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2nd Strategic Sourcing Executive Roundtable

June 18th , 2013, Shanghai, China

2nd Strategic Sourcing Executive Roundtable
18th June, 2013 [Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel], Shanghai, China

SHANGHAI IN CHINA, 18th June 2013 - In an era of ever-increasing costs of raw material, production and labor, mitigating new supply chain risks moving forward without impacting the consumer is on top of procurement’s agenda. Meanwhile, the role of procurement has moved beyond simply delivering cost reductions to being a more integral part of how an organization delivers value to its customers and shareholders.

Aimed to provide a perfect platform for senior procurement professionals to address the major challenges as well as to share the best practices, Asia Strategic Sourcing Alliance (ASSA) hosted the 2nd Strategic Sourcing Executive Roundtable on June 18th in Shanghai, China. Attended by 28 prominent procurement executives, the one-day mix of insightful presentations and informative discussions covered the most critical aspects of strategic sourcing and procurement management.

Opening speech at the congress was given by Mr. Kenith POON, Director, Purchasing & Supply Chain Management, Asia, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls, noted that Procurement could offer great value to the profitability of a company but was often at the risk of developing a purely cost saving reputation. To grow the role and function, one must have to do the right thing with right aim at the right timing. Kenith was followed by Mr. Sylvain CAILLET, Former Visteon Global Purchasing Director for Interiors and Electronics Product Groups, who delivered a presentation on Procurement’s Role in Cash Flow Optimization - Identify Lost Cash and Process Gaps. Sylvain explained the large impact range and opportunities for Procurement in working capital management. “Very good opportunity to hear best practices and sourcing challenges from experienced professionals.” Noted by Trafotek Oy representative.

The next two speakers were Sean WU, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Asia Pacific and Fabrice THOMAS, APAC Sourcing Director, Alstom Transport. Sean focused on the current challenges dealing with rising manufacturing cost and currency appreciation in China, discussed the political reasons and other considerations moving manufacturing back to USA, as well as Eaton’s future strategy developing its supply base in SEA. Fabrice hosted a heated discussion on ‘What Needs to Happen for China to Realize its Truly Great Potential as a Best Cost Sourcing Country in the Future?’ Geberit Plumbing Technology representative noted “Interesting topics, room for thoughts within own sourcing team.”

The morning session ended with a panel discussion monitored by Mr. Kevin HARRIS, Executive Director, Russell Reynolds Associates. The panelists were Gabriel KIEWEK, VP Global, Procurement & Materials Management, Praxair Inc; Sylvain CAILLET, Former Visteon Global Purchasing Director for Interiors and Electronics Product Groups; Kenith POON, Director, Purchasing & Supply Chain Management, Asia, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls. The prominent industry experts discussed the hot issues including ways to recruit the most suitable people through different channels and brand procurement to attract non-procurement people on board, means to take cultural diversity into account and make the right mix of local and global talent, as well as the modern skill set required for the future buyers.

Keynote speaker in the afternoon session was Mr. Wen SHEIH, General Manager of Supply Market Intelligence & Services, Royal Philips, who hosted an excellent debate on Challenges of Developing the Next Low Cost Sourcing Market in SEA. Wen started the session with a brief introduction of Philips’ global sourcing approach into emerging SEA market as a derisk strategy, which activated heated debate on the ROI of developing the largely untapped market with the most demanding challenges from infrastructure network, supplier base, and even cultural differences. The critical issue from strategic perspective - how we should position ourselves in SEA market besides simply sourcing from the cheaper alternative to China - was also brought up during the discussion.

The next session was a panel discussion hosted by Johnson XIAO, President & CEO, Shanghai Xinpeng, and was joined by Fabrice THOMAS, APAC Sourcing Director, Alstom Transport; David SHAO, Council Director of Procurement and Design-to-Cost (PDC), Alcatel-Lucent; Sean WU, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Asia Pacific, Eaton Corporation. The prominent industry experts discussed the critical challenges of integrating sourcing organizations during Merger and Acquisitions, which captivated the audience attention. “Good presenters. It’s better if we could have the discussion deeply in half day.” Noted by Grace China Ltd representative.

Next, Vincent PHOON, Director of Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Management, Asia Pacific, Cooper Industries, delivered an insightful speech on Developing an Effective Risk Management Strategy with Your Suppliers where he explained eco system risk management approach towards the potential risks, which extended to sub tier suppliers. The day ended with a working group chaired by Jason ZHENG, Director, Supplier Quality and Development Asia Pacific, Electrolux Major Appliances Sector and Roman WANG, Sourcing Director, Rexnord Global Sourcing. Jason explained that supplier collaboration is vital to success, and it is important to align supplier management with strategic direction all the way through supplier identification, supplier development, and supplier performance continuous improvement. Roman extended Jason’s topic on how to develop and continue strategic relationship with partners in Asia. “Good event! Well organized!” Noted by Shanghai Xinpeng Representative. Again, thank you for your valuable participation in the 2nd Strategic Sourcing Executive Roundtable. I have no doubt that your presence and involvement directly contributed to the overall success of this meaningful event. We will keep you abreast of our upcoming events and I am earnestly looking forward to working with you again.

Visit event website for more info: http://assa.noppen.com.cn/Event_Snapshot/Event_Coverage.aspx?id=1

2nd Strategic Sourcing Executive Roundtable

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