Our people

Sandra Toro – Raw Materials, Pet & Aqua Business Manager

24 August 2025
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3 minutes

Born in Santiago, Chile, and Brazilian at heart, Sandra Toro built a remarkable professional journey in Brazil, marked by dedication, business acumen, and, above all, an outstanding ability to nurture and develop people. Currently leading the Raw Materials, Pet, and Aqua divisions at De Heus Brazil, she brings courage, determination, and grace to her leadership — backed by over three decades of experience and genuine passion for her work.

Commercial expertise and strategic leadership

Sandra began her professional path supporting representatives in the animal nutrition sector. Over the years, she accumulated experience across multiple species and areas, building a robust commercial foundation. With a strategic mindset and a strong focus on talent development, she carved out a trajectory of continuous growth — always with a keen eye on advancing both the business and the people around her.

At De Heus, she took on the challenge of structuring the Raw Materials department. Since then, her role has steadily expanded, gaining visibility and responsibility in new areas.

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Nicole Rouffaer

Group HR Business Partner

Building strong teams as the greatest achievement

For Sandra, leadership goes far beyond managing processes and hitting targets — it’s about offering clarity, fostering accountability, and creating space for each individual to thrive. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that collective growth strengthens performance.

“Seeing people grow, discover their potential, and pursue their paths within De Heus is deeply fulfilling for me,” she affirms. Today, many professionals who developed under her guidance continue to grow within the company, occupying key positions — a testament to a leadership style that emphasizes direction, trust, and personal development.

 

A defining invitation

One of the most pivotal moments in her journey at De Heus was being invited to also lead the Aqua and Pet businesses. The proposal, made directly by the company’s president, added a whole new dimension to her role.

“At that moment, my heart was racing, and I felt that mix of nervousness and excitement that only major decisions bring. But at the same time, a deep sense of confidence started to grow within me. He believed in me — and when someone like the President of the company sees your potential, you realize that you also need to believe in yourself. That trust gave me the assurance to accept the challenge, with the certainty that I would make that department thrive. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career — one I entered with courage, determination, and the calm conviction of someone who knows they’re on the right path.”

From that point forward, Sandra embraced the mission of expanding the department with these principles at heart — and with unwavering confidence in the strength of the career she has built, which continues to guide her journey to this day.

World-class Workplace

We are extremely proud that De Heus was awarded the World-class Workplace label for 2024-2025. At De Heus you work in an environment where the employee is central.

A culture of trust and commitment

Sandra values the relationship with leadership and the collaborative atmosphere that define her daily life at De Heus. The close connection with senior management and alignment with the company’s goals create a fertile environment for building consistent and lasting solutions.

“Everyone here is genuinely committed to finding the best solutions — always focused on results and collective well-being,” she highlights.
For Sandra, De Heus' strength lies in its people. It is this spirit of partnership, combined with autonomy and mutual trust, that makes her work not just productive, but truly enjoyable.