“Rapid scaling and genuine empathy aren’t opposing forces. When technology handles the administrative weight, leaders gain the space to put people first.” — Gemini Aryanto, Group Chief People & Culture Officer, Kenangan Brands
When Gemini Aryanto brought three decades of global HR experience across Nestlé, Danone, and Yum! Brands to Kenangan Brands (Kopi Kenangan), his mission as Group Chief People & Culture Officer was clear: translate the company’s core philosophy—Mulai dari Hati (Start from the Heart)—into a high-performing operational engine.
In an exclusive video interview with Chief of Staff Asia, Aryanto breaks down how the tech-enabled beverage unicorn is scaling across six countries, driving an internal promotion rate near 100%, and integrating AI recruitment co-pilots without losing the human touch.
1. From Abstract Culture to Store Floor Realities
Culture in fast-growing retail often stays locked in boardroom pitch decks. For Aryanto, “Serving with a Heart” is a practical framework for frontline baristas. By grounding empathy in daily routines, store teams are empowered to deliver consistent customer experiences across every market.
2. The 97% Internal Promotion Rate
Central to the company’s Employee Value Proposition is the “We Grow, You Grow” framework—a structured five-year career pathway taking entry-level trainees all the way to Store Managers. Under Aryanto’s leadership, over 97% of Store Managers are promoted from within, proving that retention relies on clear internal mobility.
3. AI Co-Pilots: Admin to Strategy
To support hiring 15,000+ new baristas by 2030, Kenangan Brands is leveraging smart HR technology:
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CHOYS Platform: Delivers holistic health and wellbeing support to nearly 8,000 employees across six countries.
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AI Recruitment Co-Pilot: Born out of an internal AI Hackathon, automated screening and scheduling free up HR teams to focus on high-touch candidate interactions.
4. “Brewing Beyond Borders”
Through the “Brewing Beyond Borders” mobility programme, Aryanto ensures the brand’s service standards aren’t lost in translation as it expands into Singapore, Malaysia, and India—offering baristas global exposure while maintaining core culture.
