Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

If Procurement is still a ‘your wish is my command’ function at your company, you’re leaving value on the table.

In this episode, host Mike Jansen speaks with Niels Walberg, CPO at K+S Aktiengesellschaft. With over 25 years in procurement, Niels shares how he’s driving the shift from reactive service provider to strategic partner at a €1.5 billion spend organisation.

He explains why clear KPIs and supplier performance management matter, why stakeholder buy-in is the true lever for lasting change, and how Procurement can embed itself into complex CapEx projects to deliver real business value.


You’ll learn:

1. How Procurement can shift from service provider to strategic partner
2. Why strategic coverage outperforms savings as a steering KPI
3. The role of stakeholder engagement in driving lasting change
4. What makes performance management with contractors effective
5. Practical lessons from digitising and simplifying procurement processes

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Get in touch with Niels Walberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niels-walberg-023308b0/


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About the host Mike Jansen:
Mike Jansen is Partner at H&Z Management Consulting with over a decade of experience enhancing the value that procurement delivers to organisations. Driven by a passion for tackling challenges, Mike thrives on competition—whether with others or himself. Outside of work, Mike enjoys quality time with his wife and children.


Get in touch with Mike Jansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansen-mike/

Digitalisation succeeds when people lead the change, not just the tools.

In this episode, host Mike Jansen speaks with Kai Dittberner, VP Global Procurement at Giesecke+Devrient, about how Procurement at the global security technology company has evolved to drive resilience, innovation, and ESG impact.

He explains why successful digitalisation depends on strong processes and people engagement, how G+D leveraged “digital heroes” to embed change, and why regional diversification and supplier collaboration are must-haves in a fractured geopolitical environment. Kai also makes the case for ESG to become a measurable KPI in Procurement, with Scope 3 emissions one day sitting alongside savings and spend.


You’ll learn:

1. Why strong processes must come before digitalisation
2. How to leverage “digital heroes” to drive cultural change
3. Practical strategies for navigating global supply chain risks
4. How supplier collaboration builds true resilience
5. Why Scope 3 emissions should become a core Procurement KPI

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Get in touch with Kai Dittberner, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-dittberner-13b8aa29/


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About the host Mike Jansen:
Mike Jansen is Partner at H&Z Management Consulting with over a decade of experience enhancing the value that procurement delivers to organisations. Driven by a passion for tackling challenges, Mike thrives on competition—whether with others or himself. Outside of work, Mike enjoys quality time with his wife and children.


Get in touch with Mike Jansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansen-mike/

At Bosch, governance significantly contributes to business success, and actively supports purchasing teams by integrating compliance and functional excellence.

Martina Buchhauser speaks with Dr. Thomas Schulte, Head of Governance Supply Chain Management Purchasing at Bosch, about how governance acts as a "license to operate" in procurement. Dr. Schulte outlines Bosch’s collaborative approach—working with business unit representatives to analyse regulations and embed practical compliance solutions into everyday operations. From managing dual-sourcing complexities to advancing sustainability through circularity, Bosch’s governance model fosters adaptability, strategic risk management, and resilience, all driven by a top-level commitment to sustainable growth.


You'll learn:

1. Bosch’s unique governance model that fosters compliance and functional excellence
2. Strategic insights into dual-sourcing and regionalisation for balanced risk management
3. How Bosch integrates circularity and sustainability within procurement processes
4. Why top-down commitment is essential to embedding sustainability in corporate culture
5. The importance of cross-functional role rotation to drive governance acceptance and collaboration

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Get in touch with Dr. Thomas Schulte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-thomas-schulte-989aa1243/?originalSubdomain=de

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Details about Bosch:
Website: https://www.bosch.com
Industry: Software Development
Company size: 10,001+ employees
Headquarters: Gerlingen-Schillerhöhe, Germany
Founded: 1886

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About the host Martina Buchhauser:
Martina Buchhauser is a global leader with extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, and its shift towards sustainable technologies and low-carbon business practices. Her leadership journey includes executive roles in Global Procurement and Supply Chain Networks at General Motors, MAN, BMW, and Volvo Cars, where she served as Chief Procurement Officer and on the management board. She is a senior advisor at H&Z Management Consulting and a non-executive director on several company boards. Martina enjoys hiking, golfing, and skiing, and values time with her family and friends from around the world. She is passionate about leadership and actively engaged in developing and promoting talent.

Get in touch with Martina Buchhauser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-buchhauser/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Is your procurement strategy stuck in the past? Discover how to transform category management and drive real strategic impact.

In this episode, Richard McIntosh speaks with Detlef Schultz, award-winning procurement leader and co-founder of akirolabs, about the evolution of category management. Drawing from his vast experience as former CEO and current Board Chairperson of Vodafone Procurement Company, Detlef explains how procurement can shift from cost-cutting to strategic value creation. He shares insights on using data and technology to drive dynamic, scenario-driven strategies that meet the demands of today’s business environment.


You’ll learn:

1. Why traditional category management models no longer fit the needs of modern businesses
2. How data and AI can transform procurement into a strategic powerhouse
3. The crucial role of procurement in driving value beyond cost savings
4. How to transition from static categories to dynamic, scenario-based procurement strategies

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Get in touch with Detlef Schultz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detlef-schultz-74a6409/

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Details about akirolabs:
Website: https://akirolabs.com/
Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting
Company size: 11-50 employees
Headquarters: Berlin
Founded: 2021

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About the host Richard McIntosh:
Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard is an avid rugby fan, and a children's rugby coach, with a passion for helping children to become their best selves through sports. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and children.

Get in touch with Richard McIntosh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosh-richard/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Ready to embrace sustainable procurement? Discover how circular value chains and secondary materials can revolutionise your supply chain.

In this episode, host Richard McIntosh welcomes Matthias Ballweg, Co-founder of CIRCULAR REPUBLIC, to discuss circular value chains and secondary materials. Matthias reveals the significance of circularity and shares actionable strategies for companies to kickstart their sustainable procurement journey.

You'll learn:

1. What circularity and secondary materials are and why they are important
2. How secondary materials are being used in various industries
3. Strategies for integrating secondary materials into procurement
4. The role of start-ups and innovation in driving circularity
5. The impact of regulations on circular value chains

To start your journey towards circularity, download the whitepaper titled, "Secondary Material Sourcing" – a collaboration between H&Z Management Consulting and CIRCULAR REPUBLIC: https://hz.group/insights/publications/discover-the-future-of-sustainability-with-the-circular-economy

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Get in touch with Matthias Ballweg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthias-ballweg/

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Details about CIRCULAR REPUBLIC:
Website: www.circular-republic.org
Industry: Environmental Services
Company size: 15 employees
Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria
Founded: 2023

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About the host Richard McIntosh:
Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard is an avid rugby fan, and a children's rugby coach, with a passion for helping children to become their best selves through sports. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and children.

Get in touch with Richard McIntosh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosh-richard/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Combining ambitious goals and solid strategies is where procurement 'magic' happens.

Join host Martina Buchhauser as she talks to Lovisa Söderholm, Senior Vice President of Purchasing at Volvo Penta, about driving procurement success. Lovisa shares insights on the dual objectives of cost and CO₂ reduction, emphasising the significance of engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication.


You'll learn:

1. How to accomplish cost and CO₂ reductions simultaneously
2. The importance of engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication
3. The impact of setting high targets and anchoring them in a solid strategy

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Get in touch with Lovisa Söderholm on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lovisasoderholm/

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About the host Martina Buchhauser:
Martina Buchhauser is a global leader with extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, and its shift towards sustainable technologies and low-carbon business practices. Her leadership journey includes executive roles in Global Procurement and Supply Chain Networks at General Motors, MAN, BMW, and Volvo Cars, where she served as Chief Procurement Officer and on the management board. She is a senior advisor at H&Z Management Consulting and a non-executive director on several company boards. Martina enjoys hiking, golfing, and skiing, and values time with her family and friends from around the world. She is passionate about leadership and actively engaged in developing and promoting talent.

Get in touch with Martina Buchhauser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-buchhauser/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Unlock the secrets to achieving immediate gains and sustainable value in procurement.

In this episode, our host Martina Buchhauser sits down with Thomas Janvier, founder of Janvier Advisory, to delve into the intricate balancing act between short-term financial gains and long-term value creation in procurement. Thomas, a former CPO, shares his mission to drive sustainable value while meeting immediate business needs, and emphasises the critical mindset shift required to integrate sustainability into procurement practices.


You'll learn:

1. Strategies for balancing short-term financial goals with long-term value creation in procurement
2. The necessity of transforming to circular value chains and its impact on procurement
3. The critical role of aligning procurement strategies with overall company purpose and goals
4. Effective cross-functional collaboration structures for enhanced procurement outcomes
5. Insights on driving sustainable procurement practices and embedding ESG criteria in supply chain management

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Get in touch with Thomas Janvier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjanvier/?originalSubdomain=de

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About the host Martina Buchhauser:
Martina Buchhauser is a global leader with extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, and its shift towards sustainable technologies and low-carbon business practices. Her leadership journey includes executive roles in Global Procurement and Supply Chain Networks at General Motors, MAN, BMW, and Volvo Cars, where she served as Chief Procurement Officer and on the management board. She is a senior advisor at H&Z Management Consulting and a non-executive director on several company boards. Martina enjoys hiking, golfing, and skiing, and values time with her family and friends from around the world. She is passionate about leadership and actively engaged in developing and promoting talent.

Get in touch with Martina Buchhauser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-buchhauser/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Navigating a carve-out? Get an insider’s view on the procurement strategies that can help you achieve a seamless transition.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of procurement in corporate carve-outs with Paolo Lepore, Head of Global Procurement at ECO3. Paolo discusses his role in navigating the separation from Agfa, highlighting the critical aspects of change management, the power of data, and effective supplier management.


You'll learn:
1. The essential elements of change management in a carve-out.
2. How to leverage data and knowledge for seamless procurement operations.
3. Strategies for effective supplier management during a corporate transition.
4. Key lessons in handling people and process adjustments post-carve-out.

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Get in touch with Paolo Lepore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-lepore-dr-ing-mba-67799b3/

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Details about ECO3:
Website: https://eco3.com/
Industry: Printing Services
Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Year: 2023

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About the host Richard McIntosh:
Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard is an avid rugby fan, and a children's rugby coach, with a passion for helping children to become their best selves through sports. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and children.

Get in touch with Richard McIntosh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosh-richard/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

Explore the future of procurement! Discover how five key megatrends are defining the industry's next chapter and how you can future-proof your procurement strategy.

In this episode, host Richard McIntosh is joined by Laurin Zemmrich, from the University of St.Gallen's Institute of Supply Chain Management, to discuss the whitepaper, "Procurement Pathfinder 2024: A Trend Outlook." Laurin shares his extensive research on the megatrends that are set to shape the future of procurement. The discussion delves into how these interconnected trends impact procurement, from immediate priorities like cost management and geopolitical risks to long-term strategies involving sustainability and technological integration.


You'll learn:

1. The five megatrends redefining procurement and their interconnected nature
2. How CPOs can balance short-term cost pressures with long-term sustainability goals
3. The critical role of AI and technology in future procurement processes
4. Strategies for enhancing supply chain resilience and managing geopolitical risks
5. The evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for sustainability in procurement

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Get in touch with Laurin Zemmrich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurinzemmrich/

Download the "Procurement Pathfinder 2024: A Trend Outlook": https://procurementinitiative.org/insights/procurement-pathfinder-2024-your-guide-to-navigating-future-trends-1

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Details about University of St.Gallen's Institute of Supply Chain Management:
Website: https://iscm.unisg.ch
Industry: Higher Education
Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

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About the host Richard McIntosh:
Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard is an avid rugby fan, and a children's rugby coach, with a passion for helping children to become their best selves through sports. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and children.

Get in touch with Richard McIntosh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosh-richard/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO. 

In the highly pressurised world of procurement and supply chain, it's easy to lose sight of the things that matter: kindness, humility, and the odd 'Thank you' here and there.

In this episode, we welcome Neil Marsons, who shares some of the invaluable knowledge he has gleaned from his impressive career in procurement and supply chain.

Neil touches on the essential mindset characteristics CPOs need for a successful career, as well as how to transform procurement into a value-adding business component rather than a reactive function. He also touches on the power of learning from failure, and how kindness and strong relationships can significantly impact an organization's success.


You'll learn:

1. How to shift from reactive to proactive procurement
2. The importance of learning from failures
3. The impact of strong supplier relationships
4. Why kindness is crucial in leadership
5. The role of procurement in sustainability and its contribution to society

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Get in touch with Neil Marsons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-marsons-9776836/

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About the host Martina Buchhauser:
Martina Buchhauser is a global leader with a profound knowledge of the automotive industry and its shift towards new and sustainable technologies and the imperative for a responsible and low-carbon business. Her leadership journey has encompassed executive roles in Global Procurement and Supply Chain Networks at General Motors, MAN, BMW, and Volvo Cars, where she until recently served as the Chief Procurement Officer and on the management board. She is a senior advisor of H&Z Management Consulting and is a non-executive director on several company boards. Martina very much enjoys being outside in nature – that’s why she loves hiking, golfing, and skiing. Her family and her friends from all over the world play an important role to her, and experiencing life together with them is the greatest joy. Martina is passionate about leadership and has been very engaged in developing and promoting talent.

Get in touch with Martina Buchhauser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-buchhauser/

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The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.