This episode explores:How Gartner’s Supply Chain Predicts functions as a framework for evaluating and addressing short-, medium- and long-term market implications. (1:06)An overview of the chief supply chain officer’s (CSCO’s) evolving role in driving profitable growth in the short term. (6:33)Potential workforce evolutions that AI investments could drive in the midterm. (9:45)Factors influencing enterprises’ ability to meet their interim goals for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the long term. (13:32)Recommendations on how CSCOs can use Gartner’s Supply Chain Predicts as a foundation for future-proofing their supply chains. (17:24)In this episode of the Supply Chain Podcast, host Lindsay Azim and Gartner VP Analyst Simon Bailey discuss Gartner’s 2025 Predicts for Supply Chain Strategy. They use the research as a foundation to explore expectations that CSCOs will drive profitable growth in the short term, AI’s evolving role in supply chain talent management in the medium term and enterprise progress on GHG emissions in the long term. Lindsay and Simon close the show with recommendations for how CSCOs can use the Predicts 2025 research as a baseline for future-proofing their supply chains.About the GuestSimon Bailey is a VP analyst in Gartner’s CSCO enablement team, supporting CSCO’s strategy development in areas, including customer centricity and ecosystem orchestration. He is also the lead author for Predicts 2025: Supply Chain Strategy — Growth, People and AI, and Commitments, Focus Supply Chain on Reducing Customer Effort to Boost Profitable Growth and Supply Chain Top 25: 2025 Methodology Changes and Invitation for Input for 2026.

Kathy Wengel, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations and Risk Officer at Johnson & Johnson, shares insights from her 30+ years in healthcare and operations. She discusses J&J's strategic responses to escalating geopolitical complexities, emphasizing resilience through innovative technologies like digital twins. Kathy also addresses the evolving regulatory landscape in healthcare and the importance of proactive scenario planning for supply chain leaders. Her actionable recommendations provide valuable guidance for navigating today’s turbulent environment.

Explore the reactions of supply chain leaders to escalating U.S. tariffs and the uncertainty they create. Discover how organizations are adapting their strategies to mitigate risks and manage inventory effectively. Learn about the evolution of trade volatility between past and current administrations. The significance of scenario planning in navigating tariff challenges is also highlighted. This conversation emphasizes the need for both short-term tactics and long-term strategies in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Pierfrancesco Manenti, Gartner's research vice president for supply chain strategy, shares his expertise in future trends impacting supply chains. He discusses the importance of scenario modeling and the challenges posed by AI advancements, ESG regulations, and geopolitical tensions. Listeners learn about essential capabilities for chief supply chain officers and explore four strategic pathways—design, durability, deferment, and decision—to achieve long-term success. Manenti emphasizes the need for strategic transformation and digitalization in a rapidly changing landscape.

Helen Davis, Senior VP at Kraft Heinz with over 27 years in global supply chain management, dives into the company's journey towards a fully autonomous supply chain. She discusses the importance of mastering manual processes before integrating digital tools. Helen emphasizes servant leadership in overcoming barriers for digital projects and shares innovative use cases for generative AI that enhance efficiency. Lastly, she offers valuable insights for chief supply chain officers aiming to drive their own digital transformations.

Noha Samara, a Gartner senior director analyst and expert in supply chain planning, shares her insights on evolving decision-making processes. She introduces the concept of 'decision shapers' and their three crucial personas: the codebreaker analytically sifting through data, the alchemist translating it into actionable insights, and the storyteller who communicates effectively with diverse audiences. They discuss the pivotal role of AI in enhancing these processes and offer essential recommendations for supply chain leaders aiming to foster robust decision-making.

This episode explores:Supply chain’s role in navigating volatility associated with digital technology, changing customer needs and sustainability. (1:12)How Unilever redesigned its supply chain by fusing it with IT and enterprise services to drive change and address volatility. (5:10)Three real-world Unilever programs that leverage this fusion to build competitive advantage and business growth. (9:14)Practical recommendations for CSCOs who want to undertake similar redesigns in their own supply chains. (15:34)Host Thomas O’Connor explores the ins and outs of Unilever’s supply chain redesign with Reginaldo Ecclissato, Unilever’s Chief Business Operations and Supply Chain Officer. Reggie’s dual title speaks to Unilever’s new approach to its supply chain: transforming supply chain operations into a source of competitive advantage and business growth by combining it with IT and global business services. Thomas and Reggie discuss the key tenets at this redesign’s heart, including an accelerated digitalization effort and a talent-first outlook. The pair close the show with recommendations for CSCOs who want to pursue similar redesigns in their own supply chains.Editorial note: Since the recording of this podcast, Reginaldo Ecclissato has been appointed to the role of president for One Unilever Markets.About the Guest:Reginaldo Ecclissato has been appointed to the role of president for One Unilever Markets. At the time of recording for the December 2024 Supply Chain Podcast, Reginaldo’s role was Chief Business Operations and Supply Chain Officer. He became a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive in January 2022. Reginaldo has a rich history at Unilever spanning more than 30 years with extensive supply chain experience in both developed and emerging markets.

Nick Ashton, Executive Vice President at Zoetis, shares insights on how a positive culture fuels supply chain success. He discusses empowering teams through transparency and access to data, which fosters trust and collaboration. The conversation highlights the shift from rigid communication to real-time interactions, enhancing data accuracy and boosting employee satisfaction. Ashton also provides actionable recommendations for CSCOs aiming to leverage culture for organizational transformation, proving that a strong culture drives measurable business impacts.

Sam Burt, a Gartner senior director of research, dives into the evolving role of generative AI in supply chains. The conversation highlights how AI impacts productivity differently for desk-based versus frontline workers, exploring both time savings and potential job reductions. Burt discusses the 'productivity paradox' and how leaders can strategically invest in AI tools. Recommendations for chief supply chain officers aim at maximizing team creativity through collaborative approaches, ensuring that innovation and employee experience are prioritized.

Wade McDaniel, a Gartner Vice President and supply chain veteran, shares insights on Chief Supply Chain Officers' (CSCOs) evolving priorities for 2025. The discussion highlights a wave of optimism among CSCOs, driven by clearer strategies and positive economic trends. They explore how inflation and post-pandemic changes are steering focus towards cost control, digital strategies, and talent recruitment. Wade also dives into the cautious optimism surrounding generative AI’s potential impact, alongside actionable recommendations for achieving commercial growth while managing disruptions.