International Women's Day: An Interview with Annemie Wagemans from LYB
Can you tell us about your career journey so far? What first drew you to the supply chain and chemicals industry, and how did you progress to your current role?
I’ve built my entire career in and around supply chain, beginning with my studies in the field, which led me to my first role at Maersk Line. One of my key customers at the time was DuPont de Nemours, and that partnership opened the door to the chemicals industry - an industry I found both intellectually stimulating and operationally complex, which really drew me in.
From there, my career progressed across multiple areas of the supply chain. I started in Customs & Trade, stationed in the UK, then moved into Logistics Procurement buying sea, air & express transport services, which matched my background. I later stepped into Logistics leadership for Eastern Europe, based in Moscow, Russia, before taking on roles in Operations and ultimately becoming a Site Manager. That experience broadened my perspective significantly, and it later enabled me to take regional leadership roles: Customer Service for EMEA, followed by roles as Supply Chain Manager EMEA in Switzerland and Senior Logistics Manager for the EMEA region.
Over time, my focus shifted toward transformation - first within Supply Chain through Digital and Data Analytics, and eventually into broader enterprise‑level transformation work. That evolution is what ultimately brought me to LyondellBasell, where I now serve as Senior Director, leading our Global Supply Chain Center of Excellence and driving governance across the function. It has been a journey defined by curiosity, learning, and a passion for elevating the impact of supply chain in global organizations.
Looking back, were there any defining moments, challenges, or opportunities that had a significant impact on your career path or leadership style?
Looking back, several defining moments shaped both my career path and my leadership style. Living and working abroad - in the UK, Switzerland, and especially during a very challenging assignment in Russia - pushed me far outside my comfort zone and taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of cultural awareness. Some of the biggest growth moments came from roles I initially thought I wasn’t ready for; in fact, the jobs that made me say “oh my god…” were exactly the ones I learned the most from. They taught me to seize opportunities even when they feel daunting. And throughout my journey, one constant has been the power of networking - both internally and externally. Building genuine relationships has opened doors, provided support during tough transitions, and helped me keep expanding my perspective as a leader.
As a leader, how do you foster a positive and inclusive work culture within your teams?
As a leader, I focus on creating a work culture where people genuinely feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. I put people at the center by championing their well‑being, strengths, and contributions, which aligns closely with our LYB value of ‘We champion people’. I build trust through active listening and by fostering psychological safety so everyone feels respected and safe to speak up or take risks.
I also work hard to create clarity and shared purpose by aligning the team around a common North Star, clear goals, and transparent decision‑making. Collaboration is core to how we operate, so I encourage cross‑functional partnership to break silos and unlock diverse ways of thinking across regions and processes. I’m passionate about continuous development, making sure team members have access to learning, growth opportunities, and the space to take ownership. And finally, I believe culture is shaped through daily experiences, so I make it a point to celebrate wins, recognize contributions, and create positive moments that reinforce the healthy, inclusive culture we want to build together.
You mentioned you’re passionate about inspiring women to step into the wonderful world of Supply Chain/Logistics. Why is this important to you personally, and how is this a regular part of your day-to-day role at LyondellBasell?
My passion for inspiring women to step into the world of Supply Chain and Logistics is deeply personal. I grew up seeing the impact of limited opportunities - my mother wasn’t allowed to study simply because she was a girl, and that experience has always stayed close to my heart. Later, as I built my career, I spent many years in logistics and procurement as the only woman at the table, which made me acutely aware of how important representation and diversity truly are. Diverse teams perform better, but more importantly, they create an environment where people feel they belong and can thrive. In my day‑to‑day role at LYB, I try to pay that forward by mentoring women in an informal, genuine way. I’ve been in their shoes, and I want to share not only the lessons and opportunities but also the honest insights about what to embrace - and what to avoid - as they navigate their own paths.
From your perspective, how is work culture changing across supply chain and logistics, and what progress are you most encouraged by, especially for women in the industry?
Work culture across supply chain and logistics is evolving rapidly, becoming far more inclusive, people‑centric, and intentional than in the past. We’re seeing employees place greater value on growth, capability building, and inclusion, supported by smarter ways of working and better access to learning and development resources. At the same time, the industry is making meaningful progress toward gender equity, with initiatives like the Women in Logistics consortium driving structural change, increasing visibility, and setting clear goals to close the gender gap in what has traditionally been a male‑dominated field. What encourages me most is that these shifts aren’t just statements - they’re backed by collaborative action, open dialogue about barriers, and a growing recognition that diversity is a strategic advantage for performance, innovation, and resilience
For women who are earlier in their careers or aspiring to leadership roles in supply chain, what advice would you share based on your own experience?
For women earlier in their careers or aspiring to leadership roles in supply chain, my strongest advice is to stay curious, stay visible, and actively seek out growth opportunities. The industry is evolving - there is increasing support for capability building, access to training, and a culture that values inclusion and continuous development- so take advantage of those resources and don’t hesitate to raise your hand for stretch assignments. Build strong partnerships across functions, because relationships and collaboration are essential in a global supply chain environment. And finally, don’t wait to feel “ready” before stepping forward; initiatives across the industry, like Women in Logistics, are pushing for greater gender equity and leadership representation, and this momentum creates more opportunity than ever for women to shape the future of supply chain.
LogiChem are thrilled to announce that Annemie will also be speaking at the conference in March, register today to hear her insights in March 2026.