Welcome to Procurement News, part of our ongoing aggregate news series covering recent supply management headlines and trends pertinent to Chief Procurement Officers and other procurement leaders! Contact us with your news story here.
Procurement Executive News
Annette Danek-Akey Named CSCO for Barnes & Noble
NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble, a leading American book retailer, announced that Annette Danek-Akey will take over as chief supply chain officer in September.
Danek-Akey currently serves as EVP, chief supply chain officer, for Penguin Random House, where she’s held several fulfillment and supply chain roles over her nearly 11 years with the publisher.
According to James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, “Annette joins Barnes & Noble at a pivotal moment of growth in the business when the excellence of the supply chain is of central importance to our success,” he said.
“We are delighted to gain from her deep experience of book distribution and commitment to developing excellence in her teams.”
John T. Erwin Named CPO for Methode Electronics
CHICAGO — Methode Electronics, Inc., a leading global supplier of custom-engineered solutions for user interface, LED lighting system, and power distribution applications, announced that John T. Erwin has been named chief procurement officer.
According to Jon DeGaynor, president and CEO, “We are pleased to name a seasoned executive of John’s caliber as the new CPO of Methode. John’s leadership will be invaluable as we unlock the cost reduction opportunities in our supply chain and work towards our long-term profitability goals,” DeGaynor said.
The company stated that Erwin will lead all global procurement activities for Methode, leveraging his 35-year career in various leadership roles in procurement and supply chain management for OEMs and tier 1 suppliers. His focus will be on evaluating current processes, procedures, and organizational design, strengthening supplier relationships, and driving cost-savings initiatives across the organization.
Read the full announcement here.
Hasbro Promotes Stephanie Beal to CSCO
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Hasbro, Inc., a leading toy and game company, announced three senior appointments, including the promotion of Stephanie Beal to chief supply chain officer, to build on the company’s digital transformation and ongoing turnaround efforts.
The company stated that Beal will take over as CSCO from Shane Azzi, who is departing Hasbro at the end of July to pursue a new opportunity. The team is grateful to Azzi and his leadership throughout Hasbro’s supply chain transformation. Beal joined Hasbro in 2022 and has been an integral leader on the supply chain team.
Most recently, she led a significant system transformation to digitize planning processes across the business, enabling teams to be more responsive and agile. In her new role, Beal will continue thoughtfully refining processes and systems to uncover inefficiencies and deliver more profitability. Prior to joining Hasbro, she held leadership positions at Kimberly-Clark, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Unilever.
Read the full announcement here.
Jumpflex Names Mark Greaves Chief Supply Chain Officer
HAMILTON, WAIKATO, New Zealand — Jumpflex, a leading provider in the trampoline industry, announced that Mark Greaves has joined the company as chief supply chain officer.
According to Matt Tubbs, co-founder and CEO of Jumpflex, “Mark’s proven track record in enhancing operational efficiencies and his strategic insight into supply chain management will be invaluable as Jumpflex continues to expand its presence and innovate within the market.”
The company stated that before joining Jumpflex, Greaves served as chief fulfillment officer at Viare, an eStar Company, where he led significant advancements in store-based fulfillment processes and led the product development of their order management tool. His extensive background includes various leadership roles across the retail, logistics, and e-commerce sectors, where he focused on driving operational excellence, implementing strategic improvements, and delivering business growth.
Upon his appointment, Greaves said, “I am super excited to be joining the Jumpflex family and playing a part in their global growth. I am looking forward to working with the amazing team at Jumpflex as we work towards our dream of being the world’s best trampoline brand.”
Read the full announcement here.
Ruben Harris Joins Flexcon as VP of Supply Chain
Spencer, MA — Flexcon Global, a preferred provider of innovative coatings, film laminations, and functional technologies, announced Ruben Harris as vice president of supply chain.
The company stated that Harris brings with him over 25 years of experience in strategy development, supply chain management, sourcing, manufacturing, quality, industrial management, and planning. Most recently, he served as executive partner for chief supply chain officers at Gartner. His previous experience included key supply chain roles at Pratt & Whitney, with his most recent role there as VP of global supply chain.
According to Nick Lupoli, chief operations officer, “Harris will drive our end-to-end global supply chain strategy for Flexcon globally,” he shared. “I am excited to have Ruben join the Flexcon team. His vast experience and proven track record across multiple industries will help build a resilient, agile, and customer-focused supply chain to support our future growth and success.”
Flexcon prioritizes continuous improvement and employee development, both of which Harris will help drive forward for the global supply chain organization.
Read the full announcement here.
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