ROSE GRAFFIN

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & CEO

Tell us about your background and how you got into the packaging industry. Born and raised in Brazil, I studied law in college, worked for a tax advisory law rm in Sao Paulo when I met JJ Graf n (Serac founder) and discovered packaging. JJ recognized my interest when he decided to mentor me, and 20 years later I was asked to join the Serac Board.

I was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Board, and in December 2021 Chairman of the Board and CEO of Serac Holding. My background is now very intercultural, having lived and worked in both Brazil and Malaysia, now the USA, within a group having its roots in France. It gives me great pleasure to travel, visit our factories and subsidiaries, meeting our employees and customers alike.

What do you think are some of the key factors that have contributed to your success in the industry?

Always approach learning from others who are more competent than you. I endeavor to have a good understanding of the products and services offered in the industry, building strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers alike. The key to success is the respect you give, my recommendation for women who want to work in this sector: Be yourself, learn, trust yourself. This industry needs you.

What can the industry do better to support women and increase the number of women in leadership positions?

Openly hire with a written direction toward the future that will promise a balance of a career and family success. Packaging is a big industry that can be family friendly, as Serac is, however it is up to the company to forge the path forward and women need to make this happen by understanding what they want and how to achieve it.

What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging? Do your research, learn as much as you can about the packaging industry including the different types of packaging. Discover the various job roles and career paths available and offer to intern, understand what about packaging interests you.

Network to discover where in this industry you belong and most of all be con dent in your abilities and knowledge. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas and perspective. Your voice will be heard.

Embrace challenges and don’t be afraid to take on ambitious projects or tasks. This will help you grow, develop your skills, and make you more valuable. And remember to speak up, use your voice clearly and concisely, trust your instincts and know your worth.

Serac Holding

Mission: Serac’s mission today is the same as when it was founded in 1969: to create performance together with our customers in the high-speed packaging market, by providing unparalleled solutions that are environmentally sustainable, incorporate uncompromising quality and thereby ensuring customer satisfaction.

Location: La Ferté-Bernard, France

Leadership: Rose Graf n, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Serac Holding

Revenue: €130 million

Employees: 620

Facility: 206,742 sq. ft., including manufacturing facilities in the US, France, Brazil, Malaysia and eight commercial rms in India, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, China, Spain, and Mexico. Markets served: Global

Industries: Dairy Products, Food/Beverages, Edible Oils/Sauce and Dressings, Household Products, Personal Care, Lubricants & Automotive Products, Paint & Thinners, Agrochemicals

Product range: For bottles: Filling/Capping machines, Aseptic Machines, Line Integration Services, Blow Molding Machines

For cups: Filling/Sealing Machines, Dosing Systems, Refurbishing, Filling of Fruits into Cups, Line Integration Services

KELLEY