When Joan Xu walks through the doors of our bakery in Hubei, China, she doesn’t just step into her role as Plant Manager, she steps into history as the first woman to ever manage a bakery in our China region.  

  “I am very aware that I am the first female plant manager” Joan reflects. “To me, this is the best manifestation of Bimbo QSR's talent strategy in terms of diversity, inclusiveness, and selecting talent based on their abilities.” Joan’s journey with the company began in 2008 in Quality Assurance, and ever since, she has taken on new opportunities with increasing responsibility.  

 Her leadership was tested when the Hubei bakery underwent two major relocations and expansions, running parallel operations at old and new sites. But Joan wasn’t alone. “The leaders in the Chinese region provided solid and powerful support and guidance. They were like lighthouses, illuminating the way forward. With their support and my team’s dedication, we achieved a smooth transition.” 

 To the women who see her as a role model, Joan shares this message: “Don't limit yourselves! Gender is not a hindrance. Keep learning and improve your professional and management abilities at any stage. Chase your dreams bravely and write your own glorious chapter!” 
 
And to Grupo Bimbo: 
“Thank you, Grupo Bimbo, for your emphasis on the power of women and your attention to female leaders.”