Leadership for a Sustainable Supply Chain Future

Following her attendance at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE 2025 in London - a key industry event co-located with Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero - Ella McCorquadale, Researcher in the Supply Chain and Procurement Practice and Sustainability Co-ordinator at Odgers, shares her reflections on the evolving role of sustainability in supply chain leadership.

The event brought together C-suite leaders and sustainability professionals to explore pressing challenges and opportunities across procurement, supply chain strategy, supplier diversity, risk and resilience, and the growing role of AI in supply chain transformation  

Ella reflects: “It was encouraging to see ESG remains a central focus. Despite shifts in regulation that may reduce the number of companies required to report ESG data, the message was clear: we can’t make meaningful progress without good data”. 

AI is increasingly being used to process and analyse ESG data at scale, but technology alone isn’t enough. As Ella notes, “It’s still up to senior leaders to make the right calls. The ability to interpret what the data is telling us - and act on it - is what sets great leaders apart”. 

Her insights underscore a broader theme from the event: that sustainability is no longer a siloed initiative, but a strategic imperative. In a landscape defined by complexity and change, leadership grounded in purpose, data literacy, and long-term thinking is more essential than ever. 

Looking Inward, Not Just Outward 

Another key theme from Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE was the growing emphasis on insetting versus offsetting. The consensus among speakers and attendees was clear: real progress starts from within. 

This shift is particularly relevant for those pursuing accreditation through frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative, which does not permit offsetting. For these organisations, internal transformation isn’t optional - it’s essential. Leaders who can challenge entrenched practices and drive meaningful change from the inside out will be instrumental in achieving credible, lasting impact. 

The Role of Leadership in Driving Change 

All of this points to a broader evolution in the kind of leadership supply chains now demand. It’s no longer just about operational efficiency or cost control - though those remain important. Today’s leaders must bring a sustainability-first mindset, coupled with the courage to question the status quo and the vision to reimagine how things are done. 

We’re seeing a growing demand for Chief Procurement Officers, Heads of Supply Chain, and ESG-focused Board Advisors who can strike the right balance between commercial performance and long-term sustainability. 

The independent supply chain and procurement function stands at a pivotal moment. With the right leadership, there’s a significant opportunity to embed sustainability and resilience at the core of operations. By staying ahead of the evolving ESG landscape, leveraging data for smarter decision-making, and appointing leaders who can drive meaningful change, organisations can position themselves for long-term success. 

At Odgers, we’re committed to helping our clients find and empower the leaders who will shape this future.

_________________________________________________________

Get in touch. Follow the links below to discover more, or contact our dedicated leadership experts from your local Odgers office here.