In April and May, Ardent Partners hosted The CPO Rising 2K20 Virtual Series – The Resiliency Imperative as a way to bring together our global community of procurement, finance, and supply management professionals and collectively tackle the big issues we were all facing and continue to face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 2,300 people participated in the 20 virtual sessions including our livestream summit. We also had 27 experts share their ideas and insights. Once the dust settled on the series, Andrew went back to interview many of these leaders so we could learn a little bit more about them and their companies. We’re also working on a plan to replay many of the sessions, so stay tuned.

Andrew connected with Greg Tennyson, Head of Global Corporate Services (Sourcing, Procurement, Travel, Real Estate/Facilities, Security and Distribution) at VSP Global and Ardent Partners’ reigning CPO of the Year (2019). Below is a transcript of that interview which has been edited for clarity.

Andrew Bartolini: Good morning Greg! Before we start, I wanted to thank you again for your time and great insights on the series (both your individual session and the Virtual CPO Roundtable). Before we dive in, can you share a little bit about your background for us today?

Greg Tennyson: I am currently responsible for VSP Global’s Corporate Services (includes: Sourcing, Procurement, Travel, Real Estate/Facilities, Security and Distribution). Prior to that I was VP and CPO at Salesforce.com from 2008 to 2013 and VP and CPO at Oracle Corporation from 1998 to 2008. In total 30+ years of global executive leadership in the finance, shared services, operations, and supply chain space with service based, high-tech, R&D and manufacturing concerns. Received my M.Sc. Management with an emphasis in contracts and procurement. With active credentials from SIG and those previously held have included – Institute for Supply Management Certified Purchasing Manager and the National Contracts Manager Association Certified Professional Contracts Manager credentials

Recent Awards/Honors:

• Ardent Partners CPO of the Year 2019
• SIG Supernova Hall of Fame, class of 2018

Advisory Roles:

• ScoutRFP, a Workday company Advisory 2014 to current
• Fairmarkit Advisory 2018 to current
• Coupa Advisory, 2008 to 2012
• Oracle Customer Advisory Board, 1998 to 2008
• Founding Member and Chair for Bay Area Procurement Council

AB: How did you end up working in procurement? 

GT: I landed in the profession by accident and not design. I discovered procurement, sourcing, contracts, negotiation, and everything else at my second job. It was part of a plethora of responsibilities and I quickly realized I had found a home. Fast forward 3 years, and I had graduated with my Masters in Management and was also certified by ISM and NCMA. I was that committed to making a career from this profession and after thirty plus years it has not disappointed.

AB: It is funny how that works; sometimes, we find the things we love by accident. Tell me about a few of the big influences in your career. 

GT: I was given sage advise early in my career to define my own path. Listen, observe, learn, and adapt always on my professional journey. With that, I’ve been influenced first and foremost by my wife who I met at University. She has been a tremendous influence and has always been there to support me – we are a team.

From a work perspective I’ve had the great fortune to work for some amazing leaders including Alan Burke at LLNL, Carl Tate at Olin, Tom Williams at Oracle, Graham Smith at Salesforce.com and a number of leaders today at VSP Global, who have each continued to evolve my leadership style. Each in their own right taught me to own my career, invest wisely, and continue to advocate for my team, my company, and myself for the right business outcomes.

AB: The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many things regarding short-term preparation and general planning. What should companies in your space be paying attention to now, in the short-term, and in the future?

GT: As we talked about in our session, on 16 March, 2020 my company pivoted. We executed our business continuity plan and sent employees home. We’ve been working successfully from home and delivering ever since. We have helped our doctor practices re-open, and in doing so have saved lives (PPE) and jobs (revenue). We have also been tasked to cancel our participation in meetings, industry events, etc.; and, drive other business outcomes based on the economic uncertainty in which we operate. The team has stepped up flawlessly to do so. Honestly, it has been truly remarkable how the team adjusted to a work from home environment so quickly.

Moving to today’s opportunities, we are reflecting on how we continue to embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It is interesting how one impacts or effects others. Working from home will allow us to reduce, if not eliminate, new hire candidate geographical differences. We don’t need to hire from our own backyard any more and can instead look at other locations as job openings occur. This will amplify our diversity and inclusion efforts.

AB: So, a quick shift – As a longstanding Chief Procurement Officer, do you have predictions for the future of the industry? What is the one thing you’d like to see in 2030?

GT: Technology will continue to drive the procurement/sourcing function, causing the professional to focus on interpersonal skills development. This has been well-documented. What will change is technology will elevate the profession given decision-driven outcomes will be embedded for the professional to affirm outcomes versus actually doing the analysis. Lastly 2030 should have me, (with good fortune) transitioning into semi-retirement.

AB: Retirement? Nice – wasn’t what I expected, but a great goal! I’m betting on the “semi” part in 2030 for you… During the shutdown, what has been the best or most interesting thing you’ve streamed, read, or viewed?

GT: Beneath the Scarlet Sky by Mark T Sullivan. I love historical fiction and have read a number of books regarding WW1, WW2, etc. I believe we can learn a lot by our mistakes and certainly in history we have a number of examples. I would welcome some ideas on good reads as well…

AB: I  been reading Adventures in the Screen Trade by the great William Goldman which hits on two of my big interests – movies and writing. During the pandemic, my kids have started going retro and I’ve been introducing them to some “classic” movies. In keeping with that theme, I’ve gotten hooked on The Rewatchables podcast by my fellow HC alum over on The Ringer. They discuss movies, sometimes with famous directors, that are highly “Rewatchable” – the movies that have been in heavy rotation on cable through the years. It’s pretty fun and funny, especially if you’re a Gen X-er. Anyway, Thanks Greg!!

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CPO Honors 2020 Announcement

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ardent Partners has extended the deadline to submit nominations for CPO Honors 2020 until September 10, 2020.

For more details about CPO Honors 2020, and to submit your nomination(s), visit: www.cpohonors.com.

In case you missed the CPO Honors 2019 Ceremony, here’s the highlights reel – watch it, it’s worth it!!

Tagged in: Chief Procurement Officer, CPO, CPO Honors, CPO Rising 2K20, CPO Rising Summit, P2P, People, Process, Solution Providers, Technology, The Resiliency Imperative