Procurement Magazine December 2023 | Page 24

LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
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NOW he said “ It showed me the pros of my management style , but also the limitations .
“ I like to be on first-name terms with everyone , though obviously , it ’ s difficult to remember everybody ’ s name . But you meet some wonderful people from very diverse backgrounds , and I think you bring all that knowledge and those experiences with you when you take on a role like mine at a multinational company like Vodafone .”
His Vodafone career began in 2009 and then he became CEO of their Procurement Company in 2016 . This post has been the location of his proudest achievement so far in his career , with the opening of their joint innovation centre with the Luxembourg Government and the chance to interact with the innovative scale-up companies that work there .
With over three decades of experience , he is consistent in the simple advice he gives procurement professionals earlier in their careers . “ Always be yourself ,” he says , “ and never try to be someone you are not and be super professional in everything you do .”
Through those years of industry expertise , he reflects on the journey that procurement has been on in that time . “ There has been an amazing change from a back office function to a key enabler of the business and a role in managing and orchestrating the supplier ecosystem ” he adds .
He also believes it is an inspiring time to be part of the sector , and much of that is through embracing the technological opportunities presented to us . “ The future is digital and in procurement we have the opportunity to both lead and help our own organisations digitise . It is a really exciting time to be in procurement .”
24 December 2023