Want to Master Procurement? Follow These 10 Influencers and Thank Us Later

We know, we know—just what you need: another list of people to follow on LinkedIn, right? But trust us on this one. These 10 procurement influencers are not just your average content sharers. They're the ones who turn your mundane Monday mornings into a masterclass on procurement. So go ahead, hit that follow button, and prepare to be impressed.

1. Tom Mills

• Followers: 70,779
• Recent Position: Head of Procurement and Supply Chain at Rolls-Royce. Tom is responsible for leading the procurement and supply chain functions across global operations, ensuring cost efficiency and strategic sourcing.
• Why Follow: Known as the "Procurement Protagonist," Tom simplifies procurement for his audience. He offers a weekly newsletter, "Procure Bites," aimed at helping procurement professionals improve by 1% each week.
• Featured Articles:
  • "Procurement Models Explained" – Concise summarization of 'The Procurement Models Handbook' by Cordell & Thompson.
  • "Contract Lifecycle Management in Source-to-Pay and Procurement" - Discusses the benefits of integrating a best-of-breed Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system.
  • "Why LinkedIn Could Yet Destroy Procurement" - An exploration of the potential downsides of LinkedIn for procurement professionals.
• Website: Procure Bites
• LinkedIn: Tom Mills

2. Faiq Ali

• Followers: 37,295
• Recent Position: Director of Procurement at British Petroleum (BP). Faiq leads the procurement function, focusing on developing strategic sourcing strategies and driving procurement transformation initiatives across the organization.
• Why Follow: With nearly 20 years of experience, Faiq Ali specializes in procurement transformations and centralization.
• Featured Articles:
  • "Sustainable Procurement for a Better Future" - Discusses the integration of CSR principles in procurement and its long-term benefits.
  • "Maximizing ROI from Your Source-to-Pay Investments" - Insights into achieving a higher return on investment through strategic procurement.
  • "The iDeliver Framework - ABC of Procurement" - A framework for achieving personal and professional success in procurement.
• LinkedIn: Faiq Ali

3. Katie McEwen

• Followers: 35,257
• Recent Position: Procurement Manager at Accenture. Katie manages procurement activities, including supplier negotiations and contract management, for a diverse portfolio of clients in the consulting and professional services industry.
• Why Follow: Katie, known as "The Procurement Girl," shares motivational content encouraging professionals to push through challenges in the procurement field.
• Featured Articles:
  • "The Procurement Girl on Procurement Burnout" - Discusses the issue of burnout in procurement and the need for a broader understanding of the role by CEOs.
  • "Is Your Company Experiencing Digital Transformation Burnout?" - Katie provides insights into avoiding burnout during digital transformation projects.
  • "The Procurement News Digest: Automation, Burnout and Boom" - A round-up including Katie's thoughts on burnout and procurement automation.
• Website: The Procurement Girl
• LinkedIn: Katie McEwen

4. Daniel Barnes

• Followers: 29,526
• Recent Position: Head of Procurement and Sourcing at Gatekeeper. Daniel leads the procurement and sourcing functions, focusing on contract management and supplier relationship management to drive value across the organization.
• Why Follow: Daniel is a seasoned procurement and contract management leader, bringing valuable insights into vendor management and contract lifecycle management.
• Featured Content: Daniel shares his expertise not only through LinkedIn but also on his YouTube channel. Here are some of his notable videos:
  • "Procurement Is Broken"
  • "Procurement Trends 2024"
  • "Procurement Contract Management 101: Contract Management Expert Breakdown"
• Website: Gatekeeper HQ
• LinkedIn: Daniel Barnes

5. Mathew Schulz

• Followers: 23,813
• Recent Position: Founder of Matchat. Mathew created Matchat to help procurement professionals advance their careers by providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and professional development.
• Why Follow: As the founder of Matchat, Mathew Schulz emphasizes that procurement is about more than just numbers—it's about people. Matchat is where next-gen procurement professionals hang out, collaborate, and support each other. It's the perfect place to network, share insights, and connect with a vibrant community that's changing everything in the procurement world.
• Featured Article: Mathew's website, Matchat, is more than just a site; it's a members-only forum that features a private community, virtual and in-person meetups, online sessions, an AI agent, business advisory services, and the exclusive Savings Club. It's designed to foster collaboration, learning, and growth among procurement professionals.
• Website: Matchat
• LinkedIn: Mathew Schulz

6. Amanda Prochaska

• Followers: 21,008
• Recent Position: Founder and CEO of Wonder Services. Amanda leads Wonder Services, a company focused on helping organizations implement change management strategies and improve employee engagement through innovative solutions.
• Why Follow: Amanda is known for her focus on innovation and her approach to putting people first in procurement. She is a thought leader in change management and digital adoption, helping organizations maximize their potential through effective strategies and tools.
• Featured Articles:
  • "How Digital Adoption Platforms Revolutionize Change Management" - This article explores the impact of digital adoption platforms on change management, providing insights on how to effectively implement these tools to drive transformation.
  • "Maximizing Your ROI: Unlock the Full Potential of Your BSM Platform" - Amanda shares strategies for getting the most out of your Business Spend Management (BSM) platform, focusing on maximizing return on investment.
  • "Key Learnings from 2024 Procurement Conferences" - A summary of important insights and trends discussed at the 2024 procurement conferences, highlighting what professionals should focus on to stay ahead in the industry.
• Website: Wonder Services
• LinkedIn: Amanda Prochaska

7. Gary Mander

• Followers: 15,689
• Recent Position: Director of Procurement at Transport for London (TfL). Gary is responsible for leading procurement efforts in a public sector organization, focusing on sustainability and inclusive procurement practices.
• Why Follow: Gary Mander is an expert in public procurement and sustainability, with a deep focus on integrating flexible procurement practices and maintaining compliance while achieving value for money. His extensive experience in managing large-scale national infrastructure projects and promoting SME participation in public procurement makes him a valuable resource for professionals interested in sustainable and effective procurement strategies.
• Featured Articles:
  • "Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! 90 Days of the Procurement Act" - In this article, Gary discusses the challenges and changes brought by the first 90 days of the Procurement Act, highlighting the complexities and opportunities within the new legislative landscape.
  • "Flexible Tendering: The Rise of the Competitive Procedure" - This article explores the benefits and increasing importance of flexible tendering processes in procurement, especially in adapting to dynamic market conditions.
  • "The Tightrope of Aggregation and Compliance: The Quest for Value for Money" - Gary examines the delicate balance between aggregation and compliance, offering insights on how procurement professionals can achieve the best value while adhering to regulatory standards.
• LinkedIn: Gary Mander

8. Sulaiman Abdulla

• Followers: 14,134
• Recent Position: Head of Procurement at Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). Sulaiman leads procurement strategies and operations for a critical national infrastructure organization, focusing on sustainable procurement and digital transformation.
• Why Follow: Sulaiman Abdulla is a leading voice in digital transformation and sustainable procurement. With extensive experience in public sector roles, Sulaiman advocates for integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices into procurement processes. His insights on leveraging digital tools for efficient procurement and his focus on sustainability make him a significant figure for those looking to modernize and ethically source in procurement.
• Featured Content:
  • CIPS Conference & Excellence in Procurement Awards Panel Discussion: Sulaiman recently participated in a panel discussion at the CIPS Conference & Excellence in Procurement Awards, where he shared his views on the future of procurement, the role of technology, and sustainable practices in the industry. Watch the discussion.
  • Panel Discussion - Agent of Value: In this discussion, Sulaiman explores the evolving role of procurement as an agent of value within organizations. He discusses how procurement can drive strategic value beyond cost savings by focusing on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable practices. Watch the discussion.
• LinkedIn: Sulaiman Abdulla

9. Juan F. Perez

• Followers: 12,720
• Recent Position: Procurement Director at Inditex. Juan oversees procurement activities for one of the world's largest fashion retailers, focusing on optimizing procurement processes and supplier relationships across global operations.
• Why Follow: Juan F. Perez is a strong advocate for evolving from a traditional buyer to an inspirational buyer. He emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive impact both personally and professionally. Juan encourages procurement professionals to be role models and influencers, focusing on making meaningful contributions that inspire others in the community.
• Featured Articles: (Note: Articles are in Spanish)
  • "From Traditional Buyer to Inspirational Buyer: And What to Do to Become One" - In this article, Juan discusses the journey from being a traditional buyer to becoming an inspirational buyer. He highlights the importance of evolving as a person and professional, leaving a positive impact, and inspiring others to do the same.
  • "Models of Procurement Management. 'Express' Version" - Juan shares an "Express Guide" to the most common procurement management models, analyzing their pros and cons, recommended maturity levels for procurement areas, and the types of companies that implement them. He also offers insights, recommendations, and thoughts based on his extensive experience in the field.
  • "THE PERFECT BUYER. (Supplier's Perspective)" - This article explores what suppliers consider the "Perfect Buyer" to be. Juan discusses the qualities that suppliers value most, such as clear communication, mutual respect, long-term commitment, reliability, efficiency, and collaboration, and how these traits help establish strong, professional relationships.
• LinkedIn: Juan F. Perez

10. Lada Samarska

• Followers: 10,131
• Recent Position: Chief Procurement Officer at Precoro. Lada leads the procurement function at Precoro, focusing on driving efficiency, implementing technology solutions, and enhancing procurement processes to support business growth.
• Why Follow: Lada focuses on process optimization and procurement management, making her an excellent resource for enhancing efficiency. She frequently shares valuable insights on establishing effective procurement processes and using data to drive procurement strategies.
• Featured Articles:
  • "13 Essential Procurement KPIs for 2024" - In this article, Lada outlines key performance indicators that procurement professionals should focus on in 2024 to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive strategic value.
  • "Setting Up Procurement From Scratch" - Lada provides a comprehensive guide on establishing a procurement function from the ground up, offering practical steps and strategies for new procurement leaders.
• Website: Precoro
• LinkedIn: Lada Samarska

Follow, Learn, and Enjoy the Journey!

Procurement doesn't have to be all about numbers and negotiations. It can also be fun and inspiring! Following these influencers on LinkedIn not only keeps you informed but also adds a bit of excitement to your daily routine. With their unique insights and engaging content, you'll find yourself looking forward to learning something new every day. So go ahead, hit that follow button, and enjoy the journey!