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
Mitchell Arends Joins The Hershey Company as CSCO
HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Company announced that Mitchell Arends has been named chief supply chain officer.
According to Kirk Tanner, president and CEO of The Hershey Company, “Mitch is a proven transformational leader with the end-to-end mindset, track record, and people-first approach that will continue to drive Hershey’s supply chain forward,” he said.
“His experience across complex operations in the CPG industry makes him well-suited to build on the foundation Jason (Reiman) has established. At the same time, we are deeply grateful to Jason. His 30-year journey from intern to chief supply chain officer reflects the commitment and character that define this company. He leaves a supply chain that is stronger, more capable, and better positioned than ever.”
The company stated that Arends will have end-to-end accountability for Hershey’s integrated supply chain — manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and planning. He will focus on accelerating digital integration and automation and advancing insights-driven planning across the network.
Read the full announcement here.
Ron Harper Takes the Helm as CSCO for TBC Corporation
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — TBC Corporation, a leader in the mobility industry and one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through wholesale and franchise operations, announced the appointment of Ron Harper as chief supply chain officer. In this role, Harper will oversee the company’s supply chain operations and report directly to TBC Corporation’s President & CEO Don Byrd.
According to Byrd, “Ron’s depth of experience in building transformative supply chain solutions aligns with our deep commitment to providing customers with the high-level efficiency, product availability and agility they expect from TBC,” he said.
“As market needs change and demands fluctuate, TBC is continuing to respond by having a supply chain strategy that minimizes disruptions and maximizes efficiency to ensure the highest levels of customer support and satisfaction.”
The company shared that Harper is a senior supply chain and operations executive with more than 26 years of experience leading highly complex, global supply chain operations at multi-billion-dollar companies. He most recently served as the executive vice president of supply chain at PrimeSource Building Products, where he was responsible for supply chain, supply and demand planning, inventory, contract repack operations, service metrics, and analytics.
Read the full announcement here.
Rogerio Branco Named Chief Operations and Supply Chain Officer for Medtronic
MINNEAPOLIS — Medtronic announced the appointment of Rogerio Branco as its SVP & chief operations and supply chain officer. He is responsible for the performance and integration of the company’s global operations, including manufacturing, supply chain, supply management, operational excellence and transformation, enterprise risk, facilities, and operations quality.
Branco shared on Linkedin, “Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to organizations where mission, innovation, and operational excellence come together to make a meaningful impact — and that is exactly what I see at Medtronic. I’m honored to join a team that plays such a critical role in delivering life-changing technologies to patients around the world.
Over my first days with the company, I’ve already been impressed by the talent, expertise, and commitment across the operations function. I’m looking forward to listening, learning, and partnering with teams across the enterprise as we continue building on a strong foundation and momentum heading into FY27.
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me so warmly. I’m excited for the journey ahead and proud to be part of the Medtronic team.”
Prior to joining Medtronic, Branco served as executive vice president and chief supply chain and operations officer at Eaton.
Read the full announcement here.
Edgewell Personal Care Company Appoints Anthony Freve as CSCO
SHELTON, Conn. — Edgewell Personal Care Company announced the appointment of Anthony Freve as chief supply chain officer, signaling a planned transition in leadership for a function central to Edgewell’s operational efficiency and market execution.
The company stated in a recent filing that a change in leadership underscores Edgewell’s effort to ensure continuity in its global supply chain leadership at a time when stable sourcing, manufacturing and distribution are vital to performance in the competitive personal care sector.
Read the full announcement here.
Supply Management News
China Strikes Back: Export Controls Hit 10 US Firms, Procurement Ban Expands to 46 Companies
Imports Flow into Port of Los Angeles with ‘Window of Stability’ Open
Fed Ends Bias Toward More Easing, Holds Benchmark Rate Steady
