Navigating Change: The Transformative Journey of Today's Chief Procurement Officer

According to a recent publication by SupplyChainBrain, the role of procurement in supply chains has evolved considerably over time, notably with the emergence of the chief procurement officer (CPO) as a pivotal figure.

Procurement is now at the heart of global supply chains, encompassing everything from sourcing raw materials and components to managing logistics and finished products. The modern CPO is not just another executive; they have become essential players in navigating complex challenges such as fluctuating taxes, pricing pressures, geopolitical shifts, and innovative sourcing strategies. In this episode, we chat with Anders lillevik, CEO of Focal Point—a company specializing in procurement management software—who sheds light on what today’s CPO actually does and highlights the new skill sets that are becoming increasingly important. We also explore how artificial intelligence might be complementing human efforts within this role while emphasizing that the human touch remains irreplaceable. This engaging discussion is hosted by Bob Bowman from SupplyChainBrain.

Show notes:

A blog post from Focal Point: “Understanding Procurement Management: Key Concepts and Essential Processes.”