SIEMENS


on this year’s panel, Gillian White (Principal Consultant, Enavant Consulting Ltd), to talk about her experience entering a traditionally male-dominated industry, why she loves working in vending, and her predictions on what the future of the sector will look like.


KV: It’s interesting to learn about different routes into the vending sector. As a Mechanical Engineering graduate, how did  GW: It all happened by accident, really. I applied for an engineering role at Mars, involving research and development for the Flavia® beverage brand. From there, I fell into unattended retailing working with the Mars range of products, which was a great introduction. In that role, I was also heavily involved with the AVA (The Vending & Automated Retail Association) and EVA (European Vending & Coffee Service Association), which enabled me to build a very strong industry network.


KV: What were the demographics of the industry like when you  GW: It was certainly mostly men to begin with, and there was a  I wasn’t bothered by it though, and perhaps my engineering background helped, because I was used to being in a minority; there were only four women among a cohort of 120 students.


20 | vendinginternational-online.com


A vending trailblazer: A


Gillian White, Woman of the Year 2023, on her career trajectory


s we approach the Vendies Woman of the Year awards, Kathryn Vassilissin (Sales Manager, Vendor Finance, Siemens Financial Services UK) sits down with 2023 winner and judge


I do believe it always has to be the best person for the job,


regardless of gender, but greater parity on the board creates a safer space for women to put themselves forward and be heard. And that’s a collaborative effort. It also has a broader effect; the more vibrant the industry becomes, the more talent we will attract.


KV: Having watched the industry evolve, what did it mean to  GW large cohort of outstanding female entrants. There is a part of me that’s uncomfortable about an award that singles out women, but I recognise how important it is to have role models, and to keep the conversation going on equality. We can never get complacent. It was also great to see so many female nominees in all the different categories, outside of Woman of the Year.


KV: Absolutely! You’ve been in the industry for over twenty years now – what advice would you give to young people 


Despite coming into an alien culture, I truly feel that I’ve always been able to be my authentic self. The industry feels like one big family at  to larger organisations, they’re the most amazing bunch of people.


KV: You clearly had a thick skin, but do you think other women  GW: I certainly think they may have been hesitant about applying  we achieved a 50% female board at the association during my time as chair (July 2015 to January 2024) – ahead of the likes of the FTSE 


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