What will define the next generation of CPOs? Proxima, part of Bain & Company, has released its Tomorrow’s CPO 2026 report, sharing insights and advice from senior procurement leaders.
Providing a practical and honest view of what modern procurement leadership demands, the report explains why humility matters more than ever, dives into the value of building broad cross-functional experience and outlines how today’s leaders are preparing for what comes next.
10 CPOs answer one simple question: What advice would you give to those seeking to be a CPO in the future?
You’ll find insights from:
- Stefan Grunwald, CPO at Henry Schein
- Vivek Agarwal, Senior Vice President & Global Head – Procurement, Manufacturing and Technical Services at Olam Agri
- Nina Bomberg, CPO at Hamburger Energiewerke
- Maureen Brunst, Director, Remarketing & Procurement at Arval BNP Paribas Group
- Mitzi Campbell, CPO at International Paper
- Jeff Amsel, CPO at Computershare
- Brad Keighley, Head of Procurement at Instacart
- Tomas Veit, CEO/CPO at Asahi
- Karin Meurk-Harvey, CCO at SmartDCC
- Rory Lamont, CPO at Siemens Mobility
“There is no linear path to CPO, and it should not be an easy path,” said Proxima’s EVP of Procurement, Simon Geale.
“As Rory Lamont observed, ‘Running with both the rough and the smooth builds judgment, resilience and credibility’.
“Tomorrow’s CPOs should have some battle scars earned by putting themselves in uncomfortable positions, seeking to create impact beyond that of their peers.
“As for AI? Stepping up to CPO means leading through a period of disruption and technological transformation. It demands the ability to turn disruption into design, building smarter functions that deliver greater impact.
“In 2026, the best procurement teams will be those that are well-led…and the best CPOs will be bold.”
