CIPS MENA Conference and Awards 2024 saw experts and thought leaders deliver groundbreaking seminars and panel discussions

(MENAFN- Sheila Tobias) The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) held its annual CIPS MENA Conference 2024 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel on 16th May 2024. With 1200 delegates in attendance, this is the largest regional event in the institute’s 93 year history.

The conference provided an opportunity for procurement professionals to hear from world renowned thought leaders on the most pressing issues facing procurement and supply chain professionals today.

“With today’s political, economic and social challenges, the need to delve down into the most pressing issues for our profession is vital. It is the procurement and supply chain profession that is at the forefront of finding solutions and helping organisations navigate each new pressure. That is why it has been so fruitful to hold this conference for procurement professionals that enables them to elevate their knowledge and understanding of industry trends and challenges,” said Sam Achampong, CIPS MENA, Managing Director.

Procurement and supply chain professionals gained valuable insights from CPOs and senior procurement leaders at the conference. A panel discussion titled ‘How I got a seat at the table… and stayed there’ explored how procurement professionals can demonstrate the value of procurement in the workplace. The panel included insight from Cassie Mackie, VP Procurement & Supply Chain, Etihad Aviation Group; Ahmad Albloushi, Senior Purchasing Manager, AlMarai; Abdullah AlOsaimi, SVP Procurement and Business Support, Ma’Aden; and Ben Goodwin, (former) Group Head of Procurement, Siam City Cement Group.

Seminars were also held on key topics including Building your procurement brand: How to be a credible procurement leader in the Middle East; Motivating for Change: Effective leadership in a time of rapid change; and The workforce of the future: Employee experience and retaining top talent.

The Excellence in Procurement Awards were a highlight that took place in the evening, recognising outstanding individuals and teams across the region in the procurement profession. With categories from Best Procurement Transformation programme to Outstanding People Development programme, the awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward the dedication and perseverance of procurement teams and individuals. With a record number of nominations and over 380 people attending the awards dinner, this year’s event was a resounding success.

“Procurement is one of the most critical departments within a company, so it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate those who go above and beyond. We are delighted to see a record number of regional procurement and supply professionals nominated for demonstrating excellence in the profession and it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate them,” Achampong added.

A full list of Excellence in Procurement Awards winners are:

YOUNG TALENT
Winner: Marsel Khanane - Tashas Group
Highly Commended: Anmol Singh Kshatriya - Rafed-Purehealth and Jaya Lalwani - Emirates Flight Catering

LEADER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Sulaiman Abdulla - Federal Tax Authority
Highly Commended: Ali A. Foolathi - ADNOC

PROCUREMENT TEAM OF THE YEAR - LARGE ORGANISATION
Winner: Etihad Airways
Highly Commended: MTN

PROCUREMENT CONSULTANCY OF THE YEAR
Winner: CollectiveSpend
Highly Commended: Efficio

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Winner: Dubai Airports
Highly Commended: Ministry of Finance UAE

BEST APPROACH TO RISK MITIGATION
Winner: ADNOC
Highly Commended: MTN and Aramco

BEST COLLABORATIVE TEAMWORK PROJECT
Winner: Chalhoub Group
Highly Commended: Dubai Airports

BEST LOCAL CONTENT/LOCAL SOURCING OR IN COUNTRY VALUE INITIATIVE
Winner: solutions by stc
Highly Commended: National Housing and ADNOC

BEST PROCUREMENT TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME
Winner: Ministry of Finance UAE
Highly Commended: Tahakom

BEST SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE
Winner: MTN Group - Global Sourcing and Supply Chain
Highly Commended: Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority

BEST USE OF A DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Winner: Ministry of Finance UAE
Highly Commended: Tasnee National Industrialization

SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Winner: Chalhoub Group
Highly Commended: Massender and Etihad Airways

PROCUREMENT TEAM OF THE YEAR - SMALL ORGANISATION
Winner: Monsha'at
Highly Commended: Abu Dhabi Social

OUTSTANDING PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Winner: SABIC
Highly Commended: Tasnee National Industrialization

OVERALL WINNER: SABIC

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