Supply Chain Movement 56 | Innovation

The main theme of the 56th issue (Q1, 2025) of the quarterly magazine Supply Chain Movement is Innovation. 

Publication Date: March 7, 2025

12 | Profile Karen-Marie Katholm, Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer, AkzoNobel

Karen-Marie Katholm joined AkzoNobel in 2021 as Chief Supply Chain Officer and executive committee member. Shortly afterwards, the Dutch multinational manufacturer of paints and performance coatings integrated its manufacturing into supply chain, creating an organization of 14,000 people worldwide. As head of this organization she is responsible for logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and HSE&S and quality. The supply chain network includes around 130 manufacturing sites that support nine business units – four for performance coatings and five for decorative paints. The geopolitical tensions around the world pose one of Katholm’s main challenges as she and her term team assess the company’s manufacturing footprint, a little less than half of which is in Europe. The other half is in North and Latin America and North and South Asia. “We have to evaluate what makes sense for us. We have to seriously look at plant locations and the security of raw materials plus tolling and contract manufacturing opportunities”.

19 | Roadmap supply chain digitalization

The world has changed, with skyrocketing customer expectations, intensifying market volatility and increasing supply chain complexity. Digitalisation of the supply chains and successful use of artificial intelligence (AI) are separating the winning companies from the losers. Blue Yonder and Supply Chain Movement have developed this roadmap to help companies on their journey of supply chain digitalization.

20 | Playing your way to a better supply chain

A transformation is only succesful if everyone participates. That is why a growing number of companies are using serious gaming to change their employees’ mindset and behaviour. Whether a Lego workshop or a digital simulation, a game helps to give people new insights, improve processes and create support. Why are they so effective?

27 | SCM Consulting Subway Map

A big dark cloud of uncertainty hangs over global supply chains due to major geopolitical unrest, the economic impact of which is not yet clear. As a result of the associated challenges, demand for supply chain consultancy in Europe remains fairly stable, especially in the areas of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), production and distribution network optimization, and process digitalization. This is according to Supply Chain Movement’s own research among 30 international consulting firms to compile its SCM Consulting Subway Map Europe.

30 | Maturity Matrix start-ups

Due to the current uncertain times, with many ongoing geopolitical conflicts and others looming, European companies need to transform their supply chain networks to become more resilient, agile and competitve. Supply chain executives struggle with ‘selling’ these transformations in the boardroom. This is evident from the research and series of interviews for the annual Top 28 Supply Chain Executives Europe by Supply Chain Media, IG&H Consulting and Inspired-Search.

38 | Execution holds the key to supply chain success

Gone are the days when good supply chain planning was enough for flawless performance. Market volatility and supply chain disruptions are forcing companies to focus much more on supply chain execution – and especially on setting up adequate decision-making processes for current and urgent issues. This requires a solid meeting framework, clear agreements and smart technology.

45 | Mindmap food & beverage distribution

The food and beverage industry operates in an evolving landscape shaped by shifting consumer behaviours, economic pressures, regulatory changes and technological advancements. Distribution in this sector requires a delicate balance between efficiency, sustainability and maintaining high service levels. Supply Chain Movement and Ortec, vendor of advanced analytics and optimization software, have developed a mindmap to help food and beverage companies navigate the complexities of distribution. By leveraging data-driven solutions, they can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.

50 | Interview Maria Pia de Caro

For half a century, conviviality has been at the heart of everything Pernod Ricard does. Originating in France, the producer of anise-based drinks has grown into a global leader in premium spirits, wines and champagne. Maria Pia de Caro, EVP Integrated Operations and S&R, highlights the company’s unique purpose of bringing people together: “The conviviality at Pernod Ricard is part of our company’s DNA. It’s a state of mind; it’s not something on paper. It is part of the way we do business.”

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