David Rae - Procurement Leaders
Prior to his editorial director role at Procurement Leaders, David was the deputy editor of Financial Director in June 2005 and has since been short-listed for three major journalism awards* for his profile interviews and regular columns. During his time on the magazine he managed the redesign and relaunch of FinancialDirector.co.uk to wide critical acclaim as well as being responsible for all aspects of the magazine's production in addition to editing a regular supplement.
Prior to Financial Director, he enjoyed a successful period on Accountancy Age, latterly as deputy news editor, where he was responsible for breaking a number of important stories.
He has interviewed some of the most important figures in UK financial circles, including the group finance directors of British Airways, Wolseley, GUS, BHP Billiton, AstraZeneca and the BBC as well as the then-shadow Chancellor, Oliver Letwin.
- 2010 IPAC Business Magazine of the Year - Winner
- 2009 IPAC Editor of the Year - Finalist
- 2009 IPAC Business Magazine of the Year - Finalist
- 2007 PPA Awards, Columnist of the Year, business and professional - Highly Commended
- 2006 Press Gazette Magazine Journalism Awards, Columnist of the Year - Short-listed
- 2006 Press Gazette Magazine Journalism Awards, Interviewer of the Year - Short-listed
From this author:
Roundtable: Business alignment, London
A greater understanding of what business wants and better engagement skills among executives will help better align procurement with business outcomes, writes David Rae.
10:35, 11 Feb, 2010
Value at the forefront of procurement strategies in 2010
When the editorial team was putting this latest issue of Procurement Leaders together, one word kept cropping up - value. It's a simple word, but its implications for the readers of this magazine are huge. "Rubbish," I hear you mutter. But when procurement executives start talking in terms of value, you know that we've turned a fairly significant corner.
09:54, 11 Feb, 2010
Moves: Ideal choice for John Lewis
On the move in the procurement world...
11:24, 22 Dec, 2009
Profile: Marc Magistrali, CPO, Kone
Not everyone in procurement enjoys the elevated status that Kone CPO Marc Magistrali has achieved in his four years with the company. But, then, he is one procurement professional who seems destined to make it to the very top, writes David Rae.
15:28, 17 Dec, 2009
A new dawn for procurement
The stellar rise of the CPO over the past decade reflects the changing role of procurement into a strategic business function. But they will need to up their skillset to maintain the profession's profile in a post-recession world, writes Richard Edwards
12:11, 17 Dec, 2009
Roundtable: Collaborative working, London
Procurement needs more team players, with enterprise-wide knowledge and experience if it is going to form closer bonds with the rest of the business, writes David Rae.
10:22, 17 Dec, 2009
Executive Masterclass 2009 - Amsterdam
It's easy to get bogged down in the complexities of supplier risk management and mitigation. But, as was discussed during this executive masterclass in Amsterdam, the key to success is to maintain clarity - and, ultimately, by keeping things simple.
10:00, 15 Dec, 2009
Procurement Leaders Forum 09 - Amsterdam
Integration and cross-functional teamwork were some of the key topics at this year’s Procurement Leaders Forum in Amsterdam.
09:55, 15 Dec, 2009
New dawn
As 2009 comes to a close, now is the time to take a step back and reflect on one of the most extraordinary periods in business history. The majority of readers of this magazine will have been on the front line as their companies desperately trimmed costs and, as a result, will have had little time to think about the consequences of the global recession.
09:53, 15 Dec, 2009
Moves: Thomas swaps bank role
On the move in the procurement world...
15:43, 20 Oct, 2009
Protectionism on the rise as Obama rules on tyres
President Obama’s willingness to impose protectionist tariffs sets a dangerous precedent that could lead us down the road to a global trade war, writes David Rae.
17:32, 19 Oct, 2009
Roundtable: Marketing spend, New York
Having finally gained a greater role in marketing spend decisions, procurement is keen to prove its value to the bottom line – that means negotiating hard.
17:28, 19 Oct, 2009
Editor’s letter: The art of buying
At a recent event I attended in the scholarly surroundings of Oxford, Leif Bohlin, the chief executive of Swedish technology company IBX, my host for the day, told a story about how his 12-year-old son was in the market for a new skateboard. He had asked his dad to pick up the board the next time he was in the States, found himself a good deal on axles from an online auction site and had bought the wheels locally after doing an online price comparison check, writes David Rae.
17:16, 19 Oct, 2009
Technical difficulties: Technology systems fail to make the grade
The take up of software-based solutions continues to fall, as companies – large and small – fail to make the most of the potential benefits. Research by consulting firm Capgemini points to a worrying state of play for procurement technology, as organisations fail to pick up on the benefits it can deliver for the organisation, writes David Rae.
17:09, 19 Oct, 2009
Investor CFO on the value of procurement
Speaking at a recent IBX conference, Investor CFO Johan Bygge says procurement has a huge role to play in the success of his investments, writes David Rae.
16:32, 19 Oct, 2009
Crowd sourcing and innovation networks: a glimpse of the future
A new type of innovation network, where procurement executives and their R&D colleagues take advantage of the knowledge of the masses, looks set to change business forever. David Rae investigates the crowd-sourcing phenomenon.
15:43, 19 Oct, 2009
Roundtable: Business travel, Brussels
The need to economise could spell the end of the road for unnecessary business travel – and at the same time provide a useful cost-cutting opportunity.
15:05, 19 Oct, 2009
Be prepared
It is now more than two years since French banking giant BNP Paribas announced it would be freezing the assets in three of its investment funds, bringing the seriousness of the credit crisis to the attention of the world. Much has happened since, not least one of the most serious recessions in living memory and the bankruptcy of one or two minor companies...
09:20, 19 Aug, 2009
Just in Time: Graham Gleed, SGS
After a career spanning more than 25 years, Graham Gleed was handed the opportunity to build a procurement operation from scratch at Geneva-based SGS, one of the world's leading testing and inspection companies, writes David Rae.
17:35, 18 Aug, 2009
Roundtable: Transformation, San Francisco
News that GM entered into bankruptcy protection sent shockwaves throughout the business world. And with more companies facing unprecedented pressures, now, more than ever, procurement must slim down, shape up and help restore them to solid ground, writes David Rae.
17:14, 18 Aug, 2009
Roundtable: Procurement Strategies, New York and London
From risk management to supply chain finance, procurement executives are facing the same concerns the world over. And while the lack of board visibility is a recurring theme, at least it means they can get on with their jobs unimpeded, writes David Rae.
16:31, 18 Aug, 2009
Research into the global sourcing market
The global market has undergone a radical overhaul over the past 18 months, with new areas challenging traditional countries such as China and India to become the destinations of choice for sourcing and outsourcing, writes David Rae.
16:01, 18 Aug, 2009
Profile: Ron Carcamo, CPO, Yahoo
As Yahoo prepares to go head-to-head with rival Google, CPO Ron Carcamo will need to stay focused on promoting procurement’s strategic value to the business – something that will take much diplomacy and collaboration, writes David Rae.
15:32, 18 Aug, 2009
Moves: Baron adds VP title
On the move in the procurement world...
12:14, 18 Aug, 2009
Roundtable: Indirect spend, London
With companies putting a renewed focus on indirect spend due to the recession, the search is on for those less-obvious savings opportunities, writes David Rae.
10:25, 12 Jun, 2009
Roundtable: Indirect spend, London
With companies putting a renewed focus on indirect spend due to the recession, the search is on for those less-obvious savings opportunities, writes David Rae.
10:25, 12 Jun, 2009
Research: New procurement strategies
While procurement professionals are clearly going back to basics and relying on the more traditional procurement strategies during these uncertain times, a generous helping of innovation and long-term strategic thinking are also in evidence, writes David Rae.
09:58, 12 Jun, 2009
Profile: Esam Mousli, VP material supply, Saudi Aramco
As VP of material supply for the world's largest oil company, Saudi Aramco's Esam Mousli has more than his fair share of bottom lines to consider, writes David Rae.
09:16, 12 Jun, 2009
Moves: Unilever’s supply chain focus
On the move in the procurement world...
09:11, 12 Jun, 2009
Book excerpt: Toyota supply chain management
In a new book on Toyota's unique approach to supply chain management, the authors look at the secret behind the car maker's global success.
17:20, 11 Jun, 2009
Siemens’ CPO’s world-class promise
Siemens' head of supply chain management, Barbara Kux, has set very high goals - and she's not afraid to get her hands dirty to achieve them, writes David Rae.
17:05, 11 Jun, 2009
Defining moments
Procure v.tr. 1 obtain, esp. by care or effort; acquire (managed to procure a copy). Procurement n. [Middle English via old French procurer from Latin procurare 'take care of, manage' (as PRO-1, curare 'see to')]
16:55, 11 Jun, 2009
Procurement Leaders Forum 2009 roundup
Ironically, the economic downturn has enabled procurement to demonstrate its value to the wider business. And it’s a position it must exploit to forge stronger links with finance and cement its position at the heart of every organisation.
16:41, 11 Jun, 2009
Moves: Richardson lands BA role
On the move in the procurement world...
12:01, 20 Apr, 2009
Interview: Premier Foods' Procurement Director, Mark Hughes
Premier Foods has grown dramatically through acquisition. But, says procurement director Mark Hughes, this has thrown up its fair share of challenges, not least of which is a complex integration process.
10:26, 20 Apr, 2009
Research: The changing face of procurement
The biggest barriers to procurement making a more substantial impact to their organisation's performance are a lack of interest from other areas of the business and a lack of engagement with the procurement function when making purchasing decisions, writes David Rae.
08:53, 20 Apr, 2009
Research: The changing face of procurement
The biggest barriers to procurement making a more substantial impact to their organisation's performance are a lack of interest from other areas of the business and a lack of engagement with the procurement function when making purchasing decisions, writes David Rae.
08:53, 20 Apr, 2009
Roundtable: Risk Management, New York
Identifying, understanding and mitigating increasingly complex risk factors is the first challenge for procurement. Getting the right talent on board with the drive and experience to influence the decision-making process is the next, writes David Rae.
17:38, 17 Apr, 2009
Roundtable: Procurement outsourcing, Lisbon
Historical and operational obstacles to outsourcing procurement functions are being broken down. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right way to go, writes David Rae.
16:53, 17 Apr, 2009
Exclusive research: Procurement at board level
Procurement is increasingly seen as a strategic part of the business, with more companies offering it a place at the boardroom table. Our research shows that the UK is leading the way in Europe, but still falls some way short of the US, writes David Rae.
16:32, 17 Apr, 2009
Profile: Tanya Penny, VP procurement and sourcing operations, Verizon
Reassessing contracts with suppliers large and small is a painstaking task for Verizon’s Tanya Penny. But with 26 years of experience at the company, she certainly has the staying power to see the job through, writes Richard Edwards.
17:35, 16 Apr, 2009
Travis Perkins' supply chain chief talks profits
For Travis Perkins CPO, Robin Proctor, a no-nonsense approach to cash and profit has earned the company huge savings and him a seat on the board, writes David Rae.
16:39, 16 Apr, 2009
All aboard
You may or may not have noticed, but during 2009 Procurement Leaders has dedicated more time and resource to bringing you the latest sourcing news every day via our website, www.procurementleaders.com. We have been working hard to bring you the latest, breaking news as early as possible so that it's there for you when you arrive at work in the morning.
15:04, 16 Apr, 2009
Moves: Walker makes tracks for SBB
On the move in the procurement world...
10:43, 16 Feb, 2009
Roundtable: Knowledge is power
Through sharing ideas and experiences, both internally and externally, procurement will build up a powerful network of knowledge and information. The phrase 'knowledge is power' is one which has stood the test of time. And for good reason; by arming oneself with timely and relevant information, it is possible to outperform the competition.
10:26, 16 Feb, 2009
Profile: Rick Hughes - Cool customer
With a $50bn budget, Procter & Gamble's Rick Hughes has a lot of spending power. But he insists it's the consumer who calls the shots, writes David Rae.
10:24, 16 Feb, 2009
Show some grit
As I write this, 10 inches of snow have just brought the vast majority of south east of England to a complete standstill. It was a curious thing. Despite being given the best part of a week's notice, most of the country seemed completely unprepared for the onslaught - trains were cancelled, airports closed and logistics networks creaked and groaned under the strain.
09:39, 16 Feb, 2009
Going Dutch key to growth
More than 150 senior procurement executives from around the world gathered at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam in October to discuss the most important and strategic sourcing and supply chain issues in the current climate.
15:23, 17 Dec, 2008
Emerging costs
Procurement and supply chain professionals have long taken advantage of low-cost country sourcing, but the competitive advantage it once provided has been substantially weakened now that the vast majority of companies make use of the strategy.
14:55, 17 Dec, 2008
Career minded
Developing a clear and consistent framework for measuring procurement skills that everyone can adhere to is the next challenge laid down to our profession.
14:27, 17 Dec, 2008
Profile: Ton Trommelen - Splendid Communication
DSM International’s headquarters may be off the beaten track far from transport links, but as CPO Ton Trommelen tells David Rae, purchasing is certainly not something you do in isolation – it’s an integral part of business strategy.
17:12, 16 Dec, 2008
Moves: Joost the man for KPN
On the move in the procurement world..
16:35, 16 Dec, 2008
Suppliers facing a bleak 2009
With corporate budgets set to shrink over the next year, supplier insolvencies will rise, leaving procurement to deal with supply shortages, writes David Rae.
10:22, 16 Dec, 2008
A safe pair of hands
Unless you've been living on the moon, you might have noticed that the financial markets have taken a turn for the worse since the last issue of Procurement Leaders hit your desk. Of course, that's putting it mildly – Alistair Darling, the British chancellor of the Exchequer, probably put it most accurately when he said the economic outlook was the worst it's been for 60 years.
11:08, 22 Oct, 2008
Team Players
When it comes to the bottom line, procurement and finance are inextricably linked. But there is often a disconnect over their relative roles and responsibilities – something both parties must address in order to unlock true value, writes David Rae.
10:11, 22 Oct, 2008
Mark Selawry - Five star service
When you have just gone through a $26bn takeover, $21bn of which is debt, cost management takes on a whole new level of intensity, as Hilton International’s Mark Selawry tells David Rae.
09:51, 22 Oct, 2008
Moves: De Vries doubles Dutch role
On the move in the procurement world...
09:25, 22 Oct, 2008
No margin for error
Having spent 11 years as CPO of Dell, Martin Garvin says relationships and mutual respect got him through the bad times – and good.
16:53, 21 Oct, 2008
Suppliers key to collaboration
According to Marc Engel, the chief procurement officer of Unilever, 40% of his company's product innovations come through suppliers.
13:01, 16 Oct, 2008
Vodafone’s trip to Luxembourg
The rapid growth of mobile phone company Vodafone means that managing suppliers is critical. Detlef Schultz talks to David Rae about how launching a dedicated procurement company in Luxembourg will help.
15:36, 27 Aug, 2008
Rob Hemsley - Full of beans
Rob Hemsley’s innovative use of technology and close supply chain links have left other food manufacturers playing catch up, writes David Rae.
14:44, 27 Aug, 2008
African Adventures
Africa is a resource-rich continent oozing with potential. Here we look at some of its supply hotspots and investigate levels of corruption and the ease of doing business – can you afford not to be there?
12:44, 27 Aug, 2008
Wing and a Prayer
With the cost of fuel now eating up to a third or more of airlines' turnover, procurement is a key element in company survival.
09:50, 27 Aug, 2008
Big Blue's Red adventure
Relocating its procurement team to China was a bold, leading-edge strategy. Two years on, IBM's John Paterson has no regrets.
09:22, 27 Aug, 2008
Big Blue's Red adventure
Relocating its procurement team to China was a bold, leading-edge strategy. Two years on, IBM's John Paterson has no regrets.
09:22, 27 Aug, 2008
Running on empty
The cover of this magazine offers of a glimpse into a procurement executive’s worst nightmare. To the layman; it may seem insignificant but to those operating at the sharp end of procurement, logistics and supply chains; empty freight containers are as bad as it can possibly get.
14:57, 26 Aug, 2008
Come Together
Almost half a century ago economist Milton Friedman wrote in his book Capitalism and Freedom that the business world had just one responsibility. Predictably, for someone who could count Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher among his most ardent fans, that responsibility was to maximise profits.
11:12, 17 Jun, 2008
Working together
Traditionally, marketing and procurement have not exactly seen eye to eye, with a lack of respect for budgets and planning to blame. But by working more closely, the two departments can unlock value.
08:41, 17 Jun, 2008
Hard Facts: Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing roundtable
Without access to the facts, procurement directors have an all but impossible task to drive change in sustainable purchasing. but even with the facts, it’s anything but easy.
17:07, 16 Jun, 2008
Procurement’s core principles
Do you know what’s going on inside your supply chain? Are you certain your suppliers aren’t using child labour or banned products to produce goods? Sustainable procurement policies can help minimise the risk.
15:57, 16 Jun, 2008
Get up and grow
As one of the newest members of the FTSE-100, Carphone Warehouse hasn’t had long to develop its procurement operation and, as David Rae reports, the function has had to grow rapidly in a short space of time.
15:47, 16 Jun, 2008
Luis Ferreira - Power House
Selling himself to the wider business is always at the forefront of Luis Ferreira’s mind, writes David Rae. Saving €120m is a great way to start.
15:25, 16 Jun, 2008
Communication Breakdown
Procurement executives don’t share the views of other senior executives. And neither do they see the benefits of tax or IT, writes David Rae.
10:09, 16 Jun, 2008
A day of brain storming
More than 100 senior procurement executives from across Europe descended on Lord’s cricket ground to discuss purchasing.
16:41, 13 Jun, 2008
Profits up, emissions down
The readers of our magazine are in a perfect position to drive sustainability. In doing to, they will maximise profits too.
16:31, 13 Jun, 2008
The best in procurement
The most exciting projects in Europe are shortlisted in the Procurement Leaders Awards 2008, writes David Rae.
17:21, 16 Apr, 2008
Spend Analysis Roundtable: How much?
An economic downturn is the ideal time to look at corporate purchasing habits. Not only are you likely to find a few million Euros, but it will help with your board credibility too.
16:54, 16 Apr, 2008
Getting on board
Germany has taken procurement into the upper reaches of corporate life, according to our exclusive research.
12:13, 16 Apr, 2008
Core Standards
Being in charge of procurement at a nuclear decommissioning site comes with its own set of challenges. But commercial director Steve Morgan brings a disciplined approach – and it’s getting results, writes David Rae.
11:54, 16 Apr, 2008
Jean-Philippe Collin - The Lean Machine
Whether he's the CPO or the Chief Executive, Jean-Philippe Collin is the driving force behind car manufacturer Peugeot, writes David Rae.
11:29, 16 Apr, 2008
Report sheds light on China
China has lost its edge as a low-cost manufacturingfor-export centre due to increasingly high wages and the strong yuan, according to research conducted by Booz Allen Hamilton and the America Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
17:05, 10 Apr, 2008
New beginnings
Good news, we’re in recession. That probably wasn’t the most likely of openings to a magazine editorial, but for the readers of this publication the current climate provides an opportunity to shine.
16:54, 10 Apr, 2008
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