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
Lockheed Martin Names Abby Lilly Chief Supply Chain Officer
BETHESDA, MD — Lockheed Martin, the U.S. defense and aerospace manufacturer, announced Abby Lilly as its new vice president, global supply chain and chief supply chain officer.
Lilly shared in a LinkedIn post that she looks “forward to continuing to transform Lockheed Martin’s supply chain processes and organization while continuing to deliver capabilities to our customers throughout the globe. I also look forward to continuing and expanding my relationships across the Lockheed Martin community and across our supply base.”
In a message from Lilly on Lockheed Martin’s website, she expressed assurance of Lockheed’s commitment to strong and productive relationships with suppliers, with the goal to continue fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that “promotes mutual growth and success.”
In 2025, Lilly will place her focus on deepening her understanding of engagement across the broader business and “becoming more embedded in our enterprise-wide supply chain strategies and initiatives.” Key areas of focus include:
- Executing our supply chain transformation strategy with precision, prioritizing execution efficiency, risk reduction, performance improvement, and cost savings.
- Streamlining procurement processes to continue to identify opportunities to increase efficiency, laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to our digital transformation, 1LMX.
- Fostering strategic partnerships with suppliers who share our commitment to performance excellence and continuous improvement, while advancing our goal of a diverse and inclusive supply base.
David Lepley Returns to ASDA as Chief Supply Chain Officer
LEEDS, England — Asda Stores Limited announced that David Lepley will join its executive team as chief supply chain officer, leading its food and general merchandise supply operations. Lepley was previously with Morrison’s where he served as executive group operations director.
The company stated that the move is a return “home” for Lepley, having previously spent 15 years with Asda, starting as a Christmas temp colleague in the Grantham store and leaving as vice president, online grocery operations. His appointment forms part of the leadership changes Asda recently announced as it doubles down on its mission to satisfy the daily and weekly shopping needs of ordinary working people and their families who demand value.
According to Allan Leighton, Asda’s executive chairman, “Delivering the outstanding value and legendary service our customers demand begins with making sure they can get the products they want every time they shop with us,” he said.
“David has considerable experience in grocery logistics and supply chain, and I am delighted that he is coming home to Asda to lead this key area for the business.”
Read the full announcement here.
James Beckett Joins Peak Group of Companies as SVP, Supply Chain & Global Procurement
RICHMOND, B.C. — The Peak Group of Companies announced that James Beckett was appointed senior vice president, supply chain and global procurement, effective March 3, 2025. In his new role, Beckett will lead the company’s global supply chain and procurement teams and be responsible for global supply chain and procurement strategy, global manufacturing and distribution, including facilities across North America.
The company stated that Beckett is a dynamic executive with extensive experience in leading executive teams, merchandising and marketing strategy, planning, product development, private brands, global procurement, and inventory management, for several multi-billion-dollar retailers.
Over his career, Beckett has successfully helped retailers, such as The Home Depot Canada, Canadian Tire, and Staples, accelerate innovation, increase their revenue, and develop and build their business.
At Peak, Beckett is joining a leadership team that demonstrates unwavering commitment to customer service and supply chain management, as it supplies 1,000+ home renovation and outdoor living products to more than 2,000 The Home Depot stores across North America and the Bunnings chain in Australia and New Zealand.
According to Jeff Kinnaird, president and CEO, The Peak Group of Companies, “With global supply chain management and product procurement being cornerstones of our business, we’re excited to have a leader with James’ skills and experience join Peak,” he said.
“As we grow our business and explore expansion opportunities, adding James to our talented leadership team positions us well for long-term success.”
Read the full announcement here.
Supply Management News
Mexico Launches Nearshoring Initiative to Incentivize Regional Investment and Trade
In an effort to strengthen Mexico’s role in regional supply chains, the country’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced a nearshoring incentive package worth 30 billion pesos ($1.4 billion), as reported in a Supply Chain Dive article.
The article noted that Rogelio Ramírez de la O, the country’s treasury and public credit secretary, said Mexican officials spoke with their U.S. counterparts on the economic advantages of replacing 10% of North America’s imports from China with regionally produced goods.
“Mexico would grow its GDP by 1.2% more than normal, the U.S. would grow by 0.8% more and Canada would grow by 0.2% more,” Ramírez de la O said in Spanish on Jan. 13.
McDonald’s Ends Commitment to DEI
In a letter to employees and suppliers, McDonald’s announced that the fast-food chain is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. Citing shareholder proposals and the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end affirmative action, the company will instead focus on “inclusion,” as a broader initiative, reported Supply Chain Dive.
McDonald’s decision marks a similar move by other companies, such as Harley Davidson and Tractor Supply, that rolled back or discontinued their DEI programs.
