340: The chance work placement that created "the queen of cheese"

<div>Anne Marie Butler did not always want to work in the food industry, in fact, she had originally hoped to become a lawyer.<br> <br> But she ended up becoming the "queen of cheese" at the dairy firm <a href="https://www.edlong.com/">Edlong</a>, thanks in part to a chance bit of work experience.<br> <br> "I just didn't bother to arrange anything," she tells Elisa Roche in this episode of the Career Conversations podcast series.<br> <br> She ended up doing at stint at Kerry and so began her lifelong passion for food innovation, flavour and <a href="https://foodmatterslive.com/podcast/whats-next-in-the-evolution-of-plant-based-dairy-food-podcasts/">dairy</a>.<br> <br> Anne Marie tells Elisa she believes everything happens for a reason and that work placement really has seen her land on her feet.<br> <br> She is now Edlong's Global Director of Innovation and Commercial Development.<br> <br> Like many people in the industry, she started off with a science degree and moved into new product development.<br> <br> Anne Marie says she believes everything happens for a reason and she urges others to "follow their gut" when making career decisions.<br> <br> Listen to the full episode to find out how she made it to her current role.<br> <br> <strong>Anne Marie Butler, Global Director of Innovation, Edlong<br> </strong><br> Anne Marie has been in the food industry for over 15 years. <br> <br> With a varied background covering manufacturing, R&amp;D and applications focusing on cheese, processed cheese, dairy alternatives, and flavours she has a passion for all things food.</div>