The Gartner Supply Chain Podcast

This episode explores:Updates surrounding U.S. tariffs since February. (1:18)Four reasons the U.S. administration is leveraging tariffs and their implications for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs). (2:11)Key announcements that CSCOs should understand leading up to 1 April. (9:22)Other supply chain challenges on the horizon. (11:56)How supply chain organizations can best prepare for tariff volatility leading up to and after 1 April. (15:59)In this episode of the Supply Chain Podcast, host Lindsay Azim discusses updates and new information around tariff implementation and supply chain uncertainty with Gartner Senior Director Analysts Brian Whitlock and Cori Masters. The three of them explore tariff volatility, what is to come for implementations and the changes to how supply chains can respond, as well as other items that will impact supply chain operations (like the SHIPS for America Act). Lindsay, Brian and Cori close the show with recommendations for how CSCOs can prepare their organization for potential disruption.About the GuestsBrian Whitlock is a senior director research analyst in Gartner’s logistics and fulfillment team. He is responsible for advising logistics leaders and the C-suite in strategy design and execution, and for building capabilities that improve the performance of their logistics function. Brian is also the key initiative leader responsible for the research plan for logistics and fulfillment. Brian joined Gartner in 2020. He has over 30 years of experience leading global logistics, transportation and trade management organizations with expertise in strategy, operations, finance, procurement and supplier development and trade management.Cori Masters is a senior director and high-tech analyst in Gartner's supply chain practice, providing research insights, advice and thought leadership to high-tech, electronics, telecom and public procurement clients. With over 25 years of experience, she provides expert coverage, including supply chain strategy, sustainability, risk management/resiliency and vendor management. Based on previous experience as a senior commodity manager across multiple markets, she provides expertise in end-to-end supply chain practices with deep knowledge in vendor management, end-to-end supply chain strategy, manufacturing technology development and ramp and manufacturing sustainability.("For more on the new U.S. administration's federal policy changes, visit Gartner's Guide to New U.S. Federal Policies.")

This episode explores: Lenovo’s strategic investments in future-proofing its supply chain operations. (1:26)How Lenovo delivers its supply chain strategy centered on “global reach with local excellence.” (2:47) Challenges that Lenovo faces in executing its supply chain strategy. (6:46)The role of digital transformation and AI in future-proofing Lenovo’s supply chain. (13:09)Recommendations for CSCOs planning to future-proof their own supply chains. (15:19)In this episode of the Supply Chain Podcast, host Thomas O’Connor discusses Lenovo’s attempts to future-proof its operations with Che Min (Jammi) Tu, senior vice president and group operations officer at Lenovo. The pair explore the benefits and challenges associated with Lenovo’s “global-local” approach to managing its supply chain’s global footprint: They dive into how this strategy enables Lenovo to future-proof its operations, as well as how the organization’s long-standing use of AI and other digital transformation tools contributes to this effort. Thomas and Jammi close the show with actionable advice for CSCOs embarking on similar efforts to future-proof their supply chains.Che Min (Jammi) Tu is Senior Vice President and Group Operations Officer of Lenovo, which consists of teams spanning Global Supply Chain, Digital Transformation, Total Experience, Sales Operations, and Strategic Alliances. This diverse organization serves a global group of internal and external stakeholders with the mission of driving Lenovo’s operational excellence, the companywide digital transformation and harmonizing end-to-end business processes and tools across all Lenovo operations to deliver the best end-to-end customer experience. He is also a member of Lenovo’s Executive Committee. Jammi joined Lenovo in 2012 as chief financial officer for the EMEA region. Most recently, he led the finance team as the CFO for the Personal Computing & Smart Devices (PCSD) Group, e-commerce, and Global Accounts organizations and was the chief operating officer of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group (IDG), playing a crucial role in leading that organization to record performance.   

In this discussion, Simon Bailey, VP analyst at Gartner and expert on supply chain strategy, shares insights on the evolving role of Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) in driving short-term profitable growth. He explores how AI is reshaping workforce dynamics and emphasizes the importance of customer-centric metrics. The conversation also tackles long-term sustainability goals, particularly around greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging CSCOs to leverage research as a foundation for future-proofing their strategies.

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.