FINANCE & SPEND
For both organisations, successful AI adoption begins with strong foundations.
Both panellists agreed the foundation comes first: clean data, streamlined processes and people with the right mindset. Donna stressed that without this, AI might simply produce“ great looking garbage”. Valeriia highlighted orchestration as Liberty Global’ s first technology priority, as it sits as a layer on top of existing systems without requiring disruptive migrations.
At Liberty Global, orchestration has become a priority, creating a technology layer that connects existing systems without requiring disruptive replacements.
The results have already been significant. Sony Pictures reduced contract cycles from an average of 50 days to 25 days.
However, both leaders agreed that some decisions must remain firmly in human hands. AI can support sourcing, create requirements and identify opportunities, but final supplier decisions, risk interpretation and relationship management require human judgement.
Valeriia highlighted that procurement must continue to move towards partnership-based supplier relationships rather than focusing solely on cost reduction.
58 August 2026