Resetting the role of the chief procurement officer
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I have seen a lot of transformation happening recently, with the procurement functions shifting from an insular, contract- and process-heavy organization to a wider, more insightful function that is connected to what is happening in the broader market, and this will only accelerate."
David Ingram, CPO, Unilever
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Fundamentally, the CPO is evolving into a ‘chief value officer,’ a partner and co-leader to the CEO who is able to generate value through business partnering, digital and technology, and sustainability, which are new sources of profitable growth in a shift toward a future-proof business model."
Hervé Le Faou, CPO, Heineken
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People and relationship considerations will therefore be most important, given the massive transformation that is happening."
Klaus Staubitzer, CPO and head of supply chain,  Siemens
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When it comes to ESG implementation, it is often down to procurement to make it happen with suppliers, which involves significant effort and resources."
Cyril Pourrat, CPO, BT
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CPOs need to hold high ethics and moral standards, have a strong sense of corporate responsibility, and make sustainable decisions regarding their suppliers. Any unethical or unlawful shortcut will lead to long-term damages of a company’s reputation and market position."
Angela Qu, CPO, Lufthansa Group
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The CPO can become a key partner to many parts of the organization by bringing digital innovation to the business—for example in the form of platform buying and advanced data analytics."
Jane Liang, CPO, British American Tobacco
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Predictive procurement can help build a much stronger negotiation position by using all available information and data."
Cyril Pourrat, CPO, BT
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Now, board members and business CEOs ask procurement for their view on the supply situation ahead of talking to investors."
Klaus Staubitzer, CPO and head of supply chain, Siemens
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CPOs must live up to the values of care, respect, and humanity."
Bertrand Conquéret, CPO, Henkel
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CPS will need to be able to cut through complexities to identify opportunities for improvement and help other leaders find innovative solutions to challenging problems."
Angela Qu, CPO, Lufthansa Group
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Companies will need to rebalance the talent pool with more ‘explorer’ types."
Lynn De Proft, CPO, Solvay
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We see internally that boards are requesting sessions directly with the CPO on supply risk and are more concerned and involved in topics relating to the supply chain."
Ninian Wilson, CPO, Vodafone
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In truth, I can’t think of a better place to form a future CEO than procurement. If you have just graduated, procurement is the best place to start. It will provide you with a comprehensive view of the whole organization and also allow you to grow your external network."
Sebastien Bals, CPO, UCB
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Businesses need to look for young talent with expertise where they are, which can be in unconventional spaces like start-ups.
Hervé Le Faou, CPO, Heineken
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If not directly to the CEO, the CPO could very well report to a chief transformation officer, providing a new orientation to the role, one outside of the traditional links to either supply chain or finance officers."
Lynn De Proft, CPO, Solvay
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[Good internal succession] will happen if the existing CPO is already embodying the ideal new profile and has invested in developing internal talent.”
Kai Nowosel, CPO, Accenture
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CPOs, by virtue of their close connections with key stakeholders of the business, are custodians of the company’s brand. Their strategies for the procurement function must reflect and support the positioning of the brand in the market."
Kai Nowosel, CPO, Accenture

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