SupplyChain Magazine July 2018 | Page 30

LEADERSHIP

30 s the recently appointed President of SAP Ariba , Barry Padgett knows all too well that the changing demands of customers and the effect that has on the supply chain are all crucial elements that need to be met and supported as we head deeper into 2018 and beyond .

Following on from its recent SAP Ariba live event in Las Vegas earlier this year , there are some clear and stark expectations regarding the role of procurement and beyond that Padgett refers to throughout our conversation . At the top of the list is transparency , efficiency and innovation . “ Not only are our customers looking for transparency in terms of their supply chain , but their customers are also asking for the same thing ,” explains Padgett . “ As consumers we ’ re more and more interested in sustainable ethical supply chains , ethical sourcing and trying to figure out who we spend our money with , where are our goods are made and what things are going into our foods etc . So , our customers are feeling it too from their buyers : whether it ’ s trad B2B buyers who are working towards business with a purpose and making sure they have sustainable business practices , or if they are a direct-toconsumer company and their customers are getting loud and demanding with respect to understanding the supply chain ,” he continues .

Barry Padgett President , SAP Ariba

JULY 2018