In the following years, both globally and in Serbia, Henkel will focus on driving growth, accelerating digitalization, increasing agility and funding its growth through targeted initiatives. We spoke with Gordana Brašić, President of Henkel Serbia, and Head HR for Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania about the company’s plans in Serbia and worldwide.
1. Are you satisfied with the Company’s business operations in the past year and what goals you have set for 2017?
Despite a challenging market environment, the previous year was successful for Henkel. Due to adjustments, simplification and acceleration of our structures and processes, we were able to adequately respond to changing market conditions. We have also presented our new strategic priorities for 2020 and beyond. Based on our strong foundation and our clear priorities for the coming years, we are committed to the further development of our sustainable business operations here in Serbia and all over the world.
2. What will Henkel Serbia incorporate into its business objectives for 2020 which Henkel set at the global level?
The new strategic priorities, which will shape Henkel until 2020 and beyond, provide guidance to all Henkel companies around the world. In the following years, both globally and in Serbia, Henkel will focus on driving growth, accelerating digitalization, increasing agility and funding its growth through targeted initiatives. We will continue to invest in the modernization of production, as well as our employees, providing high quality of our well-known brands. Sustainable business development is very important to us, we are very proud that our production site in Krusevac was certified last year with LEED Gold certificate (Leadership in energy efficiency design), as the first production location in Serbia.
3. What is your assessment of business conditions in Serbia and where do you see room for improvement of the business climate?
In recent years, we have witnessed participation of foreign companies in the Serbian economy, as the largest market in the region whose trade infrastructure is becoming more open and connected to the markets of European Union, Russia and other countries. Ongoing negotiations with EU are very important not only for political stability, but also for the economic and social well-being of the country. We expect the continuation of reforms and harmonization with the European legislation to create better conditions for business and economic development in following years.
4. What would be your key objectives in the area of corporate social responsibility?
Sustainable and responsible business is one of Henkel’s main values. Maintaining the balance between sustainable growth, social responsibility and good business result has is very important to our company. We will continue to improve our production processes and business operations in line with our Sustainability Strategy set until 2030. Henkel has already improved the relation between the value it created and the environmental footprint this generated by 42 percent, compared to the base year 2010. Henkel is ranked on 15th place among the “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” according to the report of Corporate Knights. Additionally, through various socially responsible projects and initiatives of our employees, we will continue to improve the communities in which we operate around the world.