Procurement Magazine February 2024 | Page 19

LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PROCUREMENT
A Believer in Sustainable and Diverse Relations , and Advocate for Dairy Farmers , Patricia Stroup is Transforming the Sourcing Function at Nestlé

Dedicating almost 20 years to the transformation of Nestlé ’ s sourcing , Patricia Stroup is a leading and influential figure in not only the food and beverage industry , but the wide procurement function itself .

“ The last couple of years have really shown businesses the value of procurement – and not just as a purchasing function / PO function , but the strategy of procurement and the value we bring in managing risk ,” says Stroup .
“ The executive team has acknowledged the procurement team ’ s work in keeping product on the shelf , managing cost and managing inflation . I don ’ t think this is just Nestlé , this is across the board .”
With a long history in the dairy industry , Stroup grew up on a farm . “ I ’ ve got a degree in dairy science , and I actually had my own dairy farm in my 20s and early 30s so I understand what they are facing ,” she says .
As CPO of Nestlé , Stroup leads the company ’ s cultivation of long-term and strategic supplier relationships , as well as its work with farmers to implement regenerative agricultural practices and support better conditions for farmers .
Stroup says : “ Coming to Nestlé was my first time working for a big public company . I was a bit nervous at the time , because I really wanted to stay connected to farmers , but one of the reasons I decided to come was because it has a unique connection to the farm community around the world .”
Alongside her talented team , Stroup navigates the complexities of procurement risks , disruptions , negotiations and sustainability initiatives , as well as transforming the sourcing of key commodities for both Nestlé and the wider food value chain .
“ Our work has brought together priorities on social responsibility , sustainability impact , business results and building long-term partnerships . I ’ m a deep believer in forging diverse partnerships with a team of international experts , who I have the great pleasure to count as partners ,” says Stroup .
PATRICIA STROUP TITLE : CPO COMPANY : NESTLÉ INDUSTRY : FOOD AND BEVERAGE LOCATION : SWITZERLAND
For more than 25 years , Stroup has been deep rooted in the food and beverage industry . From working the farms to leading the sourcing and procurement of multi million dollar organisations , Stroup has been an advocate for strategic value , sustainability , diversity and the working conditions of farmers .
Currently , Stroup is the Global Vice President and CPO of Nestlé and CEO of Nestrade .
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