How is Artificial Intelligence transforming procurement, and what does it take to succeed in one of the world's most dynamic industries?

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with Sachin Kotecha, Head of Procurement at The Jockey Club, for an insightful conversation on the future of procurement, supply chain management, leadership, and innovation. Sachin shares his unique career journey into procurement, explaining how the profession has evolved from a back-office function into a strategic driver of business success. Together, they explore the fast-paced world of sports procurement, where stakeholder expectations, event delivery, and operational excellence all play a critical role.

The discussion dives into the growing impact of AI and digital technologies on procurement, highlighting how automation and data analytics are helping professionals make smarter decisions while reinforcing that technology should enhance—not replace—the human relationships that sit at the heart of successful procurement. Sachin also explains why balancing cost savings with long-term value creation is essential, how procurement teams can build stronger partnerships across an organisation, and why leadership, transparency, and quality data are becoming increasingly important in today's business landscape.

Whether you're an experienced procurement professional, a supply chain leader, a business executive, or someone considering a career in procurement, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and valuable lessons on navigating change in an increasingly digital world. Sachin also shares his advice for newcomers to the profession, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, networking, curiosity, and finding a genuine passion for procurement.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Sachin Kotecha's journey into procurement and supply chain
• The unique challenges of procurement in the sports industry
• How AI is transforming procurement and strategic sourcing
• Why stakeholder management is key to procurement success
• The importance of balancing cost, quality, and long-term value
• How data and technology are shaping modern procurement decisions
• Leadership lessons for procurement professionals
• Career advice for anyone looking to enter the procurement industry

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Procurement Journey
02:59 – Career Path and Experiences in Procurement
06:09 – The Unique Aspects of Procurement in Sports
09:00 – Excitement and Challenges in Modern Procurement
11:47 – Balancing Cost, Value, and Stakeholder Expectations
15:04 – The Role of Data and Leadership in Procurement
17:59 – Technology and Human Interaction in Procurement
21:08 – Advice for Newcomers in Procurement

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more interviews with industry leaders, procurement experts, and supply chain professionals on CPA Perspective.

#Procurement #SupplyChain #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ProcurementLeadership #SupplyChainManagement #SportsBusiness #TheJockeyClub #DigitalTransformation #StakeholderManagement #CareerDevelopment #CPAPerspective
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to CPO Perspective for more honest conversations with procurement leaders navigating complexity, change, and the evolving role of the profession.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

How is AI changing procurement and what does it really take to create value beyond cost savings?

In this episode of CPO Perspective, host Richard Beaumont sits down with David Sinclair, Group Head of Procurement at Robert Walters Recruitment, to explore the future of procurement, AI governance, leadership, and business transformation.

David shares his unique career journey from the armed forces and management consultancy into procurement leadership, offering practical insights into how procurement professionals can stay relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Together, they discuss why AI is transforming procurement, why governance is more important than ever, and how procurement teams can demonstrate measurable business value beyond traditional cost reduction.

Whether you're a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), procurement professional, supply chain leader, sourcing specialist, or simply interested in the future of AI in business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How David Sinclair built a successful procurement career
The real impact of AI on procurement
Why governance is critical when implementing AI
How procurement can demonstrate strategic business value
Why cost savings are no longer enough
The future of procurement roles and digital transformation
Skills every aspiring procurement professional should develop
Why procurement acts as the glue between business functions

Key takeaways:

AI should enhance strategy, not replace it.
Procurement leaders must balance innovation with governance.
Business value extends far beyond savings.
Organizational agility is becoming a competitive advantage.
Enthusiasm, curiosity, and continuous learning are essential for success.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with leading procurement executives and industry experts.

What role do you think AI will play in procurement over the next five years? Let us know in the comments below.

#Procurement #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ProcurementTransformation #DigitalTransformation #SupplyChain #Leadership #ChiefProcurementOfficer #CPO #ProcurementLeadership #BusinessTransformation #Governance #StrategicSourcing #ProcurementStrategy #Podcast #RichardBeaumont #DavidSinclair

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard is joined by Katy Shields, Head of Indirect Procurement at Debenhams Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of procurement, leadership, supplier relationships, and the growing role of AI in the procurement function.

Katy shares her career journey from an apprenticeship near Disneyland Paris to leading indirect procurement in a major retail business, and explains how procurement has evolved from a tactical cost-saving function into a strategic business partner. The conversation explores how procurement leaders can build stronger stakeholder relationships, use technology to improve the user experience, and create long-term value with suppliers in an increasingly fast-moving market.

If you work in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, supplier management, procurement transformation, or CPO leadership, this episode is packed with practical insights on how the function is changing and what skills matter most in the years ahead.

In this episode, we cover:

* Katy Shields’ journey into procurement and indirect sourcing
* What it means to lead indirect procurement at Debenhams Group
* How procurement has changed from a tactical function to a strategic one
* Why relationship-building is becoming a key competitive advantage in procurement
* The impact of AI, LLMs, and procurement technology on procurement teams
* How procurement can improve stakeholder experience with better tools and processes
* Why supplier relationships and negotiation resilience matter more than ever
* Advice for young professionals starting a career in procurement
* The future of procurement leadership in retail and beyond

Topics discussed:
Procurement leadership, indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, procurement transformation, AI in procurement, LLMs in procurement, procurement technology, sourcing strategy, stakeholder management, negotiation strategy, retail procurement, CPO insights, procurement careers, supply chain leadership.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with procurement leaders, CPOs, and supply chain experts sharing practical insights on leadership, strategy, technology, and the future of the profession.

#Procurement #IndirectProcurement #StrategicSourcing #SupplyChain #CPO #ProcurementLeadership #SupplierManagement #ProcurementTransformation #AIinProcurement #Sourcing #RetailProcurement #Negotiation #Leadership

Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

How do you build a world-class procurement function from the ground up?

In this episode of CPO Perspective, host Richard Beaumont sits down with Paul Maras Hilling, a procurement leader based in Vancouver, Canada, to discuss what it takes to build high-performing procurement teams in greenfield organisations.

Paul shares his remarkable career journey from the UK to Canada, explaining how he has repeatedly transformed procurement from a transactional function into a strategic business partner across industries including telecommunications, aviation, engineering, retail, consulting, and marine construction.

Together, they explore:

* How to build a procurement function from scratch
* Why greenfield organisations create unique leadership opportunities
* Strategic sourcing in today's global economy
* Managing tariffs, fuel costs, and supply chain uncertainty
* Supplier relationship management and procurement maturity
* Building stakeholder buy-in across the business
* Procurement leadership, soft skills, and organisational change
* Career advice for aspiring procurement professionals

Paul also explains why procurement is evolving beyond purchase orders and cost savings into one of the most strategic functions within modern organisations.

Whether you're a Chief Procurement Officer, procurement professional, supply chain leader, or someone looking to build a career in strategic sourcing, this conversation is packed with practical insights and leadership lessons.

Key Topics

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Paul's procurement journey
04:30 Building procurement teams from scratch
07:30 Greenfield vs established procurement functions
10:30 Procurement maturity in Canada vs Europe
13:00 Strategic sourcing in marine construction
16:00 Leadership, stakeholder management & organisational change
21:50 Career advice for future procurement leaders

If you enjoyed this episode, please like the video, leave your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more conversations with leading procurement and supply chain executives.

Connect with Paul Maras Hilling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/director-procurement-supplychain-mcips-scpm-6675b92/

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont

Visit Beaumont Procurement: https://beaumontprocurement.com

About CPO Perspective

Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis—yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. CPO Perspective explores what separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that stand up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont—former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer—the podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the credibility, leadership, and ownership that earn genuine board-level trust.

#Procurement #SupplyChain #StrategicSourcing #CPO #Leadership #ProcurementLeadership #SupplyChainManagement #SupplierManagement #ProcurementCareer #BusinessLeadership #Sourcing #Operations #SupplyChainStrategy #ProcurementTransformation #ChiefProcurementOfficer #AIInProcurement #DecisionMaking

How do you build a successful procurement career across sports, FMCG, and global brands?

In this episode of *The CPO Perspective*, Richard Beaumont sits down with Chris Hill, Head of Procurement at Tails.com, to explore his remarkable journey from the Rugby World Cup and Twickenham Stadium to leadership roles at Asahi, SailGP, and Nestlé Purina's Tails.com.

Chris shares valuable insights on procurement leadership, supplier partnerships, strategic sourcing, category management, and building high-performing teams. He also discusses how AI is transforming procurement, why strong supplier relationships remain essential, and what it takes to develop a successful career in today's rapidly evolving business environment.

Whether you're a procurement professional, supply chain leader, CPO, or someone looking to accelerate your career, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and leadership advice.

**In This Episode:**

✅ Chris Hill's procurement career journey
✅ From Rugby World Cup procurement to FMCG leadership
✅ Building procurement functions from the ground up
✅ AI's impact on procurement and supply chains
✅ Strategic supplier relationships and partnerships
✅ Procurement leadership and team development
✅ Managing risk in global supply chains
✅ Career advice for aspiring procurement professionals
✅ Finding success through purpose and passion

**Key Takeaway**

*"You'll be successful in the environments you're meant to be in."* — Chris Hill

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations with procurement and supply chain leaders.

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont

Visit Beaumont Procurement: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#Procurement #SupplyChain #CPO #ProcurementLeadership #StrategicSourcing #SupplierManagement #AIinProcurement #SupplyChainManagement #Leadership #CategoryManagement #ProcurementCareer #BusinessLeadership #TheCPOPerspective #ChrisHill #Tailscom #FMCG #DigitalTransformation #ProcurementStrategy #SupplierRelationships #ChiefProcurementOfficer

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont speaks with Sebastian Golby-Meek, Group Head of Procurement at Go-Ahead. Sebastian shares his journey from a graduate trainee at London Underground to leading strategic procurement across multiple transport businesses.

The conversation explores procurement leadership, supplier relationship management, sustainability, public procurement, strategic sourcing, contract management, stakeholder engagement, and the future of the procurement profession.

You'll learn:

✅ How Sebastian built a successful procurement career over 20 years
✅ The importance of supplier collaboration and stakeholder management
✅ Why procurement is about creating value—not just reducing costs
✅ How sustainability is reshaping procurement strategy
✅ Lessons from managing billion-pound transport procurements
✅ The role of contract management in procurement success
✅ Advice for procurement professionals looking to advance their careers
✅ How procurement teams can deliver measurable business impact

Whether you're a procurement manager, sourcing specialist, supply chain professional, CPO, or business leader, this episode offers practical insights into modern procurement and leadership.

Guest: Sebastian Golby-Meek
Host: Richard Beaumont

Connect With Sebastian Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-golby-meek/

#Procurement #SupplyChain #StrategicSourcing #ProcurementLeadership #SupplierManagement #ContractManagement #Sustainability #SupplyChainManagement #CPO #BusinessLeadership #ProcurementCareer #PublicProcurement #ProcurementStrategy #Leadership #BusinessGrowth
procurement, sustainability, leadership, career development, supplier collaboration, transport industry, commercial management, strategic procurement, public sector, Go Ahead

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

🎙️ CPO Perspective | Procurement Leadership, AI & Supply Chain Resilience

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with an experienced procurement leader to explore the biggest challenges facing procurement professionals today from supply chain disruption and geopolitical risk to AI, cybersecurity, and the future of procurement leadership.

Drawing on real-world experiences across financial services, telecoms, energy, and cybersecurity, this conversation dives deep into what procurement leaders must do to build resilient, agile, and future-ready supply chains in an increasingly volatile world.

One powerful example discussed is how a supplier order collided with Chinese New Year, halting production for three weeks highlighting why procurement can no longer rely solely on “just-in-time” thinking.

In this episode, we explore:
📦 Supply chain resilience and moving from just-in-time to just-in-case
🌍 Geopolitical disruption and global procurement risk
📡 The impact of the Telecoms Security Act and Huawei supply chain changes
☁️ Nearshoring, cloud repatriation, and evolving infrastructure strategies
🤖 Why AI is enhancing procurement leadership rather than replacing it
🧠 The growing importance of critical thinking, resilience, curiosity, and ethics
📈 How procurement teams can deliver value faster in uncertain markets

This is a practical and insightful conversation for procurement professionals, supply chain leaders, CPOs, operations executives, and anyone interested in the future of business resilience and strategic sourcing.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Smart buffer-building protects businesses from disruption
✔️ Procurement, operations, and sales must stay aligned
✔️ AI is increasing demand for human skills, not reducing it
✔️ Data sovereignty and energy costs are reshaping infrastructure decisions
✔️ Resilience and critical thinking are becoming essential career skills

🔔 Enjoyed the episode?
Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with procurement leaders, CPOs, and industry experts sharing real-world insights and strategies.

#Procurement #SupplyChain #AI #Cybersecurity #Leadership #ProcurementLeadership #SupplyChainManagement #CPO #BusinessStrategy #Telecoms #ArtificialIntelligence #RiskManagement #CPOPerspective

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

What does the future of procurement look like in the age of AI? In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with Kasper Larsen to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming procurement, the growing importance of soft skills, and how organizations can stay competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Kasper shares his inspiring journey from wanting to become a mechanic to leading procurement at the executive level. He explains how AI is reshaping procurement operations, why professionals should approach AI strategically, and how generational differences influence technology adoption in the workplace.

This conversation also explores talent management, diversity in teams, risk management, compliance, and practical career advice for the next generation of procurement professionals.

Whether you're a procurement leader, supply chain professional, CPO, or someone interested in business strategy and AI, this episode delivers valuable insights on the future of procurement.

Topics Covered:

AI in procurement
The evolving role of the CPO
Generational differences in technology adoption
Soft skills and leadership development
Procurement strategy and risk management
Talent management and diversity
Career advice for procurement professionals
Balancing operational challenges with innovation
The future of procurement careers

Key Quotes:

“Do not trust AI 100%.”
“AI is like a super buyer.”
“Diversity breeds innovation.”
“Motivation leads to performance.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kasper Lassen
01:04 Kasper's Journey to CPO
02:52 Current Trends in Procurement
03:11 The Role of AI in Procurement
07:14 Generational Perspectives on AI
12:06 Adopting AI in Procurement
14:42 Soft Skills in Procurement
17:09 Balancing Firefighting and Development
20:33 Advice for New Procurement Professionals

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.