Coworking with Heidi Zuber

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Heidi Zuber recently scooped the role as global head of HR at Froneri, the international ice cream company that owns iconic brands like Häagen-Dazs and Drumstick. But she also serves as chief legal officer for Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream—Froneri’s US division. The sweet gig isn’t Zuber’s first in the CPG space: She got her start as an HR manager at PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. Here, she dishes more about her day to day.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? I make sure that we have the right team at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, a team which is diverse and passionate about making, packaging, and servicing our customers and fans with the best quality and tasting ice cream. I also help keep the organization whole and support my colleagues in growing the business.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile: Aside from having wicked Excel skills for a lawyer, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and help. This is unique about us: Everyone knows everything. If I happen to be at one of our facilities and support is needed, I have the skills to jump in.

What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? During the pandemic, we delivered free ice cream to frontline workers and to firefighters who were battling wildfires. I love that through my work, I get to spread joy and put smiles on people’s faces.

One emerging trend that you’re excited about this year: This may not be a typical retail trend, but I am fascinated by the Great Resignation. In my role as chief HR officer, employees are an employer’s consumers. And just as consumers expect brands to do more than just sell products, employees expect employers to do more than just make products to sell. I anticipate employers will flex and extend in many ways to attract talent and I am curious to see what their organizations end up looking like.