Inspiring Leadership: Helena Garriga’s Journey in Supply Chain Management

In this installment of the Women in Supply Chain series, we discover the remarkable journey of Helena Garriga, who currently leads the global supply chain business at Körber. Growing up in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Helena’s early exposure to family-run businesses shaped her passion for engineering and operations.

Early Life and Influences

SC247: How would you describe where you grew up and what you were like as a child?

Helena Garriga (HG): I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. My family had deep roots in entrepreneurship—my father owned a construction company and my mother ran a carpentry business. Spending countless hours on construction sites laid the groundwork for my interest in engineering and operations.

Alongside my father’s construction work, I learned the intricacies of materials and details from my mother’s side. Their emphasis on education and the importance of math and science had a profound impact on me. By observing how plans transform into buildings, my passion for engineering solidified.

High School Experiences

SC247: You spent a lot of time on construction sites as a teenager. Did you enjoy that, or did it feel like work?

HG: I truly loved every bit of it. Witnessing the transformation of two-dimensional blueprints into tangible buildings was exhilarating. I started helping with payroll and employee tracking, which instilled a sense of responsibility and a genuine interest in the business operations.

Academic and Cultural Journey

SC247: Where did you go to university, and how did that shape you?

HG: My academic journey began in Barcelona before I moved to Paris on a scholarship. From there, I ventured to New York, continuously studying engineering. My time in varied cultures not only enriched my education but also shaped my understanding of leadership and teamwork.

The Evolution of Leadership

SC247: How did those international experiences influence your leadership style?

HG: Experience taught me that the expectations of a leader vary significantly across cultures and generations. For instance, while U.S. employees appreciate direct communication, this can seem abrupt in European settings. Similarly, leading a Gen Z colleague demands a different approach than that for a Baby Boomer. Adaptability has been vital in my leadership journey.

Career Highlights

SC247: You spent more than eight years at ABB. What did you take away from that experience?

HG: Joining ABB after my PhD was a game-changer. It deepened my insights into industrial technology and taught me the importance of adaptability in an evolving technological landscape.

SC247: What led you to move from ABB to Hitachi Energy?

HG: When ABB decided to spin off its energy division into Hitachi, I recognized a unique opportunity. Integrating a $10 billion business into a Japanese culture was an invaluable learning experience.

Current Role at Körber

SC247: What brought you to Körber, and what excites you about your current role?

HG: Körber approached me over two years ago, and the company’s transformation from a machine-building pioneer to a software and intralogistics powerhouse intrigued me. It’s a thrilling time to be in the supply chain space, especially with the rise of automation and AI.

SC247: What does your day-to-day role look like now?

HG: I lead the global supply chain operations across more than 20 countries. My focus is on talent placement and ensuring we make strategic investment choices. The role demands significant traveling—about 50% of my time—which I dedicate to connecting with colleagues and customers.

Looking to the Future

SC247: Do you expect things to calm down in 2026?

HG: No, the pace isn’t slowing down. We’ve faced numerous global disruptions and will continue to navigate through change. Resilience, both in supply chains and individuals, is key to thriving in this dynamic landscape.

Life Beyond Work

SC247: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?

HG: I’m happily married with two young daughters who keep me grounded. In my spare time, I enjoy using an elliptical bike, diving into crime novels, and watching movies whenever possible.