{"id":51074,"date":"2026-04-02T13:19:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T11:19:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/?p=51074"},"modified":"2026-05-15T09:39:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T07:39:36","slug":"cpo-thinktank-2026-from-cost-control-to-strategic-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/en\/resources\/opinions\/2026\/04\/cpo-thinktank-2026-from-cost-control-to-strategic-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"CPO ThinkTank 2026: From Cost Control to Strategic Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"51074\" class=\"elementor elementor-51074\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a79c71d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a79c71d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-603a8f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"603a8f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">CPO ThinkTank 2026: From Cost Control to Strategic Impact<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-196ed7c elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"196ed7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>At a time when procurement is facing unprecedented expectations\u2014from cost control to innovation, risk mitigation, and AI adoption\u2014the CPO ThinkTank 2026, organized in collaboration with The Hackett Group, brought together senior leaders to reflect on the future of the function.<\/p><p>More than just another industry discussion, the ThinkTank revealed a clear shift: procurement is no longer evolving incrementally\u2014it is <strong>redefining its role within the enterprise<\/strong>.<\/p><p>As Roger David Blumberg, General Manager Americas at Synertrade, summarized:<\/p><p>\u201cProcurement is being asked to do more than ever before\u2014yet expectations are growing faster than resources. The question is no longer \u2018how do we save more?\u2019 but \u2018how do we create more value?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4b1237 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"e4b1237\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75137bc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"75137bc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96a591c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"96a591c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Transform the Operating Model: Evolution, Not Revolution<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33c884f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"33c884f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8952ecb elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8952ecb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-900x1600.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-900x1600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-450x800.jpg 450w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1440w\"   src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-50341 lazyload\" alt=\"\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"  \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1422\" src=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-900x1600.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-50341\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-900x1600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-450x800.jpg 450w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/loegunn-lai-JYD8-AZ5pw-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e692221 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e692221\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bcabfe6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bcabfe6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>One of the most striking takeaways from the discussions was that transforming the operating model does not necessarily mean starting from scratch. Instead, organizations are focusing on adapting existing structures to new realities.<\/p><p>Two priorities emerged clearly: <strong>talent transformation<\/strong> and <strong>strategic alignment<\/strong>.<\/p><p>On the talent side, procurement teams are navigating a profound shift driven by AI and digitalization. While new generations enter the workforce with native familiarity for these tools, many organizations are investing heavily in upskilling their existing teams.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-500f0e8 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"500f0e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\"It\u2019s less about replacing people and more about enabling them\"\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Roger Blumberg.<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3a3bc2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a3a3bc2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>General Manager Americas at Synertrade<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-410286f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"410286f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cThe real challenge is helping experienced professionals adopt new ways of working in an AI-driven environment.\u201d<\/p><p>At the same time, operating model transformation is increasingly about alignment with the business\u2014and more specifically, with CEO-level priorities.<\/p><p>Too often, procurement remains primarily connected to finance, with a strong focus on cost reduction. But this creates a narrow lens that limits its broader impact.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59e920f elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"59e920f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cIt\u2019s not about making procurement bigger\u2014it\u2019s about making it more relevant. That means understanding what the business is trying to achieve and aligning accordingly.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Claire Sexton<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fba1708 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fba1708\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Head of Sales Americas at Synertrade<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f7d208 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6f7d208\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This requires better communication, clearer storytelling, and a stronger ability to demonstrate value beyond savings.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a47a79 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"5a47a79\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06facf0 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"06facf0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8318b15 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8318b15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Enhancing Procurement\u2019s Value Proposition: A Competitive Advantage<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95b12ce e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"95b12ce\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf2adb0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bf2adb0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f65639 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"0f65639\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cFor years, procurement was about negotiating harder and pushing prices down.\nToday, it\u2019s about building relationships. If your suppliers trust you, they will share more, innovate more, and support you when it matters most.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Roger Blumberg.<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-10409aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"10409aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>General Manager Americas at Synertrade<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ad7cd6 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9ad7cd6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A major theme of the ThinkTank was the emergence of procurement as a <strong>true competitive differentiator<\/strong>.<\/p><p>This evolution is particularly visible in how organizations manage their supplier ecosystems.<\/p><p>Becoming a <strong>\u201ccustomer of choice\u201d<\/strong> is now a strategic objective\u2014especially in constrained or volatile supply environments.<\/p><p>Speed also emerged as a critical factor. Procurement is expected to enable faster innovation cycles, quicker sourcing, and shorter time-to-market.<\/p><p>As Claire Sexton noted:<\/p><p>\u201cHow can procurement help the business be first? That\u2019s the real question. Whether it\u2019s launching a product or entering a market, procurement has a direct role to play.\u201d<\/p><p>Risk management, meanwhile, is no longer a standalone topic\u2014it is embedded across all procurement activities. From financial health to ESG exposure and geopolitical disruptions, organizations are seeking <strong>real-time visibility across their supplier networks<\/strong>.<\/p><p>And beyond efficiency and resilience, procurement is increasingly seen as a <strong>driver of innovation<\/strong>.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c9348f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3c9348f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-1600x1067.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\"   src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-51094 lazyload\" alt=\"\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"  \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-1600x1067.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-51094\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/procurement-peaople-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cec4aa e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1cec4aa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86fdc1a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"86fdc1a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d98c8e elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"2d98c8e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cThe best procurement teams don\u2019t just select suppliers\u2014they bring ideas to the business. They turn the supply base into a source of innovation.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Claire Sexton<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f09e8f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f09e8f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Head of Sales Americas at Synertrade<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c175e8b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c175e8b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d271699 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"d271699\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\"Sustainability isn't a report \u2014 it's a sourcing decision. Procurement embeds environmental and social accountability into every contract, every supplier relationship, and every dollar spent. The next breakthrough in your product, your process, or your customer experience is already being developed \u2014 by one of your suppliers. Procurement is how you find it first.\"\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Roy Anderson<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c99379b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c99379b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>PT Lecturer<\/p><p>Supply Chain and Information Management Group<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7a8f3a elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"f7a8f3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20a04ec e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"20a04ec\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3093572 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3093572\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9e8555 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f9e8555\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67941f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"67941f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Becoming a Strategic Advisor: Earning a Seat at the Table<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72bb126 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"72bb126\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ae571a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3ae571a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3469cb elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"a3469cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cProcurement wears many hats beyond traditional cost savings. It is essential that we claim credit for the full value we deliver by reducing risk, advancing sustainability, and strengthening the organization\u2019s free cash flow. The most effective way to amplify that impact is through tighter alignment with the CEO and their strategic priorities. That\u2019s why I make it a point to hold an annual \u2018State of the Union\u2019 with my CEO at the start of every year to lock in alignment before the business plan is even finalized.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Andrew Singer<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9700ba1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9700ba1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u00a0C.P.M., CPSD<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b55320 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1b55320\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a22974f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a22974f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Perhaps the most symbolic theme discussed was procurement\u2019s ambition to <strong>\u201cearn a seat at the table.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><p>For many organizations, this is still a work in progress. Roger Blumberg illustrated this with a vivid analogy:<\/p><p>\u201cProcurement is often at the table\u2014but not quite. It\u2019s like sitting at the kids\u2019 table. You\u2019re there, but you\u2019re not really part of the main conversation.\u201d<\/p><p>Bridging that gap requires a fundamental shift\u2014from execution to insight.\u00a0Procurement must show up with:<\/p><ul><li>Data-driven recommendations<\/li><li>Market intelligence<\/li><li>Scenario-based decision support<\/li><\/ul><p>\u201cIf you want to be seen as strategic, you need to bring something more than cost savings,\u201d he explained. \u201cYou need to come with insights that help the business make better decisions.\u201d<\/p><p>This includes supporting every function across the organization\u2014from marketing to HR to operations\u2014not just as a sourcing function, but as a <strong>problem-solving partner<\/strong>.<\/p><p>The rise of AI and advanced analytics is accelerating this transformation, enabling procurement to move from <strong>descriptive to predictive\u2014and ultimately prescriptive\u2014decision-making<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b8185b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3b8185b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c51bbc elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"7c51bbc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77712b7 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"77712b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cStrategic procurement delivers a triple return: lower costs today, resilience against tomorrow's disruptions, and a pipeline of supplier-driven innovation that your competitors can't replicate.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Roy Anderson<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b35530 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7b35530\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>PT Lecturer<\/p><p>Supply Chain and Information Management Group<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67db268 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"67db268\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad03788 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ad03788\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e55d28 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"0e55d28\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac7c4a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ac7c4a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Improving Procurement Agility: From Reactive to Proactive<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2909235 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2909235\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b6ac7e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6b6ac7e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f614f4b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f614f4b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In a world defined by disruption, agility is no longer optional\u2014it is essential.<\/p><p>The ThinkTank discussions highlighted a clear shift from reactive approaches to <strong>proactive and scenario-based planning<\/strong>.<\/p><p>Organizations are investing in:<\/p><ul><li>Contingency strategies and redundancy<\/li><li>Scenario modeling (\u201cwhat if\u201d situations)<\/li><li>Real-time monitoring of market and supplier signals<\/li><\/ul><p>Supplier collaboration plays a central role in this agility. By sharing forecasts, aligning on capacity, and maintaining open communication, organizations can respond more effectively to changing conditions.<\/p><p>At the same time, technology\u2014especially AI\u2014is enabling faster and more informed decision-making.<\/p><p>However, agility is not just about speed. It also requires the right balance between <strong>standardization and flexibility<\/strong>.<\/p><p>As highlighted in the discussions, procurement must move away from rigid processes toward <strong>guided frameworks that enable faster execution without losing control<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-613f3e6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"613f3e6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1337f8a elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"1337f8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cThe goal is not just to react faster,\u201d[...]\n\u201cbut to be ready before disruption even happens.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Roger Blumberg<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a2069d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4a2069d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>General Manager Americas at Synertrade<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b96e2b elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"2b96e2b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bdb89d9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bdb89d9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6e7e0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b6e7e0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Procurement at a Turning Point<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-450c799 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"450c799\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06fbe77 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"06fbe77\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bedbf90 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bedbf90\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The CPO ThinkTank 2026 made one thing clear: procurement is at a turning point.<\/p><p>No longer confined to cost reduction, the function is becoming:<\/p><ul><li>A <strong>strategic enabler of business performance<\/strong><\/li><li>A <strong>driver of innovation and resilience<\/strong><\/li><li>A <strong>key contributor to competitive advantage<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p>But this transformation is not automatic.<\/p><p>It requires new skills, new operating models, and a new mindset\u2014one that positions procurement not as a gatekeeper, but as a <strong>value creator at the heart of the enterprise<\/strong>.<\/p><p>As Roger Blumberg concluded:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0fd06dd elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"0fd06dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cProcurement has a huge opportunity right now. The organizations that embrace this shift will not just support the business\u2014they will help lead it.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Roger Blumberg<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bbbd700 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bbbd700\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>General Manager Americas at Synertrade<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc6129e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"cc6129e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1200x1600.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1920w\"   src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-50321 lazyload\" alt=\"\"  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"  \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1200x1600.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-50321\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/synertrade.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/steven-lu-54x6Y5Mjgv0-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-145887a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"145887a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bbfbd9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3bbfbd9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3255f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b3255f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4a8427 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"e4a8427\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cParticipating in this CPO roundtable reinforced how procurement\u2019s future is being shaped by smarter operating models, stronger talent strategies, and deeper supplier partnerships. The conversation made it clear: speed, insight, and agility now define procurement leadership.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Chris Sawchuk<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1db3a63 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1db3a63\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Principal and Global Procurement Applied Intelligence Practice Leader, The Hackett Group<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db682db e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"db682db\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec778c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ec778c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Interested to join our CPO ThinkTank initiative, contact us.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e819a2a elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"e819a2a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/synertrade.com\/en\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Join CPO ThinkTank<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At a time when procurement is facing unprecedented expectations\u2014from cost control to innovation, risk mitigation, and AI adoption\u2014the CPO ThinkTank 2026, organized in collaboration with The Hackett Group, brought together senior leaders to reflect on the future of the function. More than just another industry discussion, the ThinkTank revealed a clear shift: procurement is no [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51074","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-events-lets-catch-up","category-opinions"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CPO ThinkTank 2026: From Cost Control to Strategic Impact | Synertrade<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore key insights from the 2026 CPO ThinkTank on how procurement leaders are moving beyond cost control to drive strategic impact through AI, risk management, orchestration, and supplier collaboration\" \/>\n<meta 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