Vanessa Clemendot

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role

My name is Vanessa Clémendot, I’m a mother of four and I’ve been a L’Orealian for well over 20 years. I’ve worked for the four divisions of the Group, including travel retail, in France and Canada. On most days now, you can find me in New York, where I am Chief Supply Chain Officer for North America.

How did you end up working in the supply chain space?

It actually started with an internship I did in the UK during college. I worked with a company that specialised in transporting clothing on hangers – kind of niche, I know. At the same time, I'd applied to this really competitive Master’s programme in Supply Chain and Logistics and, to my surprise, I actually got in. It was a tough choice, but turning down a full-time offer after graduation to study supply chain was a no-brainer. It felt like the right path for me.

What does your role entail – and what does a typical day look like?

My role is all about orchestrating the intricate dance of our North American supply chain. I like to think I wear two hats: conductor and choreographer. As the conductor of our Supply Chain Network of Excellence, I ensure we're in tune with the group's global strategies. Think of it as fine-tuning an orchestra of best practices, project governance, training and performance indicators. I'm also the choreographer, overseeing the critical daily operations of our four divisions here in North America. From data analytics to customer care, I make sure everything flows seamlessly.

In terms of my day, with Paris being six hours ahead, it starts with a cup of coffee and a deep dive into my inbox to catch up on all things L'Oréal. Then, I focus on my kids and getting them ready for the day. Catching the school bus with them at 7.20am is non-negotiable; that time together is sacred. Then I head to the office and, from there, it's a dynamic mix of driving tangible results – like implementing a cutting-edge order management system or strategically positioning a new mixing centre – and collaborating with my amazing colleagues on shaping the future of our supply chain. We're talking omnichannel customer experiences, optimising our physical network – all while keeping sustainability and AI at the forefront.

The best part? L'Oréal's collaborative spirit! We're all passionate about creating a beautiful future for our customers and the planet, and that shared energy is truly inspiring.

What are the main differences when you compare L'Oréal's modern-day supply chain to the one you encountered when you joined in 2000?

The supply chain of today is a whole new world compared to when I first stepped onto the scene back in 2000. 

One of the most striking transformations is the incredible influx of women in leadership roles. When I started, it was rare to see another woman in the room, let alone at the helm. Today, my leadership team boasts a 50/50 gender split. It's incredibly rewarding to witness so many talented women thriving in this field, shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for future generations.

The other seismic shift is the integration of ESG into the very DNA of operations. Sustainability has become a driving force behind every decision we make. From optimising our distribution network for minimal environmental impact to meticulously analysing our energy consumption, from tackling shrink wrap waste to ensuring traceability and transparency throughout our value chain, we're laser-focused on doing business responsibly.

This shift in mindset has been remarkable in the supply chain industry. We're no longer just supply chain professionals; we're stewards of a more sustainable future. And that, coupled with the incredible potential of digital technologies, makes coming to work every day truly exciting.

Amid turbulent times, how are you and L'Oréal preparing for future supply chain crises?

The past few years have been a wild ride. It's like someone hit the fast-forward button on uncertainty. But you know what? It's also been a powerful wake-up call for supply chain leaders everywhere. We're not just navigating choppy waters anymore; we're building entire arks!

At L'Oréal, ‘antifragility’ is a mantra. We're laser-focused on creating a supply chain that not only weathers the storms but emerges even stronger. This means doubling down on our Business Continuity Plans, diversifying our supplier network to ensure geographic proximity to our markets and leveraging the strength of our global industrial footprint. Producing products close to our consumers isn’t just good business, but a strategic advantage in today's world.

But here's the secret sauce: talent. Attracting and nurturing a new generation of supply chain superheroes is critical. We need people who are not only masters of logistics and technology, but also masters of collaboration, adaptability and creative problem-solving. It's about finding those rare individuals who can turn uncertainty into opportunity and build a supply chain that's ready for anything the future throws its way.

What technological innovations in the supply chain space are you most excited about?

AI and Gen AI, without a doubt.

Imagine a world where technology doesn't just support our teams but actually augments their capabilities, freeing them to focus on strategic thinking and innovation. We're already exploring how AI can revolutionise customer experiences by, say, anticipating what a customer might love based on their purchasing patterns and then using that data to optimise our inventory levels and deployment. Talk about personalised beauty!

This isn't just about efficiency, though. It's about unlocking entirely new avenues for collaboration with our retail partners across all channels and, ultimately, creating beauty experiences that are really new and disruptive.

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics, and, let me tell you, the conversations were mind-blowing. The agility and responsiveness that these emerging technologies can unlock are game-changing. It's clear to me that we're on the cusp of a seismic shift in the supply chain world and, at L'Oréal, we're embracing it with open arms. After all, beauty and technology are in our DNA.

To what extent are you and L'Oréal prioritising sustainability across your supply chain?

We try to embed sustainability into the fabric of who we are and what we do. We've been on this journey for many years, but, in 2020, we knew we needed to hit the accelerator. That's when we launched ‘L'Oréal for the Future’, a more ambitious, science-based sustainability roadmap for 2030 that further built on our previous programme, ‘Sharing Beauty with All’.

Overall, it’s about enabling conscious choices every step of the way. We're talking rigorous eco-design principles for our products, transparently assessing their environmental impact to empower our consumers and, of course, taking responsibility for our supply chain's footprint. From optimising transportation routes to championing traceability and inclusivity within our supplier network, we're committed to making a positive impact.

We're proud of the strides we're making alongside organisations like the Carbon Disclosure Project and Science-Based Targets, and the incredible network of like-minded companies driving change. But honestly, we're also humbled by the scale of the challenge before us. This isn't a solo mission; it's about coming together as a global community to create a more sustainable future for all.

What are your goals, personal and professional, for the next 12-18 months?

The next year or so is shaping up to be an exciting one, both personally and professionally.

On the L'Oréal front, I'm completely energised by two major infrastructure projects that are about to unleash the full potential of our supply chain. These initiatives are all about harnessing the power of real-time data, which, in a world of 7,000 new product launches every year across multiple channels, is absolutely game-changing. Talk about agility and responsiveness! Being part of this incredible transformation at L'Oréal, nurturing the growth of my team and witnessing these future-fit operating models come to life is what gets me up in the morning. It's the very reason I fell in love with the world of supply chain over 20 years ago – and that passion hasn't faded one bit.

On a more personal note, anyone who knows me knows I'm a firm believer in embracing life with a little fun, freedom and maybe even a touch of rebellion. For me, that means prioritising travel whenever possible – soaking up new cultures and experiences is like fuel for my soul. When I lived in Canada, I cherished apple-picking excursions and the magic of maple syrup season. Now, in New York, weekend runs in Central Park or adventures with my kids on the High Line are rituals I am really into. And summer? Summer is all about basking in the Provençal sunshine with a table full of delicious Mediterranean food. Of course, nothing beats quality time with my four amazing kids – those moments are what truly make life complete. I am a big believer in embracing every opportunity you have to live life and exploring as many territories – both literal and metaphorical – as possible.

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