Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoed Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
8 Procurement Experts You Should Follow in 2025
What are procurement experts?
- Procurement experts are people who has extensive knowledge of procurement and its processes.
- These professionals establish what a company needs in goods and materials to perform efficiently.
- Various procurement experts can offer different insights that match varying procurement strategies that a company can apply.
What is a Procurement Expert?
A procurement expert, also called a purchasing specialist, is responsible for sourcing and managing an organization’s supplies efficiently.
They identify and evaluate suppliers, compare offerings based on key criteria like quality, cost, and specifications, and negotiate favorable purchase agreements.
Their expertise ensures organizations meet operational needs while optimizing costs and maintaining quality standards.
Procurement Experts You Should Follow
1. Marijn Overvest
Current Role: Founder of Procurement Tactics Starting Role: Sourcing Manager, Albert Heijn LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijn-overvest-60683315/Why You Should Follow Him: He is the founder of Procurement Tactics, dedicated to upskilling procurement professionals through specialized negotiation and procurement courses and workshops.
With experience in upskilling over 200 procurement teams globally, including Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, he offers expertise in negotiations, sustainability, and strategic planning.
His work focuses on helping professionals close better deals, enhance supply chain resilience, and achieve career growth, addressing key challenges in the procurement field.
Through the sharing of practical insights and lessons learned, he provides meaningful opportunities for procurement professionals to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and succeed in their roles.
Want to discuss procurement challenges that your team is facing? Contact me here.
2. Martha Buffington
Current Role: Chief Procurement Officer, DSM
Starting Role: Manager, Global Procurement, Coca Cola
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-s-buffington/
Why You Should Follow Her: She is the CPO of SC Johnson. Martha Buffington has come a long way from her starting position. Before SC Johnson, Even so, being the Global Procurement Manager for one of the biggest soft drink companies in the world says something about her skills in negotiating and procurement!
3. Stephen Cobham
Current Role: Chief Procurement Officer, Sanofi
Starting Role: Senior Auditor, Price Waterhouse Coopers
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-cobham-85083717/
Why You Should Follow Him: Stephen Cobham’s years of experience in the field of negotiations and procurement are enough to make him an authority figure among procurement managers. He also traveled all over the world, thanks to executive roles that he landed while working with Sanofi, another global science-based company.
He believes that anyone can become a procurement expert too, provided that they undergo special training that will unlock the potential to become an expert procurement manager. One such course is the Negotiation Course for Procurement Professionals.
4. Bertrand Conqueret
Current Role: Chief Procurement Officer, Henkel; President of Henkel Global Supply Chain B.V
Starting Role: Purchasing Manager, Henkel France
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertrand-conqueret/
Why You Should Follow Him: His 20-year stint with Henkel has made him one of the best in the company. Bertrand Conqueret continues to lead Henkel’s procurement team with a passion for leadership and transformation. A firm believer of continuous learning, you’ll do well to follow his exploits and learn more about a successful career in procurement.
5. Sebastian Chua
Current Role: Head of Procurement,Health Promotion Board
Starting Role: Country Manager, Hewlett Packard/Agilent Technologies
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-chua
6. Paula Davila Martinez
Current Role: Chief Procurement Officer at Novartis
Starting Role: Implementation Manager, Exel-DHL Supply Chain
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-davila-martinez-558957/
Why You Should Follow Her: She is the former CPO of Adidas. With over 20 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, and negotiations, Paula Davila Martinez deserves to be recognized as one of the best procurement experts. Currently managing the procurement department of Novartis, she always makes it a point to push her team to excellence at all times.
7. John Dickson
Current Role: Chief Procurement Officer, AstraZeneca
Starting Role: Vice President, Production Procurement, GSK
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dickson-8719273a/
Why You Should Follow Him: An authority in procurement management and currently the CPO of AstraZeneca, one of the companies that are giving the world a fighting chance against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is only fitting that John Dickson should be followed by many upcoming procurement managers worldwide.
His tireless work in guiding his procurement team is just one of the many achievements he garnered during his career in procurement management.
8. Sebastian Bals
Current Role: Vice President of Global Procurement and Chief Procurement Officer of UCB
Starting Role: Senior Director Global Purchasing – Professional Services and IT & Telecom, UCB
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastienbals/
Why You Should Follow Him: CPO of UCB for 6 years, Sebastian Bals is indeed one of the best when it comes to procurement. Currently leading a team of passionate and dedicated procurement officials, this is also the same team that managed to give UCB an external spend of +2,5 bio EUR across both direct and indirect procurement.
During his journey savings contribution was boosted by 20%, working capital has improved by 8.8%, and the end-to-end procurement process NPS enhanced from -64 to +14.
Conclusion
To become a true procurement expert, you need to be a decisive, tactical, and very analytical person. You also need to love a good challenge because procurement is all about challenges and negotiation.
Make sure that you’re calm enough in the face of your opponents during negotiations but at the same time, have the courage to put your suggestions to the table and back it up with information and confidence.
Frequentlyasked questions
What is a procurement expert?
A procurement expert is someone who has extensive knowledge of procurement and procurement processes.
How do I become a procurement expert?
To become a procurement expert, one has to reach executive-level in the procurement department and must have years of experience in handling or leading procurement for a well-known company.
Who are the best procurement experts?
The best procurement experts include director-level procurement personalities from well-known businesses and companies.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.
