How a New Breed of CPOs is Transforming Procurement

Driven by the rise of a forward-thinking and ambitious new generation of AI-empowered Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), who are reshaping the landscape with bold, innovative, and data-driven strategies, supported by cutting-edge technology, procurement is undergoing a significant shift. This transformation is redefining not only how procurement operates but also its overall importance and influence within organizations, moving from a more traditional support function to a strategic driver of new business value.

This new approach has fundamentally transformed the procurement function, making it more modern, dynamic, and, perhaps unexpectedly, “cool,” while drawing in a fresh wave of talented professionals to the field. As Dr. Elouise Epstein points out, the powerful combination of advanced technology and the ongoing evolution of procurement is finally allowing the true strength of this long-underestimated function to emerge. She explains, “Very strong leaders [are] coming into the procurement profession [so instead] of people who simply ended up there, we’re seeing a new generation of motivated, highly capable difference-makers.” This new influx of talent is not only reshaping perceptions of procurement but also solidifying its position as a critical and indispensable driver of business success.

The increasing excitement within the procurement profession, particularly amongst naturally curious, change oriented business leaders who are recognising it as a cutting-edge and forward-thinking field, is, in my view, driven by their recognition of how rapidly it is evolving. They see the profession moving decisively away from traditional, manual processes such as spreadsheet analysis and time-consuming supplier searches, instead embracing fast, efficient, and transformative AI-powered solutions that are redefining how procurement operates.

Technological Evangelist CPOs
The increasing appeal of the profession is also closely linked to the rise of technological evangelist CPOs—trailblazers who are completely reimagining the role with innovative AI-powered strategies and digital-first approaches. These leaders are not only driving transformation but are also delivering tangible, quantifiable improvements in how their companies manage their spend. Notable examples include individuals who have made significant and highly beneficial shifts in procurement practices, demonstrating the immense value and potential of modern CPOs. These include:

• Cyril Pourrat (BT Sourced): Renowned for his "digital native company" vision, Cyril has become a leading advocate for progressive procurement methodologies, establishing a personal brand around these cutting-edge strategies. “We want to fully leverage AI, machine learning, and the digital ecosystem to position ourselves differently compared to other procurement companies,” he emphasised in a recent article.
• Oliver Gall (Prudential): In his influential role at the leading insurance provider, Oliver is focused on enhancing user experience, strategic enablement, and modern operating models, actively moving away from traditional procurement approaches. In a recent LinkedIn post, he expressed, “We stand at an incredibly exciting inflection point in procurement history, a moment where we have an opportunity to elevate our profession to an even higher level of strategic value.”
  
  
• Katiana Lavarone (UCB): Katiana is another CPO focused on repositioning and rebranding procurement as a strategic function that helps the business grow from the top line as opposed to just looking at the bottom line as she explains in this interview: “Procurement really needs to ideate initiatives so that it contributes to the vision of the business.”
• Jorge de la Vega (Santander): As CEO of the global banking giant Santander’s procurement arm, Aquanima, Jorge is leading the adoption of AI-driven sourcing in a traditionally risk-averse and conservative sector to deliver new efficiencies and productivity throughout the buying journey. His team has also pioneered an Ambassadors Program initiative which promotes the benefits of new sourcing technology to stakeholders across the wider organization.
  
  
• Paula Glickenhaus (Bristol Myers Squibb): Last but certainly not least, Paula has revolutionised procurement at the pharmaceutical giant by challenging and dismantling long-standing procurement conventions. She has implemented bold, future-focused strategies that set new standards for innovation and transformation within the industry. “It’s all about moving from transactional to transformational,” she passionately shared with attendees at the most recent DPW, offering a clear message that procurement’s role is evolving to become a key driver of strategic change and business success.

Is the CPO chair a legitimate step to the corner office?

In practical terms, this shift means that CPOs now have a seat at the table and the full attention of the C suite. Early adopters of AI in procurement are creating such remarkable value for their organisations that their contributions are being highlighted to investors and customers. A prime example of this is BT. The UK telecom giant's latest full fiscal year notes underscore the role of generative AI in transforming procurement processes.

Similarly, Harold Wu, CPO at financial services provider T. Rowe Price, discussed in a 2024 podcast how AI-driven sourcing has helped him deliver more than $40 million in savings across $300m of spend under management – an impressive success that further illustrates how this new approach is delivering substantial, measurable value and transforming the way major corporations operate.

In summary, this bold new generation of CPOs are determined not to be undervalued as executives, particularly given their pivotal role in managing billions in company spend. I imagine that they – and the peers and aspiring procurement leaders following in their wake – are profoundly grateful for how AI has come at just the right moment, enabling them to reshape the narrative and propel the procurement profession to new, unprecedented heights.