Darja Janežič
Summary
Innovative and strategic Director of Operations with extensive experience in change management, restructuring, and operational excellence. A proactive leader with a strong passion for team development, high empathy, and excellent communication skills. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes, and leading strategic investment projects within the food industry.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief of Operations
Atlantic Stark
Belgrade
1 2020 - Current
- Manage operations of a confectionery company with 14 production lines and over 800 team members.
- Conduct due diligence of operations and evaluate key risks and bottlenecks.
- Develop and implement a 5-year operations strategy in collaboration with an external consulting group.
- Introduce and implement Kaizen tools (5S, OEE, TPM) to improve operational efficiency.
Director of Development and Investment
Atlantic Stark
Belgrade
01.2020 - Current
- Manage investment projects and negotiate with suppliers.
- Lead project teams from feasibility study to production start-up.
- Define company long-term development plans and manage portfolio profitability.
General Manager
Tripoint Sports Nutrition
Hamburg
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Restructured the company and prepared it for sale.
- Implemented a 3PL business model and changed the route-to-market strategy.
- Developed and executed a 3-year brand strategy, including brand repositioning and portfolio planning.
Quality Assurance and R&D Director
Atlantic Multipower Germany
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Managed R&D and quality assurance in a sports nutrition company.
- Ensured regulatory compliance with EU legislation on food and health claims.
- Co-led greenfield investment in a new bar factory, setting up technology and processes.
R&D Director
Droga Kolinska Group/Atlantic Grupa
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Led new product development processes and portfolio optimization.
- Directed investment projects and outsourced cooperations.
- Conducted feasibility studies and optimized portfolio and processes.
Strategic Marketing and Development
Droga Kolinska Group
01.2007 - 01.2008
Education
Executive Education in Marketing -
Kellogg School of Management, Chicago, USA
Chicago 09.2007 - 11.2007
Specialization in Nutrition -
University of Vienna
Vienna 02.2007 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Food Science and Technology -
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
Ljubljana 10.2000 - 05.2006
Skills
Leadership and Team Development
Change Management
Greenfield Investments Management
Restructuring and Integration
Supply Chain Assessment and Strategy Development
Kaizen (5S, OEE, TPM)
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance
Innovation Leadership
Websites
Family
Mother of a baby girl, living with family in Belgrade, Serbia
Additional Knowledge and Experience
Project Management, WIFI Institute Vienna, 2011; Business and Team Leadership, IEDC Bled, 2016; Negotiation and Influence, London Business School, 2018
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 11/15/81
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Slovenian
- Driving License: Category B
Languages
Slovenian
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Serbian
Proficient
C2
German
Upper intermediate
B2
Timeline
Director of Development and Investment
Atlantic Stark
01.2020 - Current
General Manager
Tripoint Sports Nutrition
01.2017 - 01.2019
Quality Assurance and R&D Director
Atlantic Multipower Germany
01.2015 - 01.2017
R&D Director
Droga Kolinska Group/Atlantic Grupa
01.2008 - 01.2015
Executive Education in Marketing -
Kellogg School of Management, Chicago, USA
09.2007 - 11.2007
Specialization in Nutrition -
University of Vienna
02.2007 - 06.2007
Strategic Marketing and Development
Droga Kolinska Group
01.2007 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Food Science and Technology -
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
10.2000 - 05.2006
Chief of Operations
Atlantic Stark
1 2020 - Current