Oakland International delight as 2024 Cold Chain Federation Emerging Leader Bursary winner confirmed

Oakland International Operations Manager, based in Bardon, Valentina Florina-Drescanu has been recognised as one of just two recipients of the 2024 Cold Chain Federation Emerging Leader Bursary winners conferred during the Cold Chain Live! 2024 event at the Telford International Centre on the 4th and 5th of September.

Launched earlier this year, the Cold Chain Emerging Leaders programme aims to cultivate crucial skills and experience needed by both current and future industry leaders. The award recipients participate in a year-long programme that includes residential sessions, online workshops, and coaching modules, all intended to prepare them to become influential leaders in the cold chain sector.

Commenting on her award Valentina stated: “I am truly honoured to receive this recognition. The support from my colleagues and company since I joined Oakland has been invaluable, and I look forward to all opportunities this programme will provide to enhance my skills and contribute to our industry.

“I am also immensely grateful to Oakland and our senior management for their encouragement and for creating a culture that empowers us to succeed.”

Delivered in partnership with the Leadership Trust, Valentina will have the chance to attend both the Cold Chain Federation Sustainability Summit and Parliamentary Reception which will allow her to network with Cold Chain leaders. She will also participate in the Cold Chain Live! 2025 event where she will hand over award responsibilities to a new winner.

Oakland International Group HR Director, Nicola Harris, said: "We are thrilled for Valentina and dedicated in supporting her throughout this year-long programme, which provides a fantastic opportunity for talented and diligent individuals like Valentina to excel.

“As a leading light for women in Cold Chain, Valentina will develop the essential skills needed in our industry for future leaders in temperature-controlled logistics and be able to collaborate with industry peers and learn from the other exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”

A Certified B Corporation business Oakland International is a total supply chain solutions specialist and a leader in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for all types of food, servicing diverse markets across the UK and Ireland.