Margie Haseltine - CEO to NED via WOB

Margie Haseltine left Mars three years ago, with a plan of changing her life style and working profile. Her aim was to be appointed to boards, to use her experience and knowledge, and give her flexibility in her life.

She is an inaugural member of WOB, and in the early stages of getting started, had a power chat/meeting with Ruth Medd. Ruth’s initial advice was for Margie to rewrite her CV, with a clear focus on transitioning from management to a non-executive focus. Margie took this advice, and commissioned Kerry Chater to rewrite her CV. The success story starts there.  

Margie had a background of working for Mars for 20 years. Mars is known for confectionery e.g. Mars Bars, pet food (Pedigree and Whiskas etc) and food (Dolmio, Masterfoods spices, Kantong and Uncle Bens Rice).  Her skill set is in procurement, supply chain management, manufacturing, logistics and in running and turning around business. She was the CEO of Masterfoods food division for five years and she also led a major change management turn around for all three divisions, working along side Bain consulting for two years. 

Following on from her procurement years, and having grown up on a farm, she decided to focus her attention on agricultural and rural boards, utilising her skills in the consumer industry and helping companies to set strategy and grow. 

Margie now sits on four boards. She has three paid NED positions; the BRI Research Australia, Agrifoods Skills, NCS International and she chairs the Ourimbah University Campus Advisory Board.

Margie attributes her success to completing the five day AICD course, rewriting her CV, being engaged with the help and programs offered by WOB, approaching applying for boards like applying for jobs and planning to succeed. 

She says “ every time the WOB vacancies email arrives, I sit down and apply for everything I’m interested in and qualified to apply for. Nothing ventured nothing gained”. She adds, “make sure your cover letter meets the criteria, and is sharp and to the point”.