Maiya Patel: Leading Brand Manager for Müller Yogurt & Desserts

Maiya Patel, the 29-year-old Brand Manager for brand equity marketing at Müller Yogurt & Desserts in Shropshire, possesses a deep-seated passion for creative roles and entertainment. Initially aspiring to emulate the success of TV presenter Konnie Huq on Blue Peter, Maiya’s perspective shifted during a marketing internship in Melbourne, where she discovered her enjoyment for the fusion of strategic and creative thinking. This pivotal realization steered her towards a fulfilling career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

In her capacity at Müller, a preeminent dairy brand, Maiya assumes the responsibility of preserving and augmenting the brand’s appeal. Working collaboratively with in-house teams and external agency partners, she formulates creative and strategic plans, partakes in digital and in-store executions, and meticulously analyses equity metrics to ensure alignment with targets. Her principal objective revolves around cementing the adoration and confidence in the Müller brand through impactful storytelling across diverse touchpoints.

Reflecting on the application process at Müller, Maiya lauds the simplicity, transparency, and inclusive nature of the experience. The familial ambiance exuded by the organization fostered a sense of belonging within her. Drawing from her own journey, she emphasizes the significance of proactively engaging with companies of interest and comprehending available opportunities as an auspicious commencement to a career in the food and drink industry.

Maiya finds profound gratification in the collaborative dynamic shared with her adept and industrious colleagues at Müller. She underscores the invigorating fervor and dedication channelled towards propelling the brand’s growth, which ultimately augments the entire supply chain. Despite the common misconception that she is inundated with an infinite supply of yoghurts, Maiya relishes the dynamic and innovative milieu embedded within the food and drink industry.

Imparting guidance to aspiring individuals seeking to venture into the food and drink sector, Maiya fervently advocates for proactively reaching out to companies of interest and exploring available opportunities for work experience, placements, and roles. She extols Müller as a prime launchpad for a career, lauding the genial environment and the diverse array of prospects spanning across the business.

Anticipating the future, Maiya is resolute in her aspirations to perpetuate the refinement of her management and leadership skills. Her ultimate career aspiration revolves around steering a team either within the UK or on a global scale, steering the execution of enduring strategic plans, realising tangible outcomes, and facilitating the accomplishment of others’ professional aspirations. As a final contingency, she jests about the prospect of contacting Blue Peter for potential opportunities.

Maiya Patel’s transformative journey to assuming a prominent position as a brand manager at Müller stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities inherent within the food and drink industry. Her ardour for creativity, strategic acumen, and leadership acumen have propelled her career trajectory, and her insightful counsel stands as a beacon of inspiration for budding individuals within the industry.