The complexity involved in supporting large retailers requires strong and efficient leadership to develop a successful supplier diversity program. Cheryl Smith, supplier diversity manager for Retail Business Services, an Ahold Delhaize USA company, has been instrumental in building a successful supplier diversity program, which supports Ahold Delhaize USA’s local brands: Food Lion, Giant Food, GIANT/MARTIN’S, Hannaford, Peapod and Stop & Shop. In her role, Cheryl has developed best practices and a program framework that effectively supports the brands in ensuring diverse supplier representation in their businesses and enables the brands to leverage the many benefits of a diverse supplier base.
Cheryl employs a leadership style that personalizes the diverse supplier experience. She encourages suppliers to contact her directly, and often makes connections between suppliers and the local brands. Her personal approach makes the procurement process less overwhelming for suppliers, leading to more productive results. In fact, she considers it to be the greatest measure of her success when the personal touch she adds leads to a new partnership between a diverse supplier and one of Ahold Delhaize USA’s local brands.