Explore every episode of the podcast Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Ep. 11- From Static to Strategic: The Evolution of Category Management in Modern Procurement - with Detlef Schultz
19 Sep 2024
00:40:02
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
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.
Ep. 10 - Redefining Procurement: Circular Value Chains and the Power of Secondary Materials - with Matthias Ballweg
15 Aug 2024
00:31:00
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
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/
Ep. 1 - Leading with Empathy: Liz Rider on Rethinking Leadership in Organizations
03 Jan 2024
01:01:32
Liz Rider is a transformative organizational psychologist, associate fellow of psychology and official top leadership voice on LinkedIn with over 25 years of experience working with large, global companies.
In this episode, Liz describes a new era of leadership that favours trust, empowerment and autonomy over micromanagement and dictation. She delves deep into how leaders can communicate the company's vision, make important decisions, and acquire feedback from their team in return for superior business results.
What to expect:
1. Redefining leadership for modern challenges 2. The impact of vision and values in leadership 3. Inclusivity in decision-making processes 4. Selecting leaders beyond performance metrics 5. Harnessing feedback for leadership growth 6. The importance of ongoing leader development
About the host Martina: 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.
Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us.
Ep. 9 - Driving Procurement Success through Anchored Strategies and Ambitious Targets - with Lovisa Söderholm
25 Jul 2024
00:28:43
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
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.
Ep. 8 - The Procurement Leader's Dilemma: Short-Term Wins vs. Long-Term Value - with Thomas Janvier
18 Jul 2024
00:45:39
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
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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.
Ep. 7 - Empowering Procurement in Carve-Outs: Strategies for Managing Suppliers and Teams - with Paolo Lepore
03 Jul 2024
00:37:56
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.
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.
Ep. 6 - The Procurement Pathfinder: Five Megatrends Shaping the Future - with Laurin Zemmrich
17 Jun 2024
00:37:55
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
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.
Ep. 5 - CPO Mindset 101: Purpose, Kindness, Pre-emptive Action, and Learning from Failure with Neil Marsons
20 May 2024
00:29:06
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
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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.
Ep. 4 - Procurement Excellence Through Effective Risk Management: Strategies from National Grid's Paul Howard
07 May 2024
00:59:48
Proactive risk management can transform procurement into a strategic powerhouse.
Find out how, in this insightful episode with Paul Howard, Interim Director of Global Indirect Procurement at National Grid, as he delves into the critical aspects of procurement excellence through effective risk management. As a seasoned professional with a background in both military and corporate procurement, Paul shares his extensive experience and strategic approaches to overcoming contemporary procurement challenges. The conversation explores the intricacies of supplier risk management, cybersecurity in procurement, and the crucial role of building resilient supply chains.
You'll learn:
1. Strategies to identify and mitigate supplier risks 2. How to secure procurement data against cyber threats 3. Building strategic supplier relationships effectively 4. Implementing contingency plans for critical suppliers 5. Skills necessary for modern procurement leadership 6. Encouraging collaboration across procurement functions
About the host Richard: 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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.
Ep. 3 - Transforming Procurement: Roche’s blueprint for enabling next-generation procurement with Marielle Beyer
09 Apr 2024
00:38:11
How is one of the world's leading healthcare companies reshaping the procurement landscape? By leading with innovation and focusing on what truly matters: the patient.
In this episode, Marielle Beyer, Head of Global Procurement at Roche, explains how leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to people-centric outcomes are the keys to driving success in today's complex corporate environment. She elaborates on Roche's holistic approach to procurement, emphasizing the importance of viewing the procurement function not merely as a series of transactions, but as a strategic partner capable of influencing positive outcomes for both patients and business units alike.
You'll learn:
1. How to cultivate a leadership culture in procurement. 2. Strategies for fostering innovation and agility. 3. The importance of a patient-centric approach in healthcare procurement. 4. Best practices for talent development in a transformative era.
Details about Roche: Website: https://www.roche.com/ Industry: Biotechnology Research Size: 10,001+ employees Year: 1896
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About the host Martina: 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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting.
Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us!
Ep. 2 - The CPO Leadership Agenda: Exploring Challenges, Solutions, and Evolutions in Procurement in 2024
19 Jan 2024
01:19:08
With the new year already in full swing, boardrooms are abuzz with pertinent questions, existing geopolitical disputes continue while new ones emerge, and new technologies rapidly enter the market. There's never been a more challenging, yet opportunistic moment to be a leader in procurement.
In this episode, Kathleen Harmeston, a seasoned CPO, Business Transformation Advisor and Non-Executive Director, sits down with Richard McIntosh to map the evolving role of procurement in 2024 and beyond. She offers insights into topics like how procurement leaders can better respond to geopolitical and market changes, enhance their digital readiness, develop leadership skills, and more.
You'll learn:
1. How to align procurement with the corporate strategy for better outcomes 2. How digital systems can enable more strategic, data-driven approaches in procurement 3. How procurement is evolving and how it can add more value in 2024 4. How to prepare procurement teams for a future of strategic importance
About the host Richard: Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard loves rugby & he is a kids' rugby coach. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and kids, and he likes nothing better than helping a bunch of kids develop through sport to be their best selves.
Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us!
Ep. 18 - Continuous Reinvention: Navigating Volatility in Procurement Leadership - with Gaël De Martelaere
06 Aug 2025
00:24:15
Navigating a volatile world with a calm mindset, a collaborative spirit, and a drive for continuous reinvention—that's what true procurement leadership is all about.
In this episode, host Richard McIntosh sits down with Gaël De Martelaere, Head of Direct Procurement at Dow, for a candid exploration of how procurement can thrive in times of disruption and transformation.
Gaël unpacks Dow’s journey as it shifts from relentless cost-out and pandemic-era capacity scrambles to a new era of collaborative, digitally enabled cost reduction. He reveals how a culture built on sustainability, innovation, and inclusion continues to endure, even when the market demands resilience above all.
You’ll learn:
1. How agile, digital procurement adapts to margin pressure and supply volatility 2. What it takes to build a resilient culture—staying true to the long-term ambition while managing the short-term realities 3. How calm, transparent leadership drives focus and clarity when disruption strikes 4. How true supplier collaboration creates value and resilience in an unpredictable market
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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.
Ep. 17 - Staying the Course: Leading Procurement Through Crisis with Clarity and Courage - with Dieter Dehoorne
16 Jul 2025
00:36:28
What if the secret to resilient procurement leadership starts with daring to be vulnerable?
In this episode, host Martina Buchhauser speaks with Dieter Dehoorne, Group Senior Vice President and CPO of Global Procurement at Vestas, about the human side of transformation, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty.
Dieter shares his leap from Volvo to Vestas, navigating a new industry amid global crisis, and the moment he began to question his leadership for the first time in decades. His story doubles as a playbook: how to stay the course by building a strong team, leading with authenticity, and anchoring the function in trust, strategy, and partnership.
You'll learn:
1. Why vulnerability can be a leadership strength in complex environments 2. How to build a high-performing team after a crisis of trust 3. Dieter’s strategy to stay the course: team, clarity and partnerships 4. How to create impact by reducing complexity and strengthening collaboration 5. Why modern procurement needs early and deep supplier collaboration
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Get in touch with Dieter Dehoorne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dieter-dehoorne-48885623/
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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.
Ep. 16 - Splitting Efficiency from Strategy: A Bold Model for Modern Procurement - with Demetrios Kappos
25 Jun 2025
01:05:33
Procurement doesn’t need a rebrand. It needs structure, speed, and people who take ownership.
In this episode, host Mike Jansen sits down with Demetrios Kappos, Management Consultant and former VP Global Procurement at EagleBurgmann, to explore how to shift procurement from a reactive service provider to a structured value driver.
Demetrios speaks plainly about what works—and what doesn’t. For him, transformation begins by separating operational efficiency from strategic effectiveness. It’s about knowing where buyers truly add value, making bold organisational decisions, and empowering teams to drive change—not wait for it.
From practical insights on ERP harmonisation and applying AI as a tool, to clear-headed reflections on leadership, resilience, and volatility, this conversation is as grounded as it is actionable.
You'll learn:
1. Why splitting operational and strategic roles creates real value 2. How to empower teams to lead transformation from within 3. The right (and wrong) ways to apply AI in procurement 4. What building resilience looks like beyond buzzwords 5. How to future-proof procurement with a data- and mission-driven mindset
About the host Mike Jansen: Mike Jansen is an Associate 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.
Ep. 15 - Beyond the RFQ: Building a Purpose-Driven Procurement Function - with Gao Kwintmeyer
04 Jun 2025
00:49:13
If five purchase orders go wrong, suddenly everyone’s looking at procurement.
That’s the reality Ottobock CPO Gao Kwintmeyer knows well—and it’s why he’s spent his career building a procurement function that delivers far more than just cost savings.
In this episode, host Mike Jansen talks with Gao about what it really takes to lead procurement at a global scale. From navigating supplier quality issues and regulatory complexity to integrating AI with intention, Gao shares how he balances operational excellence with strategic impact. With over 27 years of experience, Gao offers a pragmatic, long-term perspective on elevating procurement’s role in the business—proving its value not just through process, but through purpose.
You’ll learn:
1. How to align procurement’s role with top management’s vision and expectations 2. Why relationship-building still outperforms AI with strategic suppliers 3. When (and when not) to invest in new procurement tech 4. How to tackle regulatory complexity with a pragmatic, risk-based lens 5. What makes a strategic buyer truly valuable in today’s procurement landscape
About the host Mike Jansen: Mike Jansen is an Associate 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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.
Ep. 14 - Orchestrate or Stagnate: Rethinking Procurement for Business Impact - with Alexander Pilsl
21 May 2025
00:42:32
How do you turn a clunky ERP-based procurement process into a driver of >10% savings?
In this episode, host Richard McIntosh speaks with Alexander Pilsl, Director Procurement at TeamViewer, about how modern procurement orchestration can directly drive measurable business value. Alexander shares how his team replaced a legacy ERP-based process with a flexible orchestration layer—unlocking transparency, early engagement, and savings by involving procurement early.
With a focus on stakeholder-led tech selection, agile iteration, and user adoption, Alexander outlines the factors that helped TeamViewer move fast. He also discusses how the team managed organisational change, streamlined approval paths, and began shifting focus toward AI, spend management, and business-aligned communication.
You'll learn:
1. How orchestration technology helped TeamViewer embed procurement earlier and drive measurable impact 2. How engaging stakeholders in the RFP process boosted tool adoption and ownership 3. How over-involving people in workflows created bottlenecks—and what fixed it 4. How TeamViewer used process data to move from P2P to proactive spend management 5. Why ditching procurement-speak helps CPOs influence business decisions
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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.
Ep. 13 - Procurement Business Partnering: Driving Value Beyond Cost at Diebold Nixdorf - with Milind Tailor
11 Dec 2024
00:26:46
What happens when procurement evolves from being transaction-focused to becoming a true business partner? Find out in this episode.
Host Richard McIntosh speaks with Milind Tailor, Global Head, Resale Products & Services Procurement at Diebold Nixdorf, about the transformative journey of procurement business partnering. Milind shares how procurement can go beyond cost-cutting to build trust, foster supplier innovation, and align with business goals to drive revenue and operational excellence.
You'll learn:
1. How Procurement Business Partnering serves as an operating model to align procurement with strategic business goals 2. How to use the Supplier Performance Index as a governance tool to evaluate and enhance supplier relationships 3. Why the Trust Equation is vital for building strong stakeholder and supplier alliances 4. The role of a balanced scorecard in measuring procurement’s impact beyond cost 5. Essential advice for starting and excelling in a procurement career
Details about Diebold Nixdorf: Website: https://DieboldNixdorf.com Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting Company size: 10,001+ employees Headquarters: North Canton, Ohio Founded: 1859
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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.
Ep. 12 - Towards 2030: Practical Governance Strategies for Procurement Success at Bosch - with Dr. Thomas Schulte
27 Nov 2024
00:38:49
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
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.
Ep. 21 – Building Procurement Resilience in a Volatile, Digital Age – with Kai Dittberner
22 Oct 2025
00:43:10
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
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.
Ep. 20 - Driving Procurement Excellence through Digitalisation at Scale - with Karl Poulsen
08 Oct 2025
00:33:59
Procurement transformation isn't just about systems. It's about scale, culture, and strategy.
In this episode, host Richard McIntosh speaks with Karl Poulsen, CPO at Hiscox, about leading a greenfield procurement transformation by leveraging digital tools not just to modernise, but to embed excellence at scale.
Karl shares how he moved the organisation from spreadsheets and silos to a centralised, tech-enabled function. He explains how automation, governance, and scalability were built with compliance in mind—but designed to support consistency and growth across a complex, international business. From reducing a 10,000-supplier sprawl to navigating cultural change across regions, Karl reveals what it takes to turn procurement into a true engine of business value—and why the hardest part wasn’t the technology, but shifting mindsets and ways of working.
You’ll learn:
1. How to build a business case for procurement tech from a greenfield start 2. Why cultural change is harder and more important than system implementation 3. How automation drives compliance, risk management, and sustainability 4. Where the biggest financial gains come from in digital procurement 5. What to prioritise post-rollout to improve adoption and user experience
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.
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast is powered by H&Z Management Consulting in collaboration with SAWOO.
Ep. 19 - Beyond Processes: Why People and Leadership Define Supply Chain Impact - with Barbara Stolle-Amedick
24 Sep 2025
00:52:36
When you relish the hard problems, courage, culture and vision turn challenges into the spark of business success.
In this episode, host Martina Buchhauser speaks with Barbara Stolle-Amedick, Global Head of Supply Chain Management, Transformers Business at Hitachi Energy, about the journey of repositioning procurement inside a 100-year-old organisation.
Barbara explains how her team moved beyond being seen as “order writers” to becoming recognised as business enablers. She shares how silos were broken down and replaced with a truly end-to-end organisation, why culture and leadership proved just as vital as process and KPIs, and how recognition was built step by step, both internally and externally.
This is a story of transformation driven not by big-bang change, but by consistency, transparency, and the courage to push for more. It shows how procurement can thrive as a trusted partner and become a key driver of company-wide success.
You’ll learn:
1. How transparency, vision and courage can dismantle silos and build trust 2. Why people, culture and leadership matter as much as processes 3. How to move from “order writing” to enabling business success 4. How end-to-end structures and KPIs deliver speed and recognition 5. How to grow supplier partnerships into long-term success factors
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.