Why Staying Can Be the Boldest Career Move You Make | Career Growth at McCormick

In today’s professional world, success is often defined by change: the next job, the next company, the next big challenge. However, for Eline Valour, HR Business Partner, working at McCormick France for more than two decades has been a journey of continuous learning and transformation.

“23 years, one company, one department, one region, and yet, I feel like I’ve worked for several companies.”

Eline joined McCormick in 2002, shortly after the acquisition of Ducros— a moment that reshaped both the business and its culture. She began by supporting one manufacturing site, then another, and eventually several. Today, she leads Human Resources for McCormick’s factories, warehouses, and supply chain operations across France, most of which are in the Vaucluse region, allowing her to stay close to the teams on the ground.

Finding Purpose in Employee Development

As the McCormick France business grew, so did its approach to people and culture. What once was a structured HR function focused on process improvement, gradually became a space for professional development, trust and partnership.

Eline found her place close to the operations, on factory floors where leadership, teamwork, and courage are built day by day.

“The role of a line manager is key in a factory, and it’s perhaps the most complex one,” she says. “Supporting them, seeing them take risks, and develop their managerial courage is incredibly rewarding.”

Her work today goes well beyond traditional HR responsibilities. She helps teams navigate change, supports leadership development, and fosters environments where people can thrive. 

When Company Values Become Actions

Eline believes that McCormick’s values should be lived, not just displayed. She has worked to ensure respect, inclusion, and integrity are visible in how people lead and connect.

Her commitment goes beyond everyday operations: through partnerships with Face Vaucluse and Capital Filles, she mentors young people, helping them build confidence, prepare for interviews, and, most importantly, choose career paths that reflect who they truly are.

“It’s about helping them stay curious and open-minded,” she explains. “And in return, I learn just as much from them.”

These initiatives keep her connected to the challenges younger generations face, such as digital gaps or restricted mobility, reinforcing her belief that inclusion, curiosity and support are central to meaningful careers.

Empowering People Through Purposeful Leadership

Even after more than two decades, Eline continues to see every project as an opportunity to make something better.

“I never get bored, there’s always something to build, to improve, to make better.”

She has seen HR evolve from a support role to a strategic partner in business growth. Today, she plays a vital role in translating strategy into people-first initiatives that strengthen teams and shape culture.

A Lesson in Growth from a Long-Term Career Journey

Eline’s career at McCormick is proof that staying does not mean stagnation. It means deepening your impact, building relationships, and seeing the long-term value of your work.

“I’ve grown with McCormick,” she says. “And it’s rewarding to see how far we’ve come together.”

She has built a career defined not by titles, but by impact, by showing up, learning continuously, and helping others develop alongside her. Her story proves that staying can be one of the boldest and most meaningful careers moves you can make, especially when it is driven by purpose, people, and a passion to keep evolving.