The evolving role of supply chain management in the post-crisis boardroom

Dear Reader,

The business world has always been dynamic, but recent years have seen a redefinition of what it means to operate in a global marketplace. Among the various changes is the fluctuating influence of supply chain management in the boardroom. Once hailed as a cornerstone of corporate strategy, the presence of supply chain management in the boardroom has diminished in the post-crisis era. To understand this shift, we need to look at the multiple aspects of business strategy, governance and leadership dynamics.

Supply chain management: from critical to incidental

At the height of the crisis, supply chain management became the centre of attention. Companies faced unprecedented disruption, forcing executives to prioritise supply chain resilience and risk management. In boardrooms around the world, there was an intense focus on operational efficiency and strategic planning to ensure business continuity. Supply chain managers played a key role in offering solutions for these turbulent times.

However, as the crisis subsided, the urgency that once characterised supply chain management gradually diminished. The immediate need for crisis management gave way to a broader focus on economic recovery and long-term strategic initiatives. This shift in priorities led to a subtle but significant change in the corporate hierarchy. Supply chain management, while still critical, took a back seat in management decision making.

Mastering organisational change

After the crisis, companies had to adapt to new realities. Corporate management structures have evolved to reflect the changed business environment. The focus has shifted to digital transformation, innovation and the development of new market opportunities. As organisations restructure and realign, supply chain management is no longer the primary focus, but one of many components of a diversified business strategy.

However, this does not mean that supply chain management is less important. On the contrary, it remains a critical element in maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring operational efficiency. However, its role has become more intertwined with other functions such as marketing, finance and IT, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to corporate strategy.

Leadership dynamics and corporate priorities

Leadership dynamics have also played a key role in this development. CEOs and board members are now more focused on driving innovation and agility in their organisations. The lessons learnt from the crisis have highlighted the importance of flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to market changes. As a result, the influence of supply chain managers has been balanced by other strategic leaders who are driving broader business priorities.

In this new environment, executive decision making is increasingly collaborative. Supply chain managers must work with other department heads to ensure that their strategies are aligned with overall organisational goals. This integrated approach not only strengthens the organisation, but also ensures that supply chain resilience and risk management are embedded in the broader strategic framework.

The future of supply chain management in boardrooms

Looking ahead, the role of supply chain management in the boardroom will continue to evolve. Industry trends suggest that the interconnectedness of global supply networks is increasingly being recognised. As companies continue to expand their reach, understanding and managing these networks will continue to be critical. However, the focus will be on creating flexible, adaptable supply chains that can withstand future disruption.

Furthermore, with the rise of digital technologies such as AI and blockchain, supply chain management is likely to regain strategic importance. These technologies promise to improve transparency, efficiency and resilience, making supply chain management an important area for investment and innovation.

I believe that while the influence of supply chain management in the boardroom may have diminished after the crisis, its importance in the overall corporate strategy remains intact. The key lies in its integration with other strategic functions that promote a collaborative approach to governance and decision-making. As organisations navigate the complexities of the modern business environment, supply chain management will continue to play a central role, albeit as part of a more joined-up and holistic strategy.

Your

Thomas Hellmuth-Sander