Carolyn Tapang’s journey at JDE Peet's is an inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and a commitment to driving change. When she joined the company in 2014 as a Regional IT Manager in the Asia Pacific region, Carolyn quickly recognized the supportive culture that differentiated JDE Peet’s from her previous experiences. "I immediately saw the difference in the culture, in the support I was getting as a woman in a male-dominated field," she shared. "I felt valued and that I actually belonged."

In 2019, Carolyn was offered the role of Head of IT Operations, which required relocating her family. "I was breaking a lot of barriers — I am a woman, I am Asian, and yet I was given this incredible opportunity," she said. With the encouragement of a personal coach, she embraced the challenge, determined to pave the way for others. "I saw the opportunity to create a Women in Tech group and help women in IT navigate their careers."

With the full support of the company’s leadership, Carolyn co-founded the Women in Tech initiative in 2021. "It started with a simple lunch meeting, and we realized not all the women in IT knew each other or the challenges they faced," she recalled. Over the years, the initiative has grown. "We bring everyone together to brainstorm, identify challenges, and drive meaningful change."

Carolyn attributes much of her success to JDE Peet’s commitment to career development. "It’s only here that I saw the real value of a career development plan—it’s followed, and it’s not just a tick-box exercise." She credits the company’s HR processes for ensuring that employees have clear paths for growth and opportunities to take on stretch assignments.

As the Global Business Sponsor for DE&I, Carolyn is focused on fostering an inclusive environment at all levels. "We’re not just about women in tech; we’re about inclusivity for everyone," she emphasized. She’s currently leading efforts to celebrate Gender Balance Month, which engages and celebrates employees of all genders, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard.

Carolyn Tapang, Global IT Director Service & Operations, JDE Peet’s

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