important to you? Sustainability. If we don’t change anything, it will have catastrophic consequences for future generations. Lucas Alcantara Director new business model implementation – LSG Group Route into the industry: I have a degree in international relations and have always aspired to work
around the globe. The aviation industry is the perfect place for that. I joined the LSG Group as part of the Cross Border Program. I fell in love with the industry. What is important to you? Creating exceptional passenger experiences. Sustainability is ever more important as is finding creative ways to bring it to the onboard hospitality world. I also truly believe that we need to do our part every day in working towards full equality, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity. Jacki Kasner Bowen Manager, international sales & customer services, LSG Group Route into the industry: I studied hospitality followed by a Bachelor's Degree in Business Science. Like Lucas I was recruited by LSG Group as a Cross Border International Trainee. What is important to you? Topics like sustainability, gender equality, and of course the passenger experience. Emily Mills High care manager, Niche Free From Kitchen Route into the industry: I entered the food industry by studying Food Science at the University of Nottingham. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease at 16 which heightened my interest in food and the science behind it. Niche was a great fit for me
as they produce gluten-free meals for airlines, which is something that I have struggled with onboard. What is important to you? Providing an enjoyable passenger experience for all allergy sufferers is something I strive towards. In seven years of travelling since diagnosis I am yet to experience a stress-free eating experience onboard. Kudzai Mercy Mudzengerere Supply chain manager, LSG Group Route into the industry: I discovered the onboard hospitality sector at career development shows in educational institutes and through graduate programme initiatives. What is important to you? A healthy work environment that supports employee wellbeing, development, and corporate goals. Holly Leadbitter Sustainability lead, innovation team, Monty’s Bakehouse Route into the industry: I studied geography at The University of Oxford where I analysed the relationships between human behaviour and our environment. I focused on food, culture and health and completed food industry internships around the world. After two years as a product developer at Graze, I joined the Insights team at
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