How do you build a world-class procurement function from the ground up?

In this episode of CPO Perspective, host Richard Beaumont sits down with Paul Maras Hilling, a procurement leader based in Vancouver, Canada, to discuss what it takes to build high-performing procurement teams in greenfield organisations.

Paul shares his remarkable career journey from the UK to Canada, explaining how he has repeatedly transformed procurement from a transactional function into a strategic business partner across industries including telecommunications, aviation, engineering, retail, consulting, and marine construction.

Together, they explore:

* How to build a procurement function from scratch
* Why greenfield organisations create unique leadership opportunities
* Strategic sourcing in today's global economy
* Managing tariffs, fuel costs, and supply chain uncertainty
* Supplier relationship management and procurement maturity
* Building stakeholder buy-in across the business
* Procurement leadership, soft skills, and organisational change
* Career advice for aspiring procurement professionals

Paul also explains why procurement is evolving beyond purchase orders and cost savings into one of the most strategic functions within modern organisations.

Whether you're a Chief Procurement Officer, procurement professional, supply chain leader, or someone looking to build a career in strategic sourcing, this conversation is packed with practical insights and leadership lessons.

Key Topics

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Paul's procurement journey
04:30 Building procurement teams from scratch
07:30 Greenfield vs established procurement functions
10:30 Procurement maturity in Canada vs Europe
13:00 Strategic sourcing in marine construction
16:00 Leadership, stakeholder management & organisational change
21:50 Career advice for future procurement leaders

If you enjoyed this episode, please like the video, leave your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more conversations with leading procurement and supply chain executives.

Connect with Paul Maras Hilling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/director-procurement-supplychain-mcips-scpm-6675b92/

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont

Visit Beaumont Procurement: https://beaumontprocurement.com

About CPO Perspective

Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis—yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. CPO Perspective explores what separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that stand up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont—former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer—the podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the credibility, leadership, and ownership that earn genuine board-level trust.

#Procurement #SupplyChain #StrategicSourcing #CPO #Leadership #ProcurementLeadership #SupplyChainManagement #SupplierManagement #ProcurementCareer #BusinessLeadership #Sourcing #Operations #SupplyChainStrategy #ProcurementTransformation #ChiefProcurementOfficer #AIInProcurement #DecisionMaking

How do you build a successful procurement career across sports, FMCG, and global brands?

In this episode of *The CPO Perspective*, Richard Beaumont sits down with Chris Hill, Head of Procurement at Tails.com, to explore his remarkable journey from the Rugby World Cup and Twickenham Stadium to leadership roles at Asahi, SailGP, and Nestlé Purina's Tails.com.

Chris shares valuable insights on procurement leadership, supplier partnerships, strategic sourcing, category management, and building high-performing teams. He also discusses how AI is transforming procurement, why strong supplier relationships remain essential, and what it takes to develop a successful career in today's rapidly evolving business environment.

Whether you're a procurement professional, supply chain leader, CPO, or someone looking to accelerate your career, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and leadership advice.

**In This Episode:**

✅ Chris Hill's procurement career journey
✅ From Rugby World Cup procurement to FMCG leadership
✅ Building procurement functions from the ground up
✅ AI's impact on procurement and supply chains
✅ Strategic supplier relationships and partnerships
✅ Procurement leadership and team development
✅ Managing risk in global supply chains
✅ Career advice for aspiring procurement professionals
✅ Finding success through purpose and passion

**Key Takeaway**

*"You'll be successful in the environments you're meant to be in."* — Chris Hill

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to support more conversations with procurement and supply chain leaders.

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont

Visit Beaumont Procurement: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#Procurement #SupplyChain #CPO #ProcurementLeadership #StrategicSourcing #SupplierManagement #AIinProcurement #SupplyChainManagement #Leadership #CategoryManagement #ProcurementCareer #BusinessLeadership #TheCPOPerspective #ChrisHill #Tailscom #FMCG #DigitalTransformation #ProcurementStrategy #SupplierRelationships #ChiefProcurementOfficer

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont speaks with Sebastian Golby-Meek, Group Head of Procurement at Go-Ahead. Sebastian shares his journey from a graduate trainee at London Underground to leading strategic procurement across multiple transport businesses.

The conversation explores procurement leadership, supplier relationship management, sustainability, public procurement, strategic sourcing, contract management, stakeholder engagement, and the future of the procurement profession.

You'll learn:

✅ How Sebastian built a successful procurement career over 20 years
✅ The importance of supplier collaboration and stakeholder management
✅ Why procurement is about creating value—not just reducing costs
✅ How sustainability is reshaping procurement strategy
✅ Lessons from managing billion-pound transport procurements
✅ The role of contract management in procurement success
✅ Advice for procurement professionals looking to advance their careers
✅ How procurement teams can deliver measurable business impact

Whether you're a procurement manager, sourcing specialist, supply chain professional, CPO, or business leader, this episode offers practical insights into modern procurement and leadership.

Guest: Sebastian Golby-Meek
Host: Richard Beaumont

Connect With Sebastian Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-golby-meek/

#Procurement #SupplyChain #StrategicSourcing #ProcurementLeadership #SupplierManagement #ContractManagement #Sustainability #SupplyChainManagement #CPO #BusinessLeadership #ProcurementCareer #PublicProcurement #ProcurementStrategy #Leadership #BusinessGrowth
procurement, sustainability, leadership, career development, supplier collaboration, transport industry, commercial management, strategic procurement, public sector, Go Ahead

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

🎙️ CPO Perspective | Procurement Leadership, AI & Supply Chain Resilience

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with an experienced procurement leader to explore the biggest challenges facing procurement professionals today from supply chain disruption and geopolitical risk to AI, cybersecurity, and the future of procurement leadership.

Drawing on real-world experiences across financial services, telecoms, energy, and cybersecurity, this conversation dives deep into what procurement leaders must do to build resilient, agile, and future-ready supply chains in an increasingly volatile world.

One powerful example discussed is how a supplier order collided with Chinese New Year, halting production for three weeks highlighting why procurement can no longer rely solely on “just-in-time” thinking.

In this episode, we explore:
📦 Supply chain resilience and moving from just-in-time to just-in-case
🌍 Geopolitical disruption and global procurement risk
📡 The impact of the Telecoms Security Act and Huawei supply chain changes
☁️ Nearshoring, cloud repatriation, and evolving infrastructure strategies
🤖 Why AI is enhancing procurement leadership rather than replacing it
🧠 The growing importance of critical thinking, resilience, curiosity, and ethics
📈 How procurement teams can deliver value faster in uncertain markets

This is a practical and insightful conversation for procurement professionals, supply chain leaders, CPOs, operations executives, and anyone interested in the future of business resilience and strategic sourcing.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Smart buffer-building protects businesses from disruption
✔️ Procurement, operations, and sales must stay aligned
✔️ AI is increasing demand for human skills, not reducing it
✔️ Data sovereignty and energy costs are reshaping infrastructure decisions
✔️ Resilience and critical thinking are becoming essential career skills

🔔 Enjoyed the episode?
Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with procurement leaders, CPOs, and industry experts sharing real-world insights and strategies.

#Procurement #SupplyChain #AI #Cybersecurity #Leadership #ProcurementLeadership #SupplyChainManagement #CPO #BusinessStrategy #Telecoms #ArtificialIntelligence #RiskManagement #CPOPerspective

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

What does the future of procurement look like in the age of AI? In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with Kasper Larsen to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming procurement, the growing importance of soft skills, and how organizations can stay competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Kasper shares his inspiring journey from wanting to become a mechanic to leading procurement at the executive level. He explains how AI is reshaping procurement operations, why professionals should approach AI strategically, and how generational differences influence technology adoption in the workplace.

This conversation also explores talent management, diversity in teams, risk management, compliance, and practical career advice for the next generation of procurement professionals.

Whether you're a procurement leader, supply chain professional, CPO, or someone interested in business strategy and AI, this episode delivers valuable insights on the future of procurement.

Topics Covered:

AI in procurement
The evolving role of the CPO
Generational differences in technology adoption
Soft skills and leadership development
Procurement strategy and risk management
Talent management and diversity
Career advice for procurement professionals
Balancing operational challenges with innovation
The future of procurement careers

Key Quotes:

“Do not trust AI 100%.”
“AI is like a super buyer.”
“Diversity breeds innovation.”
“Motivation leads to performance.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kasper Lassen
01:04 Kasper's Journey to CPO
02:52 Current Trends in Procurement
03:11 The Role of AI in Procurement
07:14 Generational Perspectives on AI
12:06 Adopting AI in Procurement
14:42 Soft Skills in Procurement
17:09 Balancing Firefighting and Development
20:33 Advice for New Procurement Professionals

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

Discover how procurement is evolving in the digital age with Kitiphong Tuesataya, Chief Procurement Officer at Bernina Thailand, on this episode of CPO Perspective. Kitiphong shares insights from his journey across multiple industries and explains how digital transformation, generational dynamics, and strategic leadership are reshaping procurement and supply chain management.

From managing Gen Y and Gen Z teams to balancing speed with relationship-building, this conversation explores the real-world challenges procurement leaders face today. Kitiphong also discusses contingency planning, adapting to global disruptions, and why embracing uncertainty is critical for future procurement professionals.

Whether you're a procurement leader, supply chain professional, or someone interested in digital transformation and leadership, this episode delivers valuable industry insights and practical career advice.

Topics Covered:

Digital transformation in procurement
Supply chain leadership strategies
Managing Gen Y and Gen Z teams
Procurement challenges and contingency planning
Team collaboration and innovation
Career advice for procurement professionals
Future trends in procurement and sourcing

Key Quotes:

“I want to be the one in the middle.”
“We cannot avoid the situation.”
“Welcome to the Pokemon World.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kitiphong Tuesataya and His Journey
03:50 The Digitalization Challenge in Procurement
08:02 Generational Dynamics in the Workplace
11:54 Balancing Speed and Relationships in Digital Transformation
18:02 Current State of Procurement and Future Outlook
21:03 Advice for New Procurement Professionals

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

🎙️ CPO Perspective | Amit Katiyar on Procurement Leadership, AI & Building Trust

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with Amit Katiyar for an insightful conversation about procurement leadership, global supply chains, quality management, and the evolving role of AI in procurement.

Amit shares his journey from studying chemical engineering to becoming a senior procurement leader, reflecting on the lessons, mistakes, and experiences that shaped his career along the way.

Throughout the discussion, Amit explains why procurement is far more than cost-saving — it’s about building trust, maintaining quality, managing relationships, and creating long-term value across the organization.

In this conversation, we explore:

💡 Amit Katiyar’s journey into procurement leadership
📈 Why mistakes are essential for growth and learning
🏭 The importance of quality and protecting brand trust
🌍 Navigating global procurement and supply chain challenges
🤖 How AI is transforming procurement processes
🧠 Why human insight still matters in an AI-driven world
🤝 The importance of relationships in procurement success
⚖️ Leadership, trust, and long-term organizational stability
🚀 Career advice for young procurement professionals

A key theme throughout the episode is that procurement is ultimately about people — balancing technology, quality, strategy, and relationships to create sustainable business success.

This is a valuable conversation for procurement professionals, supply chain leaders, sourcing specialists, and anyone interested in leadership, AI, and the future of global trade.

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont speaks with Odinaka Okwudinma about the evolving role of procurement in today’s fast-changing business environment.

From his career journey to the growing impact of AI in procurement, Odinaka shares practical insights on how procurement professionals can move beyond operational tasks and become true strategic partners within their organizations.

The conversation highlights how business acumen, strong relationships, and adaptability are essential for driving real value  especially when it comes to influencing P&L, ESG considerations, and long-term business success.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

How AI is transforming procurement and automating routine work
Why procurement is key to solving core business challenges
The importance of business acumen in impacting P&L
How to build and manage strong stakeholder relationships
The growing importance of ESG in procurement strategy
Key challenges and opportunities in today’s procurement landscape
Practical advice for young procurement professionals

🚀 A key theme throughout this episode is evolution  procurement professionals must continuously learn, adapt, and communicate in the language of business to remain relevant and impactful.

🔑 Keywords:
procurement, AI in procurement, supply chain, business acumen, ESG, procurement strategy, stakeholder management, procurement leadership, P&L, digital transformation, career growth

🔔 Enjoyed the episode?
Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more expert insights from procurement leaders and industry professionals.

#Procurement #AI #SupplyChain #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #ESG #CareerGrowth #CPO #TheBusinessSpotlight

I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.

– Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team

Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumont
Visit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com

#thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny.

Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.

In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with Frederic Lourdin, Head of Procurement at Panasonic Healthcare, to explore the rapidly evolving world of procurement and supply chain leadership.

With over 25 years of global experience, Frederic shares deep insights into how procurement has transformed  from a cost-focused function to a strategic driver of business value.

They dive into the three key pillars of procurement and discuss how professionals can navigate today’s complex landscape by balancing technology, stakeholder relationships, and cultural dynamics.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

The three pillars of procurement: basic, intermediate, and advanced
How stakeholder management drives procurement success
The growing role of technology in procurement strategy
Why procurement teams must avoid working in silos
The importance of cultural awareness in global supply chains
How to balance digital tools with human interaction
Key traits of future leaders, including agility and adaptability

🚀 A key theme throughout this conversation is agility in procurement  and why the ability to listen, learn, and adapt is more important than ever for modern CPOs and supply chain professionals.

🔑 Keywords:
procurement, CPO, supply chain, stakeholder management, procurement strategy, vendor management, healthcare procurement, agile procurement, procurement leadership, digital transformation, sourcing strategy

🔔 Enjoyed the episode?
Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more expert conversations on procurement, leadership, and business strategy.

#Procurement #CPO #SupplyChain #Leadership #ProcurementStrategy #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #VendorManagement #Healthcare #Agile

Discover how AI is reshaping procurement, leadership, and the future of work in this insightful episode of the CPO Perspective.

In this episode, Richard Beaumont sits down with Stephen Day from Kantar to explore the evolution of procurement, the impact of AI and agentic technology, and what it takes to succeed as a modern procurement leader.

Stephen shares his journey from Rolls-Royce Aerospace to leading procurement at Kantar, offering real-world lessons on career growth, resilience, and adapting to change across industries including telecoms, publishing, and market intelligence.

They also dive deep into:

How AI and agentic systems are transforming procurement processes
Why data ownership is critical for procurement success
The future of procurement jobs and skills in an AI-driven world
The importance of curiosity, learning, and adaptability
Leadership lessons from decades of global experience

If you're in procurement, supply chain, or business leadership, this conversation gives you practical insights into navigating change and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with global procurement leaders.

#Procurement #AI #SupplyChain #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #CPO #BusinessStrategy #FutureOfWork