Agenda & Speakers

Agenda

09.30 – 9.45 – Welcome from CIPS

09.45 – 10.00 – Unleashing the Power of Public Procurement 

This session will explore financial resilience through robust procurement to drive social value and to improve community outcomes. With an increasing focus on sustainability and technology, we will hear some best practice examples of how local authorities can tackle the challenges that lie ahead. 

H.E Ambassador Dr Mohammed Bahzad

10.00 – 10.15 – The Evolution of Healthcare Procurement 

Over the years, healthcare procurement has undergone significant changes, driven by advancements in technology, globalisation, and changing healthcare policies and regulations. 

During this session, you’ll hear best practices to continue to adapt procurement strategies to meet the overall goal of improving patient care while controlling costs.

Savita Mace, Chief Procurement Officer

10.15 – 10.50 – The Rise of Value Based Procurement 

Procurement in the health care sector is moving away from traditional lowest price procurement strategies and product buying. 

Lowest price procurement strategies and product buying are in the past and the healthcare sector is moving towards value based procurement. What does this mean for professionals, how can you elevate your game through a successful transformation initiative and how are the different levels of understanding managed across a variety of stakeholders.

• Adel Al Junalbi, Supply Chain Director, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
• Natasha Schulz, Procurement Director, Evercare Group 
• Raman Nathani, Director of Procurement, Purehealth 
• Savita Mace, Chief Procurement Officer 
• Brian Mangan, BMA

10.50 – 11.10 – Driving Change with Sustainable Procurement

With Dubai hosting COP28 in 2023, sustainability is now on the agenda of every organisation, from Governments to the smallest supplier. The lessons from within Ivalua’s clients demonstrate that Procurement teams can drive real environmental and social change. But where should Procurement Professionals start?  

This session will explore the strategies and technology needed to build relationships with suppliers, investors, consumers, and customers to deliver a truly sustainable supply chain.

Stephen Carter, Director of Product Marketing, Ivalua

11.10 – 11.30 – Accelerating Responsible Business Through Sustainable Procurement & Supply Chain

During this session you’ll understand the strategic role of procurement & supply chain in driving responsible business as a new way of working. It will also explore how to build sustainability roadmap, leverage your ecosystem partners, measure progress and promote the future workforce to deliver tangible impact

Wael Safwat, FCIPS ExDip, Accenture Middle East Lead, Sustainable Procurement & Chair of CIPS MENA Fellows

11.50 – 12.10 –  Digital Risk Management in Procurement and Supply Chain

This session focuses on the use of digital technologies to improve risk management practices in procurement and supply chain operations. Dirk will discuss the challenges and risks faced by organisations in procurement and supply chain management, and the benefits of adopting a digital approach to risk management, including improved visibility, agility, and efficiency.

Dirk Karl, Chief Procurement Officer,  MTN Group 

12.10 – 12.30 – Digital Levers for Procurement & Supply Chain Transformation: Open AI, Automation, and Analytics

Join Raina Saxena and Kashif Khan from GEP – as they discuss how Open AI/ChatGPT, automation, and analytics can help optimise operations, enhance supplier collaboration, reduce costs, and provide greater visibility and control over supply chains. You can expect real-world examples and scenarios that can help organisations realise hyper-efficient and proactive procurement. 

• Raina Saxena, Senior Director, Consulting, GEP
• Kashif Khan, Manager, Software Solution Design, GEP

12.30 – 13.10 – Local Content, Local Sourcing 

In Country Value and local sourcing can be powerful drivers of economic growth and sustainability. With the current economic situation, now more than ever local sourcing is a huge priority and we have seen an increase in In Country Value across the region. How are we seeing the value that is generated within a country through the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services and how are we engaging with local businesses to increase our economic activity.

• Salem Bafaraj, Vice President, In-Country Value In-Country Value Division, ADNOC 
• Hani Al Saigh, Vice President Supply Chain & Contract Management, Tahakom
• Waleed Saeed Salem Al Saeedi, Director, Procurement and Supply Management (Acting) Procurement and Supply Management Department, ECouncil 
• Farzad Shafiei, GEP

13.10 – 13.30 – Global Sourcing as a Value Driver During Times of Uncertainty

Unlock the full potential of global sourcing and explore how it can drive value for your organisation during times of uncertainty. Understand how global sourcing can mitigate risk, reduce costs, improve quality, access innovation, and create a competitive advantage. Discover where to look for new supplier bases, markets, and technologies, and learn the careful planning and management required for successful global sourcing. This is an opportunity to gain a strategic edge in procurement and drive optimal outcomes for your organisation

Kobus van der Wath, Founder and CEO Axis Group

14.20 – 14.40 – Organisational Transformation: Adaptation and Innovation with Continuous Changes to the Rules of Engagement 

The way we engage with our stakeholders has completely changed over the past few years. How do we work with different functions in the business to enhance performance and as leaders how do we build culture and human connection to drive productivity and business results? 

Anna Konoplianikova, Group Head of Procurement and Finance, Chalhoub Group 

14.40 – 15.20 – Collaboration or Competition? 

What’s more beneficial for the business, Collaboration or Competition? Competition might be a motivator for success and to be ahead of the curve, but collaboration involves working together towards a common goal or to solve problems with the supply chain. 

This session outlines the key strategies when collaborating with suppliers to accelerate change and building your procurement strategy to drive a competitive advantage. 

Ultimately, should you collaborate with your competitors? 

• Abeer Abu Saada, Senior Procurement Manager, Massader for Natural Resources
• Saeed Al Ghaferi, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Steel
• Paul Evans, Vice President, Category Management, ADNOC
• Partha Dash, Moglix

15.20 – 15.40 – How is Procurement Contributing to the Transformation of KSA?  

With the Saudi 2030 Vision being at the front of mind across the region, procurement is playing a crucial role in the transformation of the Kingdom. The function will drive the facilitation of economic growth, promoting innovation and sustainability, and enabling the country to achieve its development objectives.

Abdulla Al Osaimi, Senior Vice President of Procurement and Business Support, Maaden

15.40 – 16.15 – Accelerating Females into Procurement Leadership 

A recent survey involving 170 women in procurement roles across the globe, found that only 45% of respondents believed their workplace embraced gender equity. 

Last year the UAE Gender Balance Council announced a pledge to accelerate gender balance with the  target of increasing the representation of women in leadership roles to 30 per cent by 2025 to ensure their full and effective participation at the highest levels of decision making. But what are we doing across the procurement function? What’s working, what’s not and what’s next?

• Muna bin Zoubaa, Executive Director, ADEO
• Fazeela Gopalani, Head of ACCA Middle East
• Vidya Malkani, Procurement Director – AUS 
• Asma Alotaibi, CIPS KSA Vice Chair
• Zoe Brooks, Procurement Director,  Atlantis Dubai 

16.15 – 16.30 – Closing Remarks

You can view all the speakers and their bios here.