Outstanding Women in Business: Alice Nichita, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola HBC Romania

Business Review recently sat down with Alice Nichita, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola HBC Romania, for an insightful interview set to be a key feature in Business Review Magazine’s March 2024 edition titled Outstanding Women in Business. During this exclusive conversation, Alice sheds light on her pivotal role in integrating sustainability deeply within the company’s operations and strategies.

What are your main achievements within the company since you hold this position?

In my current role, I oversee the company’s sustainability commitments, which are already embedded in all operational aspects of the business, and the implementation of the strategic communication and government relations strategy. Over the last few years, I have successfully coordinated a team of great professionals together with whom I am proud to have set a strong corporate reputation for Coca-Cola HBC Romania and to have consolidated our sustainability leadership on the local market. I have worked towards shaping a favourable environment for the soft drinks industry and have driven efforts in terms of efficient packaging waste management, envisioning the implementation of a well-designed national collection and recycling system.

In your opinion, what makes a woman to be successful in business?

No matter the gender, being successful in business is influenced by a disciplined, consistent approach, excellent networking abilities, and hard work. I believe continuous learning and flexibility to adjust to new things are also important factors in business, as we live in an ever-changing world being shaped by digital transformation, climate challenges, and economic turmoil. And maybe I should have started with loving what you do, because it’s the foundation to ambition. Last but not least, I believe in trusting the strength of trial and error until the desired outcome is reached.

What is your major professional achievement in your entire career?

The implementation of the Deposit Return System (DRS) for beverage packaging waste management is by far my greatest professional achievement. I am glad that I took part in the biggest circular economy project Romania has ever seen. It has required a significant amount of time and effort on my part in the last 5 years, and it still does. It’s the second largest system in Europe, after the German one, and I am sure it will become a best practice for other countries that want to implement similar systems.