ECOM University 2024

ECOM University, ECOM Group’s flagship learning and development programme for new, emerging talent, was held in the Netherlands for the second consecutive year from 1-3 October 2024. 

ECOM University aims to promote and embed our One ECOM strategy by bringing together and creating meaningful connections between young, mostly new joiners to the Company from across the globe. The 2024 group, selected to participate by their business leaders, included employees working in operations, sustainability, trade, traffic, support services (including HR, finance, IT, and legal) and transformation programmes from all headquarters and over 10 origin locations. 

Participants spend almost 3 months working online at their own pace to prepare them for the face-to-face meetings. Through this pre-work and the live event sessions facilitated by our senior managers, employees learn about ECOM’s global business strategy including the latest developments, current and future challenges in sustainability, environment, social and governance (ESG) and transformation. Technical topics such as commodity trading, risk, treasury, contracts and financial management are also covered to give participants a full view of our businesses and market positions. 

One of the highlights this year was having half of our ECOM Group Executive Committee (EXCO) with us in Haarlem, including an opening address from our Group CEO, Alain Poncelet, and a stimulating panel discussion with four EXCO members – Rahul Gopinath (New Business), Colman Cuff (Coffee), Guus de Gruiter (Cocoa Products) and Paul McNougher (Transformation). 

ECOM University is one of several learning and development initiatives being created by the Global HR Team to build One ECOM and a thriving culture of learning, innovation, collaboration and growth for our employees and our businesses globally. Stay tuned for upcoming webinars, e-learning course assignments and other development programmes locally and globally.

“ECOM University aims to bring together the best and freshest minds in ECOM together for a week at an ECOM facility globally. Targeting our highest potential young talent in the group- they get to learn ECOM values in action, our cutting edge business ideas and form a camaraderie with each other that lasts a lifetime. This is where we believe innovation happens… where 'magic' happens…” - Rahul Gopinath, EXCO Member, New Business

“ECOM University provided me with an understanding of our purpose and mission. How we create innovative solutions and develop strategies to navigate the ever-evolving market landscape, volatility, and external conditions.” - Victor Rotundo, Global Management Trainee, Costa Rica 

“The privilege to be part of ECOM University 2024 has transformed my professional trajectory, aspirations and enthusiasm to contribute my knowledge and skills to the ECOM ‘family’. Looking forward to following up and building up to the knowledge and insights shared by esteemed colleagues and strengthening the connections made during the period of my training. Thank you ECOM Family.” - Justice Rakata, Traffic Specialist, Nuts & Ingredients, Dubai