Proxima

Food insecurity is becoming a growing supply chain and trade challenge. In a recent interview with Trade Finance Global (TFG), Proxima’s Jordan Kear-Nash MCIPS shared his perspective on rising meat imports and what they signal for global food systems. The conversation explores how even with diverse origins, meat imports are exposed to disease outbreaks, cold-chain disruption and regulatory changes. As Jordan highlights, shocks tend to move quickly through global protein markets - creating short-term pressure for import-reliant buyers. The Strait of Hormuz closure has exacerbated this fragility. Energy, transport, farming economics and global sourcing dependencies are all in shock. Stock itself is not an issue. Interested? Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eeKfWU7h #SupplyChain #Procurement #FoodSecurity #GlobalTrade #RiskManagement

What operational impact is AI making in procurement? We spoke with Nina Bomberg, CPO at Hamburger Energiewerke GmbH, to find out. As part of our 2026 CPO Report, Nina shares how AI can unlock procurement teams’ ability to rapidly analyze data, build models, and take action in real time. AI must be designed to: - Expand capacity within existing teams, rather than replacing effort - Enable seamless, guided buying experiences that reduce friction across the business - Shift procurement from a perceived gatekeeper to an enabler of value and speed As Nina highlights, the opportunity is not abstract. It starts with one practical use case and builds from there. Read more in our 2026 CPO Report: https://lnkd.in/e7ETYeX5 #CPOReport #Trends2026 #SupplyChainRisk #AI

We’re looking forward to attending the Procurement Leaders | A World 50 Group Community World Procurement Congress 2026 this week in London. Bringing together over 1,200 CPOs and senior leaders, the event is a key moment for the procurement community to connect, share insights and explore how the industry is evolving in response to ongoing disruption and rapid innovation. The agenda reflects the priorities shaping procurement’s next chapter, such as AI, sustainability, resilience and performance. Our team, Simon Geale, Karin S. Strom and Edward Winterschladen will be on the ground. If you’re attending, get in touch to connect! #Procurement #SupplyChain #WPC2026 #Leadership #AI #Resilience

This week, we were proud to sponsor the Procurious CFO & CPO Forum in Melbourne to discuss the challenges shaping the future of business and supply chains. From geopolitical shifts to AI and cost pressure, the conversations were wide-ranging. One challenge was consistent: how to respond when everything around you is changing. Our EVP Simon Geale took this head-on in his main stage session, sharing Proxima's perspective on turning volatility into value, including the common traps that hold organizations back. His key messages: - Change needs to be actively led, not assumed: The case for transformation still needs to be built, sold and funded - AI and technology require pragmatism: Start with real problems, move without perfect data, and avoid getting lost in the hype - Transformation only works if it sticks: Building capability, driving adoption and keeping it simple are what turn intent into impact Great to exchange perspectives with so many leaders on what this looks like in practice across procurement and finance, especially during the Ideas Exchange roundtable. Interested in what's next in procurement? Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eECnAnJN #Procurement #SupplyChain #APAC #CPO #CFO #Resilience #AI

TikTok can drive global demand shifts. In a recent article with FoodNavigator, Proxima’s Jordan Kear-Nash MCIPS explored how platforms like TikTok are driving sudden global demand spikes for ingredients like pistachio and ube - putting strain on already concentrated supply chains. The challenge for businesses is not just reacting to shortages once they happen, but understanding where concentration risk exists before demand surges. As Jordan highlights, social media can create global demand in weeks, while agricultural supply chains still operate on seasonal cycles measured in months and years. The companies that navigate these moments best are the ones prepared for disruption before the trend peaks. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eXAbjCDV #SupplyChain #Procurement #FoodIndustry #RiskManagement #FoodTrends

The upcoming Trump-Xi summit is one procurement leaders will be watching closely. Not because it will reset US-China relations, but because even small shifts in tone can affect tariffs, supplier confidence, export controls, and sourcing strategies. In our latest article, Senior Consultant Christopher Lim explores what the summit could mean for global supply chains and why procurement teams should focus less on predicting outcomes and more on building resilience and optionality. The key takeaway: China will remain central to global supply chains. Diversification across Southeast Asia and India will continue to accelerate, but few organizations can replace China's manufacturing scale, supplier ecosystems and logistics infrastructure. The outcome of the meeting will not change that reality, irrespective of conversations around critical materials, energy security or Taiwan. The meeting may help establish guardrails, but supply chains will continue to value resilience, transparency and control alongside cost. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eQg_G3-p #Procurement #SupplyChain #APAC #GlobalTrade #Resilience

We are proud to share that Proxima has been listed as a top sustainable procurement consulting firm! 🌱 Procurement Magazine has recognized our work in helping organizations embed sustainability into everyday decisions and operating models. Sustainability remains an important part of the conversation. Procurement is a critical lever for driving real environmental and social impact across supply chains. The recognition is a reflection of our team's efforts to make this happen, and to turn ESG ambition into practical, measurable outcomes. Read more in Procurement Magazine here: https://lnkd.in/dR7WRm_9 #Sustainability #Procurement #ESG #SupplyChain

Procurement is entering a new phase - one defined by constant disruption, faster decision-making, and rising expectations from the business. In our latest Tomorrow’s CPO Report, we explore how leaders are responding, from building resilience into supply chains to navigating AI adoption and getting the fundamentals right. The reality? It’s no longer about reacting to change, but designing for it. Read our breakdown of the key shifts future-ready CPOs are following now and share it with your team. Link to the report in the comments 👇 #Procurement #SupplyChain #CPO #Leadership #AI #Resilience

We were delighted to welcome students from Purdue University’s Larsen Leaders Academy to our offices for a recent careers day, offering a closer look at life in consulting. The day included a tour of our offices, a Q&A panel with our consultants and conversations over lunch - covering everything from what we do at Proxima, to careers in procurement and what sets us apart as a consulting business. A big thank you to everyone who helped bring the day to life, including our recruitment team - Maddy Roberts and Irma Sadiković - as well as our panelists and presenters: Elsa Ravaris, Mark McPhee MCIPS, Brian Martini, Harris Mintz and Anya Roy. It was a pleasure to meet such an engaged group of future leaders. We look forward to seeing where their careers take them! Interested in joining us? Explore our open roles here: https://lnkd.in/ecrQJJMq #Careers #Consulting #Procurement #EarlyCareers #Leadership

We’re pleased to be sponsoring the Procurious Asia-Pacific CFO & CPO Forum in Melbourne next week (13-14 May). Bringing together senior finance and procurement leaders, the forum will focus on how organizations can navigate uncertainty, drive efficiency and unlock growth in a rapidly evolving environment. Simon Geale will be speaking on global trends shaping procurement, from geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruption to AI and economic volatility, and what this means for CPOs and CFOs now and next. If you’re attending, it’s set to be two days of practical insight, fresh thinking and valuable connections across the region. Find out more and view the full agenda here: https://lnkd.in/e9vkzbNc #Procurement #SupplyChain #CFO #CPO #Leadership #APAC