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
Levi Strauss & Co. Appoints Chris Callieri as CSCO
SAN FRANCISCO — Levi Strauss & Co. announced the appointment of Chris Callieri as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer. Reporting to Michelle Gass, president and chief executive officer, Callieri will join the company’s executive leadership team and will be responsible for the global supply chain operations for the Levi’s® brand. His responsibilities include product development, sourcing, global supply management, sustainability, and distribution and logistics.
According to Gass, “We’re excited to welcome Chris to LS&Co. at this pivotal moment in our evolution into a DTC-first denim lifestyle company,” she said.
“With a proven track record of delivering results at scale, he’s the right leader to strengthen our end-to-end supply chain agility, drive innovation, and advance our sustainability goals — all while delivering exceptional value to our fans worldwide. ”
The company stated that Callieri brings more than 20 years of international supply chain experience in the retail and consumer goods industries. He joins LS&Co. from Victoria’s Secret & Co., where he served as chief supply chain officer, leading a global team across multiple geographies and overseeing product development, sourcing, production, and distribution and logistics for various categories including intimates, apparel, accessories and beauty.
Read the full announcement here.
Ahlsell Group Names Anders Carlsson Chief Procurement & Supply Chain Officer
STOCKHOLM — The Ahlsell Group announced the appointment of Anders Carlsson as chief procurement & supply chain officer. He will assume the position in January 2026 and will be part of the Group Management team.
The company stated that Anders has extensive and broad experience from senior roles in purchasing, supplier management, and supply chain at international industrial and engineering companies such as Saab, GM, and ASSA ABLOY, most recently at SKF.
He has demonstrated a strong ability to drive change, develop efficient processes, and create business value through strategic management of the value chain. In his new role, Anders will have overall responsibility for the Group’s purchasing and supply chain, focusing on ensuring an efficient, sustainable, and customer-oriented value chain.
According to Claes Seldeby, CEO of Ahlsell Group, “Anders represents a clear business focus, modern and inclusive leadership, as well as deep international industry expertise. This makes him the perfect person to drive our development forward and achieve the strategic goals we have set for 2030.”
Read the full announcement here.
7 Brew Names Christopher Held as Its First Chief Supply Officer
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — 7 Brew, the drive-thru beverage concept reimagining the industry with its speed of service, premium-quality drinks, and high-energy hospitality, announced the appointment of Christopher Held as its first chief supply officer. The creation of the new role will be key to supporting the rapid expansion of 7 Brew – known as one of the fastest growing operators in its industry.
According to Chris Dawson, president of 7 Brew, “Hiring our first chief supply officer marks a pivotal milestone in 7 Brew’s growth journey,” he said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the team. His deep experience and leadership will be instrumental in overseeing the management of distribution, procurement, commodity management, demand planning and quality assurance, driving the expansion of 7 Brew.
“This not only supports our rapid growth, but also ensures consistency across our stands and delivers on 7 Brew’s promise to be the best part of a customer’s day,” Dawson added.
The company stated that Held joins 7 Brew from Inspire Brands, where he served as the company’s first chief supply officer and helped lead its expansion from 3,500 restaurants to 32,000 restaurants worldwide.
Read the full announcement here.
Novolex Names James “JT” Jones as CPO
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Novolex®, a leading manufacturer in the food and beverage packaging industry, announced that James “JT” Jones has been appointed chief procurement officer. In this role, Jones will be responsible for leading the company’s global procurement team, processes and strategy. He will be based in Lake Forest, IL and will report to Novolex Chairman and CEO, Stan Bikulege.
According to Stan Bikulege, Novolex chairman and CEO, “JT has a proven track record of leading through significant change and delivering results in times of global transformation,” he said.
“His expertise in building high-performing teams and forging strategic partnerships will be instrumental as we enter our next exciting chapter following the company’s combination with Pactiv Evergreen.”
The company stated that JT brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to Novolex. Most recently, he served as chief supply chain & procurement officer with Nova Chemicals. He has also held senior roles with Lubrizol, PPG, Celanese Corporation, and Accenture.
Read the full announcement here.
Fossil Group Appoints Laks Lakshmanan as Its Inaugural CSCO
RICHARDSON, Texas — Fossil Group, Inc. announced the appointment of Laks Lakshmanan to the newly created position of chief supply chain officer.
According to Franco Fogliato, chief executive officer of Fossil Group, “As we continue to execute our plan, building a high-performing, diverse leadership team remains a top priority,” he said.
“We’re excited to welcome Laks to the executive leadership team. His deep operational expertise, strategic mindset, and understanding of the watch category will be invaluable to our turnaround.”
The company stated that with more than 20 years of supply chain leadership experience, Lakshmanan brings deep expertise in network design, integrated planning, cost transformation, and operational excellence, having advised and led initiatives for Fortune 500 consumer and retail companies.
Lakshmanan leads Fossil Group’s global end-to-end supply chain — from manufacturing and sourcing to distribution and logistics — across all brands and regions. He also oversees the Company’s Global Business Services operations based in Bengaluru, India.
Read the full announcement here.
Supply Chain News
Colgate-Palmolive Launches Up to $300M Supply Chain Revamp
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Germany, Canada to Deepen Critical Minerals Cooperation in Supply Chain Push
