Top10Iconic LEADERSin Procurement to Watch 2025
Accelera ng Innova on What Role Does Technology Play in Business Innova on?
Smart Procurement The Future of Procurement Excellence in Business
Driving Strategic Procurement Approach
Matthew Booth
MatthewBooth SeniorProcurementLeader PMGroup
Editor's Note
Inaneradefinedbycomplexity,volatility,and
transformation,procurementhasemergedasa cornerstoneofstrategicvaluecreationin organizationsacrosstheglobe.Onceviewedasabackofficefunction,procurementnowdrivesinnovation, resilience,andsustainabilityatthecoreofbusiness operations.
ItiswithgreatpridethatCIOLookpresentsthisspecial edition: Top 10 Iconic Leaders in Procurement to Watch, 2025 Theseremarkableindividualsarenotjustleading sourcinginitiatives;theyareredefiningwhatitmeansto beaprocurementleaderintoday’sdynamicworld.
Eachleaderfeaturedinthiseditionbringsauniquevision andanunwaveringcommitmenttoexcellence.From digitaltransformationandsupplierdiversitytoESG complianceandcostoptimization,theyaresteeringglobal supplychainsthroughunchartedterritorywithclarity, courage,andinnovation.
Redefining Procurement MichaelWayne
Whatsetstheseleadersapartisnotjusttheirstrategic foresightbuttheirabilitytoblendpeople,process,and technologyintocohesiveecosystemsofsuccess.Their storiesreflectresilienceamiddisruption,adaptabilityin timesofchange,andanunrelentingpursuitofvalue beyondsavings.
Thiseditionismorethanacelebrationofachievementsit’s aspotlightonthefutureofprocurementleadership.We hopeitservesasaninspirationtoprofessionals, businesses,andchangemakersnavigatingtheevolving procurementlandscape.
Tothereaders,maytheseinsightsfuelyourjourney.And totheleadersfeaturedthankyouforshowingtheworld what’spossiblewhenprocurementleadswithpurpose.
Happy Reading!
Matthew Booth
Driving Strategic Procurement Approach
20 P r o f i l e
Danielle Hansen
The Reason Behind Evolu on of Global Sourcing
16
A R T I C L E S
Accelera ng Innova on What Role Does Technology Play in Business Innova on?
24 Smart Procurement The Future of Procurement Excellence in Business
PoojaMBansal Editor-in-Chief
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CharlottePayne GeneralManager
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CIPSAustralia& NewZealand cips.org/regional/ australia-new-zealand
DanielleHansen President
StrategicTrainingEndeavors strategictrainingendeavors.com
Dynamicexecutiveskilledinoperationalleadership,team development,anddrivingorganizationalgrowththrough innovativestrategiesandeffectivemanagement.
Accomplishedleaderrecognizedforherstrategicvision, commitmenttoorganizationalexcellence,andabilitytoinspire teamstowardimpactful,long-termresults.
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GiovanniGiacchetti ManagingDirector
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TimRichter
DirectorGlobalSourcing &HeadofAsiaPacific
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PMGroup pmgroup-global.com
Renownedpitchtrainer,celebratedforempowering professionalstocommunicateideaspersuasivelyanddeliver impactfulpresentationstodiverseaudiences.
Experiencedbusinessleader,recognizedforhisentrepreneurial mindset,operationalexpertise,andprovensuccessinsteering organizationstowardsustainablegrowth.
Innovativefounderandvisionary,knownforpioneeringnew businessmodels,fosteringcreativesolutions,anddriving forward-thinkinginitiativesinhisfield.
Industrythoughtleaderandconsultant,knownfordelivering transformativesolutions,fosteringclientrelationships,and championingbestpracticesinbusinessoperations.
Expertinplanningandoperations,valuedforhisanalytical approach,effectiveprojectmanagement,anddedicationto optimizingbusinessprocessesandoutcomes.
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Johnson&Johnson jnj.com
Procurementexpertwithastrongbackgroundinstrategic sourcing,suppliernegotiations,andimplementingcosteffectivepurchasingframeworksforlargeorganizations.
MarshMcLennan marshmclennan.com
Globalsourcingspecialistwithdeepexpertiseininternational markets,recognizedforbuildingrobustsuppliernetworksand leadingcross-regionalprocurementinitiatives.
MatthewBooth SeniorProcurementLeader PMGroup
Matthew Booth
Driving Strategic Procurement Approach
“Procurement is about building partnershipswhether with colleagues, clients, or suppliers-because strong relationships turn individual efforts into a collaborative, team-based approach.”
Procurement is a fundamental function in modern businesses, acting as a vital link between organizations andtheirsuppliers Itinvolvesnotonlytheacquisitionof goods and services but also strategic management of supply chains,costreduction,riskmitigation,anddrivingsustainability initiatives Professionalsinprocurementneedtoadapttoshifting markets and evolving demands while ensuring that businesses meet their objectives effectively. As industries become more complex, procurement continues to play a key role in fosteringefficiencyandoperationalsuccess.
MatthewBooth,aSeniorProcurementLeader,hasdeveloped extensiveexpertiseinprocurementovertheyears Hiscareerpath wasshapedbyaseriesofhands-onexperiencesthathighlighted the importance of effective procurement strategies Initially entering the field through a practical project to streamline PPE procurement, Matthew has since built a career focused on building relationships and delivering value. His approach is rooted in continuous learning, supplier relationship management, and leveraging market knowledge to optimize procurementprocesses.
At PM Group, the company where Matthew currently works, procurement is integral to supporting large-scale capital expenditure projects, particularly in the pharmaceutical and construction sectors. The organization thrives on delivering tailored procurement solutions that focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability PM Group’s commitment to strategicprocurementhelpsclientsmanagemultifariousprojects efficiently while achieving cost savings and enhancing supply chainresilience.
“Procurement is not just about meeting the buyer's needs, but also about understanding and addressing the supplier's goals.”
“On average, 80% of the carbon footprint of any manufacturing organization is driven by the materials and services being provided into that business from their supply chain.”
Let’sdelveintolearnmore:
AJourneyfromProcurementInsighttoStrategicValue
Matthewreflectsonhiscareerpathintoprocurement,which,like manyinthefield,wasnotaplannedpursuit Initiallyworkingata food manufacturing company in the UK, Matthew gained exposuretoboththeengineeringandrawmaterialsstores.Itwas in the raw materials store that he identified inefficiencies in ordering personal protective equipment (PPE) from multiple suppliers Recognizing the need for streamlining, he initiated a projecttocontactsuppliersandconsolidateorders.Hisgoalwas to find a supplier capable of fulfilling 90% of the PPE requirements,whichhesuccessfullyachieved.
Through this process, Matthew learned valuable procurement principles,suchasleveragingspend,rationalizingsuppliers,and negotiating better terms, including consignment stocking thoughhehadnoformalprocurementtrainingatthe time His initiative led to improved efficiency, and when he presentedhisresultstohissupervisor,theresponsewasclear:this approach mirrored that of a procurement professional Encouragedtopursuethefieldfurther,Matthewtransitionedinto procurement,wherehehasremainedeversince.
Matthewispassionateaboutprocurement,viewingitnotjustasa meanstoachievecostsavingsbutasadriverofvalueinvarious forms whetherthroughcostreduction,inventoryoptimization, risk mitigation, sustainability, or innovation. He believes procurement is uniquely positioned to create value across the supplychain,leveragingsupplierrelationshipstobringtangible improvements.
ThrivingonDiversityinProcurementforthePharmaceutical Sector
Matthewfindsthegreatestrewardinthevarietyofhisrole Asa procurement manager and consultant, he supports clients primarilyinthepharmaceuticalsector onlarge-scale capital expenditure (CapEx) projects Unlike traditional procurementroleswithinasingleorganization,Matthewworks on different projects for various clients, moving from one assignmenttothenextonceaprojectiscompleted.Theconstant change in projects and clients provides him with a diverse and fulfillingworkexperience,particularlyasthepharmaceutical industry requires new manufacturing capacity for emerging drugsandtechnologies.
ThePowerofRelationshipBuildinginProcurement
Matthewbelievesthemostimportantqualityforaprocurement professionalistheabilitytobuildstrongrelationships Forhim, procurement is centered on developing effective partnerships, whether with colleagues in manufacturing, engineering, and design, clients, or suppliers Strong working relationships streamline the procurement process, turning what could be individual efforts into a collaborative, team-based approach. Supplier relationship management is crucial, but equally important is cultivating good relationships with colleagues, clients, peers, and the team members who work alongside him.
BuildingMutuallyBeneficialProcurementPartnerships
Matthewviewsclearcommunicationandmutualbenefitaskeyto successful procurement relationships. He believes that, in additiontoleveragingstrongrelationships,it'scrucialtoclearly articulateobjectivesandensurebothpartiesunderstandwhatthey stand to gain In his approach, procurement is not just about meeting the buyer's needs but also about understanding and addressingthesupplier'sgoals,whetherthatinvolvesoptimizing production,fillingcapacity,orenhancingtheirmarketposition. Duringnegotiations,heregularlyremindssupplypartnersof thebenefitstheywillreceive,creatingabalancedpartnership where both sides contribute to each other's success. He sees this reciprocal dynamic as essential to building strong, effectivebusinessrelationships.
ManagingWorkloadFluctuationsforBetterBalance
Matthewrecognizesthatallareasofbusinessexperiencepressure, particularly in a project environment where workloads can fluctuate between quiet and busy periods He stresses the importanceofusingslowerperiodstoprepareforbusiertimes,
helping to manage the workload and create a more balanced workflow This proactive approach, he believes, is essential for maintainingbalanceandmanagingpressureeffectively.
EngagingwiththeProcurementCommunityGlobally
Matthew is actively involved with the Chartered Institute of ProcurementandSupply(CIPS),theleadingprofessionalbody forprocurement HeparticipatesinlocalSwissdivisionevents, including monthly discussion panels and informal meet-ups, whereindustrytopicsandtrendsarediscussed.Thesegatherings providevaluableinsightsthathelphimstaycurrentinthefield. Additionally, Matthew has built a broad network on LinkedIn, connecting with procurement professionals globally This networkenableshimtostayinformedaboutemergingtrends, share knowledge, and seek advice on new practices and challengeswithintheprofession.
The Importance of Building and Maintaining Professional Relationships
Matthewhighlightstheimportanceofbuildingandmaintaining relationships, both within an organization and across the wider professional network He emphasizes using platforms like LinkedIn and Shaper to expand connections, not only with colleaguesbutalsowithsuppliers.Cultivatingtheserelationships, hebelieves,iscrucialforlong-termcareersuccess.
AimingforLeadershipandMentorshipinProcurement
MatthewaspirestotakeonaChiefProcurementOfficer(CPO) role, aiming to oversee all procurement functions for his employer With extensive experience in indirect, direct, and CapEx procurement, as well as across multiple industries including food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and construction he feels well-equipped for such a position. His success has been driven by a strong ethos focused on building partnerships with suppliers and seeking mutually beneficial opportunities. Matthew is also passionate about mentoring emerging talent in the procurement field, sharing his knowledgetohelpguidethenextgenerationofprofessionals.
Building Knowledge, Relationships, and Networks for SuccessinProcurement
Matthew advises young people considering a career in procurementtoprioritizebuildingtheirknowledge Hecompares procurementtopurchasingaloafofbread,explainingthatit’snot just about buying any loaf but understanding the specific requirements suchasthetype,quality,andstyle andmatching those needs with the right suppliers Understanding both the marketandthecustomer’sneedsiscrucialtomakinginformed decisionsandselectingthebestsuppliers.Healsohighlightsthe importance of building strong relationships with internal customers and external partners, as well as developing a professionalnetwork.Networks,henotes,canbeinvaluable whenfacingnewchallenges,offeringtheopportunitytolearn fromothers'experiencesandavoidcommonmistakes.
Driving Sustainability and Innovation Through Supplier Partnerships
Matthewencouragesbothyoungprofessionalsandthoseseeking acareerchangetoconsiderprocurement,citingtherole'sfulfilling nature Procurementofferstheopportunitytoengagewithdiverse people, build relationships, and gain in-depth knowledge about rawmaterialsandproductsusedinmanufacturing.Italsoplaysa keyroleinriskmitigationandimprovingsustainability.Notably, procurement has a significant impact on reducing a company's carbon footprint, as the majority of a manufacturing organization'scarbonemissionscomefromthesupplychain. Matthew also stresses the importance of leveraging suppliers’ expertise,particularlyinareaslikeresearchanddevelopment For example, in manufacturing a plastic bottle, the supplier’s knowledgeofmaterials,design,andproductionprocessesisoften farmorespecializedthanthatwithinthebuyer’sownbusiness.By connecting internal teams with suppliers’ R&D resources, procurement can drive innovation, reduce costs, improve products,andlowerenvironmentalimpact
What Role Does Technology Play in Business Innovation?
Withincreasingcompetitionandglobalizingofthe
corporate world, innovation is one of the survivalsandsuccessstrategiesofthecompany. Innovationisnotnewproductandservicedevelopmentbutall thatacompanydoesfromcustomerinterfacetoprocessesreengineering to decision making Technology is the driving force behind this revolutionary process Technology innovation has become the force that drives innovation, presenting businesses with platforms and technology to change, remake, and bounce back from industry pressures Withdigitaltransformationreshapingindustries,integrating technologyintobusinessprocessesisnolongeranoptionbuta strategicnecessity.
FacilitatingOperationalEfficiencyandProductivity
Perhapsoneofthebiggestway’stechnologyaffectsbusiness innovation may be by driving operational efficiency Automation,artificialintelligence(AI),andmachinelearning (ML) are among the new-generation technologies in the process of streamlining workflow and cutting back human intervention Throughthesetechnologies,organizationshave theabilitytoexecuteboringandtime-consumingoperations with precision and speed, allowing human capital to be leveragedinmoreimaginative,strategicroles Robotprocess automation(RPA),forinstance,findswidespreadapplication inallsectorslikefinance,health,andlogisticsforautomating routine tasks like data entry, billings, and order processing. Apartfromacceleratingtaskdelivery,italsoreducesoperating expensesanderrors
Cloudcomputinghastransformedbusinessstorage,sharing, and processing of information With the on-demand and elasticuseofcomputingcapability,cloudplatformsmakeit possibleforteamstoworktogetherinrealtime,irrespectiveof where geography comes into play. This is needed by businessesthatmustproduceatvelocityandwithagility.
Businesses are able to prototype, develop, and launch new productsorservicestomarketwithoutlimitationandthecapital cost required to acquire traditional ITinfrastructure Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in particular have been enabled through cloud technology to take advantage of enterprise-class capabilities that were once prohibitively expensive Democratizationthroughcloudtechnologyenablesanybusiness, bigorlittle,orwhatevershapeorsize,toinnovateanditerateat ratesthatarebreathtaking.
CustomerExperienceandPersonalization
Another core industry technology innovation driver is through enhanced customer interaction and personalization Customers now require and have the right to smooth, natural, and personalized experience across every touch point. Companies enhancethebehavior,interest,andattitudeofcustomersthrough dataanalysis,CRMapplications,andAItechnologies.Through these, companies can personalize products to meet individual customer requirements, thereby achieving ultimate satisfaction, loyalty, and lifetime value For example, online shopping sites utilize recommendation models that scan purchasing and browsinghistorywhiletryingtomakeproductrecommendations Banksuseartificialintelligencetooffercustomerspersonalized productsandservicesrecommendationsandinvesttheirfunds.
Chatbotsandvirtualassistantsanimatemostcorporatewebsites today Theyownamajorityofbusinessplacesandthesupportis easily available by virtue of the fact that they serve to reduce human customer support They not only enhance customer experience but also render businesses efficient and scalable. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtualreality(VR)aretransformingcustomerengagement.AR retailenablescustomersto"trybeforetheybuy"withbasically trying on products in their own real-world environment VR property enables future property buyers to see houses virtually andinteractivelybyjustdonningaheadset
Increased
Strategic Decision-Making and Innovation Culture
Technology use in business processes also supports strategic decision-making significantly Sophisticated packages of
analytics software and big data analysis enable companies to analyze and process enormous amounts of information from various sources such as social media, customers' purchasing history, and business trends Organizations use predictive analytics for forecasting forthcoming trends, identifying future opportunities, and preparing themselves beforehand to fight futuredangers Suchadecision-supportsystemisofgreatvalueto facilitate timely, well-informed decisions on both near-term objectivesaswellaslong-terminnovationinitiatives.
Technology also facilitates the development of an innovation culturewithinanorganization,analyticsapart Slack,Microsoft Teams, and Trello are technologies that facilitate frictionless communication between cross-functional teams, open ideasharing, and accelerating the innovation cycle Agile project management tools and cloud-based development toolchains allowtheteamtoberesponsivetocontinuouslyrepeatingcycles, test hypotheses, and ship new products or features quicker in cycles Rapidprototypingisparticularlyusefulforverticalssuch as software development where speed and agility are the benchmarkofsuccess
Conclusion
Briefly,technologyisthedriverofbusinessinnovationthrough supporting operational excellence, supporting personalized customer experience, supporting data-driven decision-making, andsupportingcultureofcontinuousimprovement Technology allows companies to react to a dynamically changing environment, unlock new opportunities, and compete. As digitalization takes center stage in business strategy, the proper technologymustbeinvestedinandanagilityculturedevelopedso thattheirpotentialcanbereapedtothemaximum.Technologyledinnovationisnotahaphazardprocessbutapipelinefunction thatmakesorbreaksthedestinyofanorganizationoverthenext twoyears Beingcompliantwiththisrequirementisanecessityfor anycompanythatwantstobeonthefrontierandjustcatchupwith theeraofdigital
The Future of Procurement Excellence in Business
In an era defined by rapid technological evolution, global economic
uncertainty, and growing environmental and social accountability, procurementhasevolved from a tactical back-office function into a strategicpowerhouse.Thefutureofprocurementisnotmerelyaboutcost savings or supply continuity, it is about driving innovation, creating sustainablevalue,andfosteringresilientbusinessecosystems.
This article explores the transformation of procurement and the key pillars shaping its future, with a focus on digitalization, supplier collaboration, sustainability,andskillsevolution.
FromCost-CentrictoValue-Driven
Traditionally, procurement was often measured by how well it could negotiatepricesandreduceexpenses.However,thefutureofprocurement isvalue-centricratherthancost-centric.Organizationsarenowlookingat procurement as a value enabler that contributes to long-term business goalssuchasinnovation,customersatisfaction,andbrandreputation.
Procurementleadersarenolongerjustbuyers theyarestrategicadvisors whoworkcloselywithotherdepartmentstoalignsourcingdecisionswith overallcorporateobjectives.Thisshiftcallsforamindsetchangeacross organizations, where procurement becomes a core function in strategic decision-making.
DigitalTransformation:TheCatalystforChange
Digitalization stands at the heart of the future of procurement From artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to blockchain and robotic process automation (RPA), cutting-edge technologies are reshapinghowprocurementteamsoperate.
Predictiveanalyticsishelpingorganizationsanticipatedemand,assessrisk, and optimize inventory. Smart contracts powered by blockchain ensure transparency, reduce fraud, and enhance trust between buyers and suppliers. Chatbots and AI-driven systems are streamlining routine procurement tasks, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic activities.
Organizations that embrace digital procurement will be better equipped to respond to market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions,andthedemandforfasterdecision-making.
SupplierRelationships:FromTransactionstoPartnerships
As businesses strive for agility and resilience, strong supplier relationshipsarebecomingmorecriticalthanever Thefutureof procurementemphasizesstrategicsuppliercollaborationover transactionalsourcing.
Procurement teams are now co-innovating with suppliers, involving them early in product development processes, and working together to create mutual value. Long-term partnershipshelpbusinessesensureconsistentquality,shared riskmanagement,andenhancedresponsiveness.
This evolution demands a more transparent, ethical, and communicative approach, where suppliers are seen as extensionsofthecompanyratherthanexternalentities.
SustainabilityandEthicalSourcing
Environmental,Social,andGovernance(ESG)considerations arenolongeroptional Consumers,investors,andregulatorsare holding companies accountable for their environmental impact and social responsibility As such, the future of procurementisinextricablylinkedwithsustainability
Procurement leaders are now expected to ensure that supply chains are not only efficient but also ethical and environmentally sound This involves sourcing from ecofriendly suppliers, ensuring fair labor practices, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing circular economy principles.
Companies that integrate sustainability into procurement processes are not only mitigating risks but also building trust andcompetitiveadvantageinthemarketplace.
Data-DrivenDecisionMaking
Dataisthenewoil,andprocurementisnoexception Thefuture of procurement relies heavily on clean, integrated, and actionable data to drive informed decisions. With access to real-time analytics, procurement professionals can identify trends, assess supplier performance, manage risks, and benchmarkcostsmoreeffectively.
Advanced data tools help anticipate disruptions, monitor compliance, and measure procurement’s contribution to organizationalgoals.Asdatamaturityincreases,procurement becomesmoreproactive,agile,andinsightdriven.
However, this also requires investment in data governance, integration platforms, and upskilling teams to interpret and applyinsightseffectively
TalentandSkillsetEvolution
The next generation of procurement professionals will need more than negotiation skills As procurement transforms, so must its workforce. The future of procurement demands professionals who are tech-savvy, analytical, and capable of strategicthinking.
Softskillslikecommunication,stakeholdermanagement,and changeleadershiparebecomingincreasinglyvital.Thereisalso a growing need for cross-functional expertise and an entrepreneurialmindsettodriveinnovation.
Organizations must invest in training and development programstopreparetheirprocurementteamsforthedigitaland strategicdemandsoftomorrow.
RiskManagementandSupplyChainResilience
TheCOVID-19pandemic,geopoliticaltensions,andclimaterelateddisastershavehighlightedthefragilityofglobalsupply chains. The future of procurement is therefore rooted in buildingresilientandagilesupplynetworks.
This involves diversifying suppliers, nearshoring where necessary, and developing contingency plans. It also includes continuousmonitoringofsupplierhealthandgeopoliticalrisk, usingadvancedtechnologiesandscenarioplanning.
By integrating resilience into procurement strategies, businesses can better withstand future shocks and maintain businesscontinuity
FinalThoughts:TheRoadAhead
The future of procurement is promising, dynamic, and full of potential Itisevolvingintoafunctionthatgoesbeyondbuying and savings it’s about value creation, digital leadership, sustainableimpact,andinnovation.
Businessesthatrecognizeprocurementasastrategicdriverand investinitstransformationwillbebetterpreparedtonavigate uncertainty,meetstakeholderexpectations,andachievelongtermsuccess.
Aswemoveforward,theorganizationsthatthrivewillbethose thatviewprocurementnotasacostcenter,butasacatalystfor excellenceinbusiness
