Hamideh Ahmadloo holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Polymer and Biotechnology Industries. She has a robust background in R&D and innovation platforms, having taken on roles as a researcher, quality manager, and sourcing manager. Hamideh excels in leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve business objectives, such as launching new products and fostering strong business partnerships, all while promoting sustainable growth. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on supply chains, she has developed a keen interest in sourcing. Currently, she leads the procurement hub at Dow Chemicals, overseeing the sourcing of over $300 million in spend. The dynamics following the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have provided her with significant experience in commercial and operational demand management, highlighting the importance of global and local geopolitical factors.
In her current position, Hamideh focuses on dynamic global purchasing opportunities to strategically guide a sustainable and profitable business, with particular attention to novel market contributors and entrepreneurs. One of her primary passions is empowering women in business, which she actively pursues through internal company networks and external community support for Women in STEM. She serves as an Inclusion & Diversity champion, a Global ambassador, and the Chair-elect of the member engagement committee for the Society of Women Engineers.
This article explores Hamideh’s sources of inspiration, accomplishments, leadership philosophy and much more.
What are the main factors that guided you to where you are now?
I believe that embracing diversity and fostering mutual understanding are essential to building a resilient and successful business. As a senior leader in strategic market analysis and sourcing at a construction chemical company like Sika, the main factors that guided me to where I am now include my deep understanding of market capacities and industrial opportunities in each and every region especially Middle East. My journey began with a strong foundation in chemical engineering and a keen interest in market dynamics. Over the years, I have focused on identifying and leveraging growth opportunities, optimizing supply chains, and building robust supplier relationships. The unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Middle East market, such as rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and evolving regulatory landscapes, have driven me to develop innovative sourcing strategies and contribute to the company’s success. My ability to navigate complex geopolitical environments and my commitment to sustainability and operational excellence have been crucial in shaping my career and achieving my current leadership position.
Given your years of experience and accomplishments, what would you say was your biggest achievement?
Given my extensive experience and accomplishments, I would say my biggest achievement has been successfully balancing a demanding career in the chemical industry with my personal life. Earning a PhD in Chemical Engineering and securing over 10 patents and more than 10 publications are significant milestones. However, leading innovative projects, driving commercial success, and managing teams while raising two wonderful children stands out as my most fulfilling accomplishment. This journey has not only honed my technical and managerial skills but also reinforced the importance of resilience, time management, and the support of a strong network of my leaders, partner and family members.
What is the quote that inspires you the most?
One quote that inspires me the most is by Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” This quote motivates me to keep pushing forward and reminds me that perseverance can turn the seemingly impossible into reality.
Can you name two books that inspired you? And what did you take out of them?
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries: This book taught me the importance of innovation and adaptability in business. It emphasizes the need for continuous improvement, validated learning, and pivoting when necessary. The concept of building a minimum viable product (MVP) and iterating based on customer feedback has been particularly valuable in my approach to projects and problem-solving.
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins: This book explores why some companies make the leap from good to great while others do not. It introduced me to the concept of Level 5 Leadership, which combines humility with fierce resolve. The idea of getting the right people on the bus and focusing on the Hedgehog Concept—what you are deeply passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your economic engine—has profoundly influenced my leadership style and strategic thinking.
What personality traits contributed to you being successful?
As a woman in the technical field, my success can be attributed to several key personality traits: resilience, which has enabled me to overcome numerous challenges growing up in Iran and navigating a European culture; curiosity, driving my continuous learning and innovation; adaptability, allowing me to navigate dynamic environments and seize opportunities; perseverance, ensuring my commitment to long-term objectives; empathy, strengthening my leadership and collaboration abilities by understanding and valuing diverse perspectives; and strategic thinking, guiding my decision-making and business strategies. These traits have collectively shaped my professional journey and contributed to my accomplishments.
In light of your journey and experiences, what message would you like to convey to aspiring youth in the same field?
I would say… “Embrace your unique journey and never let challenges deter you from pursuing your dreams”. Continuously seek knowledge, be open to new experiences, and remain committed to your goals. I would say if you understand the value of diverse perspectives and build strong relationships based on empathy and mutual respect you will go a long way with success.
What is your personal team leadership philosophy, and how does it shape your work environment?
My personal team leadership philosophy is rooted in trust, empowerment, and collaboration. Early in my career, a leader recognized my potential and trusted me with significant responsibilities, allowing me to lead a critical project. This experience was transformative, as it reinforced my belief in the power of trusting and empowering team members. I strive to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and supported, encouraging open communication and innovative thinking. I am always open to opportunities to enable all our team members to take ownership of their work and confidently tackle challenges. This approach not only drives our collective success but also nurtures individual growth and development.
What is the most valuable lesson learned from your professional journey ?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my professional journey is the importance of resilience and adaptability. Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous challenges and changes, from navigating different cultural landscapes to managing complex projects. Each experience has taught me that setbacks are opportunities for growth and that staying flexible and open to new ideas is crucial for success. Embracing these qualities has not only helped me overcome obstacles but also enabled me to lead with confidence and inspire my team to achieve their best.
Can you describe your journey in strategic sourcing and how you developed a focus on sustainability?
My journey in strategic sourcing began with a strong foundation in upstream technology and economic perspectives, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain dynamics. Over the years, I have honed my skills in procurement and market analysis, focusing on optimizing processes and building robust supplier relationships. At Sika, our Strategy 2028 places a major emphasis on sustainability, aiming to drive the organization towards greener solutions. This strategic focus aligns with my personal commitment to sustainability and has inspired me to integrate sustainable practices into our sourcing strategies. By leveraging my knowledge of upstream technology and economic perspectives, I have been able to identify opportunities for reducing our environmental impact while maintaining cost efficiency and quality. Our organizational efforts are authentic and driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact. In the B2B business, particularly in the construction industry, our focus on sustainability is crucial. By prioritizing green solutions, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also meet the growing demand from consumers for environmentally responsible products. My journey in strategic sourcing has been shaped by these principles, and I am proud to be part of an organization that is dedicated to driving positive change in the industry.
What future trends do you anticipate in sustainable sourcing, and how are you preparing to address them?
In the future, I anticipate several key trends in sustainable sourcing, including increased emphasis on circular economy practices, greater transparency and traceability in supply chains, and the adoption of innovative technologies to reduce environmental impact. To address these trends, I am focusing on integrating circular economy principles into our sourcing strategies, such as prioritizing recycled and renewable materials. Additionally, I am working on enhancing supply chain transparency by implementing advanced tracking systems and collaborating closely with suppliers to ensure compliance with sustainability standards. Embracing innovative technologies, such as blockchain and AI, will also play a crucial role in optimizing our sourcing processes and minimizing our carbon footprint. By staying ahead of these trends, we can drive positive change and maintain our commitment to sustainability.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, there are several upcoming ideas that I am particularly excited about, which I aim to shape into novel projects. One of the key topics is the implementation of a comprehensive circular economy strategy, focusing on increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials in our sourcing processes. Another exciting area is the adoption of AI-driven tools to optimize sourcing processes and reduce our carbon footprint.
Having had the privilege of working closely with local experts in growing industries, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible potential that lies within each market, especially in the Middle East region. Our company’s strategy focuses on being close to local markets while maintaining agility in global business operations. My recent engagement with local entrepreneurs to leverage our knowledge and build a strong supply chain in countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt has given me a great positive impression about the Middle East region’s present and future.
By benefiting from mutual interests via local talents and global corporate expertise, we provide a platform for more creative and flexible solutions to major economic and industry challenges. These efforts align with my personal commitment to sustainability and innovation, driving a positive impact in the construction chemicals industry as well.
