Arla Unplugged

Change is a constant - but that doesn’t mean it feels easy. In this episode of Arla Unplugged: Navigating Change, we explore why change often triggers strong emotional reactions, and what people leaders can do to help their teams navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Joined by Christina Juel Hegaard, Global Head of Change Management at Arla, and Brandi Shaw, behavioural scientist and CEO of Emotion is Data, the conversation combines practical leadership experience with insights from neuroscience and behavioural science. Together, they unpack:Why resistance to change is normal - and what it often signalsWhat people really need when facing uncertaintyAnd how leaders can shift from corporate messaging to meaningful, human conversationsWhether you’re leading change or experiencing it yourself, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to make change feel more manageable - for everyone involved.

What does digital transformation really mean in practice, beyond the buzzwords? In this episode of Arla Unplugged, we’re joined by Patrik Hansson, Executive Vice President & CMO at Arla Foods, to talk about how digital is changing the way Arla connects with consumers, drives innovation and turns strategy into action. Patrik shares concrete examples from Arla’s digital journey seen from a consumer and marketing perspective, reflects on how data and insights shape decision‑making, and looks ahead to how consumer expectations are evolving faster than many realise. Tune in for a honest conversation about leadership, digital change and what it takes to move from ambition to impact.

What does inclusion really look like in a multicultural workplace in the MENA region?In this episode of Arla Unplugged, host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen is joined by Harry Veldman (Site Director), Mona Alsari (Head of HR Supply Chain, MENA), and Adriano Romano (Sr. Operations Manager) from our dairy site in Bahrain. Together, they share honest stories and practical insights about building trust, navigating cultural differences, and making everyone feel they belong. 

How do you lead a major transformation in IT&Digital when there’s no perfect roadmap? In this episode of Arla Unplugged, host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen sits down with Mia Heslegrave, Chief Information Officer and Arla Foods, to talk openly about the ledership dilemmas behind Arla’s recent organizational change in IT & Digital. From defining the “why” and balancing planning with flexibility, to communicating at the right time and gathering meaningful feedback, Mia shares honest stories, practical lessons, and advice for anyone facing change. Tune in for a candid look at what it really takes to navigate change. 

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, every generation brings something unique to the workplace. Experiences, values, and even their favorite emojis.Join host Jóhann Thór as he welcomes Ola Arvidsson (EVP & Chief HR Officer) and Alici Muhana Iannitelli (Supply Chain Sustainability Manager) for a candid and energetic discussion about the power of generations working side by side.Ola and Alici dive into how we at Arla can turn the differences into strengths, sharing stories, surprises, practical advice and a lot of laughs for learning from each other and building a workplace where everyone belongs.Listen in for a fun conversation that will inspire you - whether you’re just starting your career or have decades of experience.

What does Arla’s culture look and feel like for the next generation? In the final episode of our 25-year anniversary podcast series, host Jóhann Thór sits down with Jens Højlund Christensen and Gawain Bay - two colleagues who joined Arla through the F15 graduate programme after university in 2023 and are now both working in Arla Foods Ingredients.From rotations in Riyadh, Utrecht, Beijing, and Stockholm, Jens and Gawain bring a truly international perspective on what it means to start a career at Arla today, and how our culture stands out and is felt across the globe. Tune in as we talk about first impressions, living our values, and what the future holds for young and international talent at Arla. If you’re thinking about joining Arla, or simply curious about what it’s like to start your career here, this episode is for you. Don’t miss it!

What does it really take to keep your career moving and find your best fit at Arla? In this third and final episode of our Let’s Talk Talent series, we dive into FLOW - the part of our career framework that’s all about navigating transitions, seizing new opportunities, and making your career work for you.Host Jóhann Thór is joined by Rasmus Cortnum, HR Director and HR Partner for FLITS, and Dorthe Holm Jensen, Senior Consultant in Talent Acquisition. Together, we talk about how we want to flow people into new roles across the business - but also why taking the initiative is, first and foremost, up to each of us as individuals.Tune in for practical advice, tips, and real-life examples on how to prepare for your next step, increase your visibility, and make the most of mobility options within Arla. Whether you’re considering a new role or just want to feel more in control of your career journey, this episode is packed with insights for you. 

Welcome to the second episode of our 25-year anniversary edition of Arla Unplugged.  After exploring our cooperative journey, it’s time to focus on what we produce - and the impact dairy has on the world and our food systems.Host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen is joined by Cecilia Kocken, Head of Arla Sweden, and Laurent Ponty, Head of Arla Bangladesh, to discuss how Arla supports robust food systems and public health in both mature and emerging markets.   Discover how our products help nourish communities, promote healthy habits, and strengthen food security - from school breakfast programs in Sweden to affordable nutrition in Bangladesh.This episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of feeding a growing world, and the responsibility we share in making a positive difference - locally and globally.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the nutritional power of dairy, the importance of accessibility, and the pride of being part of a cooperative that feeds life.

What makes Arla’s culture so special - and how has it evolved over 25 years? Host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen is joined by Poul Bank Pettersson (Director, Danish Agriculture) and Ian Brown (Head of Supply Chain, Central Europe) for a candid conversation about the values, mindsets, and everyday actions that shape life at Arla. Hear how our cooperative roots, openness, and caring for each other have created a workplace where everyone - from farmer owners to colleagues - can belong, contribute, and grow.  With stories from decades of experience, Poul and Ian reveal how our culture travels across borders, adapts to new markets, and continues to offer opportunities for all.   Listen in to hear about how our culture has evolved across borders, what farmer ownership asks of us, and the care we show for each other.

Welcome to this episode of Arla Unplugged about our Cooperative Journey. In this 25-year anniversary edition, host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen sits down with Inge-Lise Sjöström Vice Chair for our Board of Directors and farmer owner from Sweden, and Sophie Gregory, member of the Board of Representatives from the UK, to reflect on 25 years since the merger between MD Foods and Arla that created Arla Foods as we know it today.  Discover how farmer owners from across Northern Europe have come together to build a pioneering, cross-border cooperative - overcoming challenges, learning from each other, and shaping the future of dairy.From the early days of Danish-Swedish collaboration to today’s global presence, this episode explores what it means to be part of Arla, the power of democratic ownership in a cooperative, and the pride of leading the way on sustainability and innovation.  

Welcome to the second episode of Arla Unplugged: Let’s Talk Talent - your inside guide to building a meaningful career at Arla! In this episode, host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen is joined by Claus Flensborg from People Development to dive into the next step of our career framework: GROW. This episode is all about how you can develop your skills, stretch your potential, and take ownership of your growth - whether you’re deepening expertise in your current role or preparing for new opportunities.  Discover how the KNOW, GROW, and FLOW framework supports your ongoing development, and hear practical advice, inspiring stories, and tips for making learning a natural part of your career journey at Arla.  Whether you’re aiming for your next step or simply want to keep learning, this episode will help you unlock your potential and make the most of the resources available to you.

Welcome to the first episode of Arla Unplugged: Let’s Talk Talent - your inside guide to building a meaningful career at Arla! At Arla, we believe everyone has unique strengths and potential, and our new career framework - KNOW, GROW, and FLOW - is designed to help every colleague shape their own journey.In this “Know” episode, host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen sits down with Pauline Hogg, Head of Employee Promise, and Henrik Møller Andersen, Associate HR Director, to explore how understanding yourself, your strengths, and your opportunities is the first step to building your future at Arla. Discover how our career framework can help you navigate your path, make informed choices, and unlock new possibilities - no matter your role or background. Whether you’re new to Arla or looking for your next move, this episode is packed with real stories, practical tips, and honest advice for discovering your path. Learn how to use Arla’s updated career model, navigate crossroads, and make the most of the resources available to you.

Welcome to another episode of Arla Unplugged: Navigating Change—a coffee talk podcast series where we get real about the changes shaping our business and how we can turn them into opportunities for growth.In this episode, host Jóhann Thór sits down with Helena Grøn Kähler to dive into one of the biggest change journeys in Arla Foods Ingredients’ history: the integration of turning Volac Whey Nutrition to AFI Felinfach in Wales.With over 250 colleagues involved and months of hard work, this integration has been about much more than systems and processes—it’s about bringing people together, building new ways of working, and raising the bar for quality and innovation.Helena shares her personal perspective on navigating this major change, from the challenges and surprises to the key learnings and her best advice for anyone facing change—big or small.So grab a coffee and join us for a quick, candid conversation about embracing change, supporting each other, and making every transition a step forward.

Welcome to the first episode of Arla Unplugged: Navigating Change—a new coffee talk podcast series where we get real about the changes happening around us and how we can turn them into opportunities for growth.In this episode, host Jóhann Thór sits down with Wendy Bulder to talk about a real-life change journey at Arla, using the End2End Planning transformation as a lens. In just 13 minutes, Wendy shares which change she’s navigating right now, the biggest challenges she’s faced, her most important learnings, and her best advice for anyone going through change.Whether you’re leading a transformation or adapting to something new, Navigating Change is here to help you find clarity, confidence, and value in every shift. Grab a coffee and join us as we chart the course.

Join us for a new episode of Arla Unplugged: Inclusive Business Means Sustainable Growth. Host Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen sits down with David Boulanger (EVP & CSO, Supply Chain) and Lillie Li Valeur (EVP & CCO International) to explore how inclusion and diversity drive business growth, innovation, and everyday success at Arla.Hear personal stories, practical examples, and honest reflections on building inclusive teams across cultures, making inclusion part of daily operations, and why it matters for our future. Whether you’re curious about leadership, supply chain, or simply want to help create a more inclusive culture, this conversation is for you. Tune in and get inspired to make inclusion a part of your everyday work at Arla.

Creating Purpose: Our DNA and the Future of Dairy with Peter Tuborgh and Ola ArvidssonGet ready for a captivating episode of Arla Unplugged, where we dive into the heart of what makes Arla tick. Joining us are CEO Peter Tuborgh and CHRO Ola Arvidsson as they wrap up our focus on Good Growth in 2024 by sharing their insights on our Good Growth DNA - a set of guiding company culture principles that define our path to success.In this episode, discover how being Cooperative, Natural, Healthy, and Responsible isn't just a mantra but a way of life at Arla. Learn about the story of how these principles came to life, and how they influence our strategies, inspire innovation, and foster a culture of purpose and collaboration.Whether you're just starting your journey with Arla or have been with us for years, this episode promises to enlighten and engage. Tune in to understand how our values are shaping a sustainable future for the dairy industry. Listen now and be part of the conversation!

Join us for an engaging episode of Arla Unplugged as we explore the Natural Good Growth DNA priciple with two of our German colleagues, Martina Stindt, Cheese/BSM Director, and Fabian Temming, Customer Director RTG.Martina and Fabian share insights into the challenges and opportunities faced in Europe's largest and fiercely competitive retail market. We dive into the story of Arla Buko, a brand with over 70 years of market presence in Germany, renowned for its commitment to natural ingredients and quality. Discover how Arla Buko exemplifies natural growth and what it means for consumers and the market.We'll also discuss consumer preferences, market responses to Buko's expansion into cooking categories, and the effective marketing campaigns that highlight Buko's natural qualities. Tune in to hear about future plans for Buko and how it continues to align with our Good Growth DNA.Don't miss this honest conversation about natural growth and its significance in the German market.

Join us for an insightful episode of Arla Unplugged as we sit down with Priscila Espinal Amante, Innovation Director and Scientist for Yoghurt and Fermented at Arla Foods. In this episode, we delve into the significance of gut health, an emerging megatrend in the food industry and a key focus in our health strategy.Priscila shares how dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese play a crucial role in supporting a healthy gut through their unique dairy matrix, rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds.As we explore the journey into the gut health category, Priscila discusses the challenges and opportunities in product development and the future trends shaping this exciting and emerging field.Learn how we as colleagues can support the growth of gut health products and contribute to our mission of bringing health to the world.With gut health being a category we're betting on, tune in to learn how we're leading the way in innovation and making a positive impact on nutrition and well-being. Host: Jóhann Thór Haahr Hansen

We're thrilled to announce our latest episode of the Health series of Arla Unplugged, featuring James Prentice, Associate Director for Marketing Transformation, as he delves into the world of responsible marketing. Discover why having a Responsible Marketing Policy is crucial for companies today and how ours stands out by exceeding regulatory requirements. James takes us on a journey through our robust policy, highlighting how we ensure that unhealthy products are not marketed to children, a vital step in combating rising child obesity and nutritional deficits.Learn how our commitment to responsible marketing aligns perfectly with our Good Growth DNA Principle on Healthy Growth. In a rapidly evolving media landscape, James also shares insights on how we're adapting to influencer and content creator marketing, ensuring our strategies remain effective and ethical.Tune in now to explore how we're leading the way in responsible marketing and making a positive impact on health! 🎧💡

Join us for Episode 2 of our Health Series on Arla Unplugged, where we explore the work of the Centre of Excellence for sugar reduction. This episode features insights from Anja Serena, Chief Scientist in Nutrition, and Nikoline Hyldelund, Consumer Scientist from the Arla Innovation Centre.Discover how we are leading the charge in bringing health to the world through innovative sugar reduction strategies. Anja and Nikoline share their expertise on the Centre's goals, the sensory methods being developed to evaluate sweet taste, and the consumer insights driving our strategies.Learn about the challenges and opportunities in reducing added sugar and the future directions for enhancing consumer health benefits. Consumer insights play a crucial role in understanding different sentiments towards sugar and sweeteners.Tune in to better understand how we are building knowledge and collaborating to create healthier products for our consumers. 

Join us for the first episode in our Health series of Arla Unplugged, where we shift the narrative around dairy from carbon footprints to it's vital role in nutrition and health. In this episode, nutrition scientists Lea Brader and Elin Boll take us on a journey through the overall food system anno 2024, the nutritional benefits of dairy and its place in healthy and sustainable diets. Discover how we are are leading the way by working proactively with dietary guidelines, our product portfolio and the Access to Nutrition Index (ATNi).This conversation is essential for anyone looking to understand how we are bringing health and nutrition to the world. Stay tuned for more insightfull discussions with Health professionals in Arla through the coming weeks. Host: Jóhann Thór, Global Internal Communications 

Tune into the fifth and final Future26 special episode, where we're talking tech and creativity with Torben Dahl Nyholm, CFO, and Patrik Hansson, EVP of Marketing and Innovation. Discover how digital and innovation are not just buzzwords but the power tools we're using to raise the bar during our Future26 Strategy. From personal tech wins to blockbuster dairy products and digital game changers, get the inside track on how we're turning ideas into action.Join us as we look ahead at the digital dreams and innovative realities shaping Arla's future. Don't miss this episode for a glimpse into the future of dairy, driven by innovation and digital transformation. 

Catch the latest Arla Unplugged episode where we tackle the big question: How are we outperforming the market during Future26?Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, head of our European market and Simon Stevens, head of our International markets, are here to break down the winning strategy. From volume to value, they're sharing how we are not just keeping up, but setting the pace. Get the scoop on the challenges, the triumphs, and the strategies that keep us ahead in a competitive world. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a market leader.

Tune in to the third episode of Arla Unplugged, where sustainability takes center stage in our Future26 Strategy conversation. Hanne Søndergaard, EVP for Sustainability, Agriculture, and Communications, and Arla farmer owner Thomas Poulsen join us to chat about what it really takes to lead the charge in sustainable dairy.Hear straight from the field and the forefront of our strategy how we're turning sustainability goals into reality. This episode is all about the people and the passion driving our Future26 vision forward. Tune in for an engaging conversation that's as much about the big picture as it is about the tangible daily steps we're taking together.

Dive into the second episode of the special edition of Arla Unplugged focused on the Future26 Strategy. This episode features insights from CHRO Ola Arvidsson and EVP of Supply Chain David Boulanger on how we're building new capabilities to shape the future of dairy.Learn about the innovative steps we're taking in the strategy period to enhance our operations and the strategic advancements driving us forward. Join the conversation and discover how Arla is evolving to meet the challenges of a dynamic industry.Stay tuned for more from our Executive Management Team as we delve deeper into the Future26 Strategy and its impact across Arla.

Join us for a special edition of Arla Unplugged, where we delve into the Future26 Strategy with our CEO, Peder Tuborgh. In this episode, Peder reflects on the essence and development of Future26, our achievements halfway through the strategy period, and the challenges faced along the way. Discover how Future26 is guiding Arla towards becoming an industry leader and what it takes to steer a global team through uncertain times.Stay tuned for more conversations with our Executive Management Team as we continue to explore the key elements of our Future26 Strategy

In this episode of Arla Unplugged, we take you on an exciting journey to Nigeria, where we are making a significant impact on the local dairy industry. Join us as we welcome Snorri Sigurdsson, Senior Manager in Raw Milk Supply and Production, who leads the only Arla Farm of its kind in Nigeria.Snorri shares his fascinating journey and offers insights into how Arla's Good Growth DNA, particularly the Responsible pillar, guides his work and daily operations.Discover why Arla is present in Nigeria, the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly growing market with a huge potential, and what we bring to the table to transform the local dairy farming. From increasing local milk production to empowering local farmers through training and capacity building, Snorri reveals the stories behind our mission to create a sustainable and thriving dairy industry in Nigeria. Tune in to uncover the challenges, triumphs, and future goals that define Arla's path to responsible growth in Nigeria. 

In this fifth episode of Arla Unplugged, we dive deeper into the Responsible pillar of our Good Growth DNA.Join us as we welcome Susanne Andersen, Senior Manager for Human Rights at Arla.Susanne shares her journey at Arla, offering insights into how we are addressing critical issues such as employer housing, human rights, and avoiding modern slavery across the cascade of different markets and countries we operate. She'll share how these initiatives are not just policies, but integral parts of our mission to create a sustainable and ethical business environment.Tune in to learn more about our commitment to responsible growth and how these on paper small efforts are making a significant difference in communities around the world.

In this fourth episode of Arla Unplugged, we dive deeper into the Responsible pillar of our Good Growth DNA. Join us as we welcome Yvette Kaster, Senior Director for Business Excellence and Compliance and Levinia Scotti, Sustainability Program Manager from Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI).Yvette and Levinia share their journeys at AFI, offering insights into how the company over the years continuously has transformed whey from a waste product into specialized nutrition for infants and clinical use.  They also discuss the innovative ways AFI is wokrking on reducing their environmental impact, aligning with Arla's broader sustainability goals.Tune in to learn more about AFI as a company and it's commitment to quality, food safety, and sustainability, and how these efforts are making a significant difference.

In this third episode of Arla Unplugged, we continue our exploration of the Good Growth DNA principle of Cooperation.Join us as we sit down with Siavash Leyh Mirshahi, Director for Democratic Bodies and Cooperative Processes at Arla Foods. Siavash offers a unique perspective, balancing his role between our farmer owners in the cooperative democracy and the corporate side of Arla. Siavash dives into the intricacies of his role, sharing how he bridges the gap between the cooperative's democratic values and the operational needs of the corporation. Hear more about his insights into how these dual responsibilities shape our cooperative culture and drive our collective success.Tune in to discover how Siavash navigates this dynamic role, the challenges he faces, and his insights of what it really means to be part of a cooperative.

In this episode of Arla Unplugged, we dive deeper into our Good Growth DNA principle on Cooperation - this time though the art and necessety of innovation. We sit down with Julian Reisz, Head of Open Innovation and Lab at Arla Foods, who has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible within our cooperative framework.Julian and his former team in Sweden have spearheaded a plethora of initiatives  to enhance our approach to innovation and to discover how we can enable more teenagers to eat breakfast. Now, heading a brand new global innovation team, Julian and his colleagues are in the process of discovering and testing new avenues for Arla to try out in the future. Tune in to hear how Julian navigates the challenges of fostering innovation in a cooperative environment, the impact of these efforts on our business, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

In this debut episode of Arla Unplugged, we dive into the foundation of our Good Growth DNA principle on Cooperation. We sit down with Jørgen Greve, Senior Site Director and Head of MENA Production, and Mona Alsari, Head of HR MENA Supply Chain, who have been at the forefront of a significant transformation at Arla's Bahrain site. Following Arla's acquisition from Mondelez in 2019, Jørgen and Mona focused on local hiring, achieving over 40% local employment in a market that typically opts for expatriates. This shift, driven by Arla's cooperative and responsible values, took place amidst the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.Tune in to hear how Jørgen and Mona navigated these hurdles, the impact of their cooperative culture, and the lessons they've learned along the way.