In the ninth of our “5 Questions with..” series, we speak to Joanne Jakobi, Head of Supply Chain at Gill. We ask her what still excites her about supply chain after many years in the role, the changes she’s seen over her career (from data on floppy disks to memory sticks!), what she expects to see in the future, and her love for adventure.
Q.1 – What excites you most about Gill and your role here?
I joined Gill just over 2 years ago and there is a real sense of commitment to delighting the customer, whether this is through product innovation, evolution or delivery. The collaboration across departments demonstrates a real sense of caring, combined with ambition to be the best, and deliver the best solution.
Supply chain is in my blood, and for me the backbone of how products move from concept to customer. I’m motivated by the challenge of optimising processes that touch every part of the business – from sourcing, to customer fulfilment, and everything in between. It’s a role where even small improvements can create significant cost savings, reduce lead times, and improve the business efficiency.
Today, the world has higher expectations, and it is our duty to excel in what we deliver and when we deliver it. We work in highly dynamic markets, where lead times and prices can change quickly. Whilst we cannot change the market, we can change our position in it, the tools available to gather this information have never been stronger or more readily available.
Q.2 – You’ve been in this industry for many years – what keeps it interesting for you?
What keeps this industry interesting for me, even after many years, is that it never stops evolving. Each year brings new challenges, new technologies, and new expectations from customers, which means the work is never repetitive.
As part of a growing and dynamic business, it is important we build foresight into our strategy so we can adapt and keep pace with an ever evolving industry. Supply chain decisions directly affect cost, service levels, sustainability, and ultimately the customer experience. Seeing the results of my work in real metrics is incredibly motivating.
I am fortunate to head up 3 departments that are at the centre of the business and this is where my true love lies. Being in the thick of the activity and developing teams to be the best they can be, delivering impactful results and seeing individuals grow through coaching and experience is what keeps me energised.
Q.3 – How do you see the industry changing in the next five years?
Change is inevitable … evolution is inevitable. I have been in the industry nearly 30 years … when I started we sent data via floppy disk in the post, I still remember getting excited by the launch of the memory stick. In today’s world, automation, advance ERP systems and analytic tools have transformed our day to day activity and how we communicate. Supply chain is becoming more important in delivering what the customer wants, on time with full traceability. I can sit in my home today, place an internet order, and have it delivered the following day – standards and expectations are high, and we need to ensure we deliver.
Over the next 5 years, supply chain will become more data driven and predictive. Automation, real-time analytics, and advanced planning tools have transformed the industry. Machine learning, and real-time visibility tools will move companies from reacting to disrupting to anticipating them. Planning will become faster, more automated, and more accurate. AI will become a leading force in how we do business.
Q.4 – Who has inspired you the most in your career, and what did you learn from them?
Wow, that is difficult to narrow down to one single person. I have had the opportunity to work with some true industry greats. As I have evolved and grown in my career, so have my aspirations to learn and deliver. Back in my early days, I was privileged to work for Graeme McGrory. He approached everything logically – there are multiple solutions to every problem, it is just about finding the best one to suit your desired outcome. I learned to become outcome orientated, really look at what I wanted to achieve and then put a path in place to attain it.
My most defining aspiration came learning the importance of developing strong teams … being good at what you do is one thing, but you cannot do everything yourself. Leading, inspiring and empowering is what will take your team to the next level. Graeme taught me that strong teams are built intentionally, and that growing others is one of the most meaningful parts of leadership.
Q.5 – Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
Something that might surprise you about me is how much I love adventure and the outdoors. I grew up around horses, so spending time riding or being out in open spaces is still something that grounds me.
I’ve always been passionate about travel, and I’ve explored everything from remote islands to coastal diving sites. I am a qualified dive master – there’s something incredible about being underwater where everything slows down and you see a completely different world.
Those experiences – whether it’s diving, riding, or just being outdoors – help keep me balanced. Time out from hectic schedules and the constant barrage of technology bring a sense of calmness. Hiking in the New Forest with the family and the dog is my quiet happy space.
