SM leaders reporting Directly to CEO

Supply chain disruptions during and after the pandemic elevated the visibility of procurement leaders, positioning them at the center of business continuity, risk mitigation, and strategic planning. The research shows this shift reflected at the highest levels of organizational structure: the percentage of supply management leaders reporting directly to the CEO has increased steadily, from 10% in 2017 to 12% in 2022, and rising again to 18% in 2025. This upward trend underscores the growing strategic importance of supply management and the expanding role leaders play in guiding enterprise-wide decisions. Members can access The Evolving Role of the CPO 2025 in the CAPS Library to see the full report.

What Leaders Should Do: As procurement's influence continues to grow, supply management leaders should capitalize on their increased visibility by strengthening their role in enterprise strategy, risk management, and long-term value creation.

From Insight to Action: If elevating procurement's strategic impact is a priority for your organization, CAPS can help you benchmark leadership practices, strengthen stakeholder alignment, and identify opportunities to expand procurement's influence across the business: Talk to CAPS