How Are These Top 10 Women Transforming MEA Supply Chain?
Introduction
In the dynamic regions of the Middle East and Africa, a wave of transformation is coursing through the veins of supply chain management, propelled by the visionary leadership of women. These top ten women are not just filling roles; they are breaking molds, ushering in innovative practices, and setting new standards. Wielders of expertise in logistics, sustainability, risk management, and operations, they represent diverse industries yet share a common thread: they are role models inspiring the next generation in the MEA supply chain sector.
Trailblazers in Logistics and Operations
Djamila Moussadek: Steering Renault’s Supply Chain
At Renault, Djamila Moussadek is the captain navigating the complicated logistics terrain with aplomb. With a keen understanding of the overarching impact logistics has on operations and costs, Moussadek has proven to be a valuable asset to Renault’s $56 billion revenue base. Her logistics strategies not only focus on enhancing transportation efficiency but also on refining supplier communication processes, showing adeptness at maintaining streamlined workflows within the heart of the automotive giant.
Hayat Chaoui: P&G’s Supply Chain Virtuoso
Hayat Chaoui, the Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Procter & Gamble, embodies the unity of loyalty and leadership. Her remarkable 22-year tenure has seen her ascend through a diversity of roles, each adding layers to her already formidable expertise in logistics, operations, and supply chain management. At P&G, with its massive $82 billion revenue, Chaoui’s strategic insights spark operations, driving the brand towards excellence and influencing a massive employee network to push the boundaries of what’s possible in supply chain operations.
Visionaries of Telecom and Tech-Driven Supply Chains
Aisha-Gloria Mhally: Vodacom’s Supply Chain Authority
Aisha-Gloria Mhally, with more than two decades at Vodacom Tanzania, wields tremendous knowledge of the telecommunications industry like a maestro. As the Head of Supply Chain Management, she has finessed Vodacom’s supply chain to match the company’s broad scope, managing an impressive $6.7 billion in revenues. Mhally’s leadership reflects a blend of industry wisdom and strategic foresight, cementing her as a central pivot in the region’s telecom supply infrastructure.
Maryanne Karanja: Safaricom’s Technological Transformation Leader
In the evolution of supply chain processes, technology is a game-changer, and Maryanne Karanja, the Head of Supply Chain for Safaricom, has been at the vanguard of this transformation. With two decades of experience and a deep well of expertise, Karanja has guided Safaricom through crucial project turnarounds. Her adept use of technological solutions to streamline operations substantiates Safaricom’s $885 million revenue figure, edging it forward as an industry titan in the region.
Champions of Global Procurement and Strategy
Margaret Ngari: Impact through World Vision’s Supply Chain
Margaret Ngari stands as a testament to the power of strategic procurement within the non-profit sector. As the East Africa Regional Supply Chain Director for World Vision, Ngari leverages her skills to support initiatives that intersect with truly global concerns. With a revenue of $1.4 billion and a workforce of 34,000, her role is pivotal in championing procurement strategies that are both efficient and transformative, further fostering the organization’s indeed global vision.
Marta Vidal: Henkel’s Multinational Supply Chain Expert
Marta Vidal’s international career has seen her play leading roles in the FMCG sector, and her tenure as Regional Supply Chain Director IMEA for Henkel is adorned with accolades. Through her journey from Nestlé to Henkel, Vidal has fine-tuned her ability to thrive in various geographies, culminating in a robust approach to supply chain strategy that echoes through the hallways of Henkel, impacting its brands and business outcomes significantly.
Pioneers in Non-Profit and FMCG Supply Management
Jacquiline Muchoki: IRC’s Comprehensive Supply Chain Solutions Provider
Jacquiline Muchoki, as the Regional Supply Chain Director, East Africa for the International Rescue Committee, is a purveyor of excellence across procurement, asset, and fleet management. With a propensity for addressing complex project needs, Muchoki has instilled high standards of supply chain solutions within the IRC. Her adaptability in the non-profit sector, despite the often-unpredictable environments, is indicative of her expansive capabilities and pivotal leadership.
Bo Lorden: Spearheading Unilever’s Digital Supply Chain Initiatives
Unilever’s digital transformation within its vast supply chain operations is captained by Bo Lorden, the Africa Supply Chain Director. With her illustrious background in FMCG and as a former Innovations Engineer, Lorden contributes deep multifaceted expertise. Her leadership is integral to driving strategic planning and functional team coordination, effectively maneuvering Unilever’s hefty $63.7 billion revenue stream towards a digitally savvy future.
Experts in Freight and Services Procurement
Noran Mohamed: DSV’s Ocean Freight Director
With nearly two decades in logistics and an educational background that solidified her foundations, Noran Mohamed’s rise to the Director of Ocean Freight at DSV is one of consistent growth. Her day-to-day challenge is to synchronize the myriad cogs of logistics operations within a company that boasts a $21.9 billion revenue and a 75,000-person workforce. Mohamed’s strategic oversight is essential in the vast ocean of global freight logistics.
Lou-Ann Fairweather: Maersk’s Procurement Prodigy
Lou-Ann Fairweather’s name is synonymous with deep commercial know-how and adeptness in logistics. At Maersk, as the Head of Logistics & Services Procurement for Southern Africa and Islands, her substantial experience at A.P. Moller-Maersk and DHL Express manifests in a procurement strategy that is both resilient and insightful. Fairweather’s prowess ensures the effective management of Maersk’s complex $51.1 billion revenue supply chain ecosystem.
The Influence of Leadership and Digital Evolution
The overarching influence of these exceptional women leaders stretches beyond their immediate roles. They are at the forefront, not just in breaking the glass ceiling but also in embracing the digital evolution. Their combined efforts are vital in navigating the sophisticated landscape of supply chain management. As a reflection of their leadership, trends of digital transformation, sustainability, and resilience against supply chain risks are being incorporated more prominently, shaping the future of supply chain industries in the MEA region. Through their innovation and insistence on excellence, these women are crafting a more inclusive and forward-thinking supply chain narrative.
