Efficiency vs Strategy
Demetrios Kappos, former VP Global Procurement at EagleBurgmann, on separating operational efficiency from procurement strategy. TPI Podcast, episode 16.
THE PROCUREMENT INITIATIVE LEADERS PODCAST
The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast, produced in collaboration with our friends at The Procurement Initiative and the University of St. Gallen.
Join Richard, Martina, and Mike as they sit down with industry leaders and experts to uncover the latest trends and insights in procurement, from exploring the transformative power of technology, data, digitisation, and AI, to unravelling the complexities of leadership, competencies, and talent management. Discover strategies for cost reduction and value creation, gain a deeper understanding of the impact of inflation, the economy, and geopolitics, and learn how to build resilient supply chains while effectively managing risks. We also delve into the crucial topics of ESG and the circular economy, exploring their implications for procurement leaders.
Tune in to the Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast to unlock the knowledge and expertise you need to stay at the cutting edge of the industry and drive meaningful change within your organisation.
This podcast is available on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
YOU’LL LEARN:
- How a clear structural split between strategy and operations can unlock new value in procurement
- Why empowering teams—not top-down mandates—is key to driving lasting transformation
EPISODE 16
SPLITTING EFFICIENCY FROM STRATEGY: A BOLD MODEL FOR MODERN PROCUREMENT
What really moves procurement forward?
In this episode of The Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast, Richard McIntosh sits down with Demetrios Kappos, Management Consultant and former VP Global Procurement at EagleBurgmann, to explore how clear structure, smart priorities, and true ownership of change can transform procurement’s role in the business.
Demetrios shares the lessons learned from leading a global procurement transformation, speaking candidly about what worked, what didn’t, and where the real value lies for modern procurement leaders.
KEY TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE
- Splitting efficiency from strategy: a model that delivers
- Driving change through internal empowerment, not external mandates
- Making AI work: real use cases—and red flags to watch for
- Building resilience that stands up to disruption
- The mindset shifts needed to future-proof procurement
Follow The Procurement Initiative Leaders on LinkedIn for more interviews with changemakers shaping the future of procurement.
GUEST
DEMETRIOS KAPPOS
Demetrios Kappos is a seasoned procurement leader and consultant, formerly VP Global Procurement & Supply Chain Management at EagleBurgmann. He brings hands-on experience from guiding large-scale procurement transformations in complex global environments. His approach combines strategic clarity, operational discipline, and a strong belief in empowering teams to drive meaningful change. Demetrios is known for his straightforward thinking and practical application of strategy, digitalisation, and resilience in procurement settings.
Visit EagleBurgmann here.
HOST
MIKE JANSEN
Mike Jansen is an Associate Partner at H&Z Management Consulting and host of the Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast. He works closely with leading companies to turn procurement into a strategic growth lever, focusing on transformation, digitalisation, and executive alignment.
EPISODE 16
