“I enjoy what I do because no two days are the same, with something new to solve and learn.”

Grace Chan

“Work hard, play harder.”

For Grace, FrieslandCampina has never been just a place to stay, it’s a place to grow.
“What started as a move to build my commercial acumen turned into a journey that kept challenging me in new ways,” she reflects. More than twelve years on, she continues to choose FrieslandCampina. Not out of habit, but because of the growth, stretch, and opportunities that keep evolving with her.

Looking back, Grace sees a fundamental shift in how she works, and how she thinks.
“In the past, finance was more about reporting,” she explains. “Today, it’s about being a true business partner. Understanding different stakeholders, customizing insights, and supporting decisions that drive the business forward.” Along the way, she’s sharpened not only her financial expertise, but also her ability to communicate, influence, and adapt. “You learn quickly that different stakeholders need different things. Even something as simple as how you present a story can make a big difference.”

Choosing growth and stepping beyond comfort zones

Grace’s motivation to stay has always been rooted in one thing: growth.
“I genuinely enjoy what I do because no two days are the same. There’s always something new to solve, something new to learn.”

As a team leader, she brings that same mindset to her team, challenging individuals to discover their strengths and turn them into impact.
“It’s about helping people find what they’re good at, and encouraging them to keep improving. A growth mindset is essential here.” Despite describing herself as naturally more laid-back and risk-aware, Grace’s journey has been shaped by moments where she was pushed beyond what felt comfortable. One standout experience was leading the local rollout of a global adaptive project, where Hong Kong was the first operating Opco to implement a localized version.

“I was trusted to influence stakeholders across different markets and lead the local execution. It wasn’t easy, but it really strengthened my problem-solving skills and confidence.” Her career path across different finance functions, from customer finance to category finance, from CD and now SN, has allowed her to build a well-rounded perspective. “Each move gave me a new lens on the business.”

Grace 2

Beyond the numbers: culture, connection, and balance

FrieslandCampina Hong Kong is not without its challenges, and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful.
“It’s a complex and fast-changing environment. But once you’re in, you tend to stay. There’s a strong sense of loyalty.”

Being part of a cooperative adds another layer of purpose.
“Being part of a cooperative means our stakeholders are farmers, not just investors. It brings a different sense of responsibility and a deeper purpose, knowing our work impacts real lives beyond the business.”

For Grace, success isn’t just about delivering results, it’s about how you work with people to get there.
“Half of the job is delivering the numbers. The other half is about collaboration, understanding intentions, aligning on goals, and building trust.” That belief extends beyond her role. Through her involvement in the Staff Club, she has organized initiatives like King’s Day and Massage Day, creating moments for colleagues to connect and recharge. “It allowed me to explore another side of myself, and also connect with more people across the organization.”

Her message to future talent is simple but powerful: “Work hard, play harder.”
With family across different countries, she embraces both dedication and balance. Working with focus, while making time to explore the world and recharge. “At FrieslandCampina, if you’re open-minded, willing to learn, and ready to adapt, you’ll find your own path.”