Takudzwa Mupfurutsa, Nestlé ESAR’s Business Executive Officer (BEO): Dairy probably didn’t see himself shaping the future of brands that are national treasures, like CEREVITA® when he was enjoying it for breakfast every day as a child in Zimbabwe. But that’s exactly what he’s doing.
A self-confessed problem-solver, Taku (as he’s affectionately known among colleagues) exudes energy and loves creative thinking especially when it involves engaging in conversation that allows him to explore new ideas.
He explains, “I love simplifying complex problems and take great satisfaction in finding clarity. I also love long-term strategy work and my current role is a perfect balance between long- and short-term. Around 80% of what I’m busy with impacts business results in the short-term, while the rest of the time we’re building longer-term business strategy.
“I’m also passionate about developing people and helping them grow professionally. I find it incredibly rewarding to see someone unlock their potential as they grow as part of the team.
“My focus this year is on bringing to life the bold strategic decisions we made when we presented our Market Business Strategy (our three- to five-year plan), while also helping my team grow through strong developmental conversations and coaching because ultimately, the work needs to come to life through the people.”
What sets Taku apart is his humility, in spite of his professional success. He describes every interaction as an “opportunity to make a difference” and he explains, “What I most enjoy about my role is the opportunity to make a real, positive impact not just on the business, but on the people I interact with in the business.”
This people-centric passion is a golden thread binding the leadership team at Nestlé ESAR. You can read more about Supply Chain Director, Katie Billington; BEO: Purina PetCare, Marianne Lomberg; BEO: Coffee and Beverages, Carl Khoury and BEO: Food, Nithal Soni Ramjee – their enthusiasm and genuine care for their teams’ personal growth is a consistent theme across all their stories.
Aside from keeping engaged and energized by problem-solving, building long-term strategies and throwing himself into the growth of the people on his team, Taku is also passionate about brand-building – crafting unique brand identities.
“We’ve done a lot of work to energise and reinvigorate our Hot Chocolate brand, for example, and it’s gratifying to see that the work done is driving meaningful connection with consumers.”
Nestlé Hot Chocolate and CBA Design scooped a bronze award in the 'Best Brand Evolution: Consumer' category at the 2024 Transform Awards (Middle East and Africa), which acknowledges outstanding creative work that showcases the transformative impact of brand strategy and design.
The #NowServingSelfCare campaign is about recognising the need for creating moments of indulgence for South African consumers in the knowledge that their extremely connected and increasingly fast-paced lifestyles are having an impact on how they collectively feel.
Showing a deep understanding of consumers, Taku explains, “We strive to promote the joy of ‘me time’ and establish ourselves as the brand that embraces and celebrates self-care.”
Taking the time to understand consumers so intimately and the resulting award-winning campaign perhaps comes from Taku’s belief that one should always stay humble. He explains, “Humility, in its truest sense, is accepting that you might not know all the answers. It’s about remembering where you came from and also remembering that you’re not always the smartest person in the room.”
It is also most likely his background growing up in Zimbabwe that enables Taku to be so appreciative of his career journey so far. “I’ve been blessed with an international career. I’ve worked in Switzerland, Malaysia, Ghana and now South Africa, so I’ve been afforded the opportunity to grow brands in diverse environments. I’ve experienced profound personal growth as a result.
“And my multicultural family is testament to this growth. I’m proud that our kids are growing up in multicultural environment and exposed to so much more than I could have been. I feel fulfilled and enriched.”
