Business Spotlight: Fazer’s Recipe for Global Success
To kick off our blog series highlighting Vantaa-based employers who turn diversity into a competitive advantage, we start with Fazer. Located in Vantaa — an airport city with Finland’s youngest, highly multilingual population — Fazer is perfectly positioned to go global. We spoke with Chief HR Officer Jenni Gallagher to learn how their internationalization strategy and inclusive practices drive success.
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Fazer’s commitment to diversity is rooted not just in values but in business logic. Growing in home markets and expanding into new markets in Central and Eastern Europe requires teams that understand local consumers and bring fresh perspectives. “Internationalization isn’t just about entering new markets. It’s about building teams that reflect those markets. Our consumers in home markets are also becoming more diverse. Diversity gives us the insight we need to succeed globally,” Jenni Gallagher explains.
Internationalization isn’t just about entering new markets. It’s about building teams that reflect those markets.
Fazer’s Top Tips
Set Clear Objectives for Leadership Diversity
Fazer has made it a priority that management teams operating in global contexts include both Finnish and non-Finnish leaders. This approach is intentional: management teams are tasked with ensuring a balance of Finnish and non-Finnish leaders, creating a ripple effect across the organization. “We currently have around 40 different nationalities working at Fazer, and international representation spans all levels — from production to senior leadership,” Gallagher shares.
Invest in Language Awareness — Both Ways
While English is the company’s working language, Fazer recognizes the value of Finnish for integration. Pilots in bakeries have combined recruitment with Finnish language training, helping international hires succeed professionally and socially. At the same time, Finnish employees receive support to improve English skills, fostering two-way inclusion.
Address Everyday Inclusion Challenges
Small cultural habits can unintentionally exclude. Corridor conversations or lunch breaks that default to Finnish can leave non-native speakers feeling isolated. Fazer tackles this through awareness campaigns, DEI training, and initiatives like its annual DEI Day, where employees share personal stories.
Fazer’s annual engagement survey provides an objective way to measure team dynamics and inclusion, helping identify strengths and areas for improvement across the organization.
Diversity gives us the insight we need to succeed globally.
Fazer’s DEI journey is long-term and evolving. The company recently earned the “World-Class Employer” label, validating its commitment to fair and inclusive practices. But for Fazer, the label isn’t a finish line but a motivation to keep improving. From refining recruitment processes to expanding language support and cultural training, the goal is clear: create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Why This Matters for Vantaa
Fazer’s journey shows that inclusive practices aren’t just good ethics but good business. By setting clear diversity goals, investing in language awareness, and addressing everyday inclusion challenges, companies can strengthen teams and succeed globally.
The City of Vantaa is here to help local employers thrive in an increasingly diverse labor market. Through services offered in collaboration with Finland’s largest cities, we support businesses in attracting and retaining international talent.
