TPI Podcast #15
“Beyond the RFQ”: Ottobock’s CPO Gao Kwintmeyer on purpose-driven procurement, supplier trust, and leadership turning procurement into a strategic, high-impact function.
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 Podcasts and Spotify.
You’ll Learn:
- How to align procurement’s purpose with executive expectations
- Why human relationships still matter more than AI in strategic sourcing
- How to manage regulatory pressure with a pragmatic, risk-based approach
- When to invest in tech — and when to hold off
- What separates tactical buyers from truly strategic procurement leaders
EPISODE 15
Beyond the RFQ: Building a Purpose-Driven Procurement Function at Ottobock
In this episode of the Procurement Initiative Leaders Podcast, Gao Kwintmeyer, Chief Procurement Officer at Ottobock, joins Mike Janssen to explore what it means to lead procurement with purpose — not just cost targets. Drawing on 27+ years of global experience, Gao unpacks how to earn executive trust, navigate regulatory overload, and make technology decisions that actually serve the business.
Strong procurement leadership, he argues, is about clarity, trust, and consistent delivery — not gimmicks or dashboards.
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
- Executive Alignment: How to ensure procurement is seen — and supported — as a strategic partner
- Human vs. Machine: Why relationship-building still outperforms automation in strategic sourcing
- Tech with Purpose: A clear-eyed take on when procurement tech actually adds value
- Regulatory Complexity: How to tackle compliance without slowing down the business
- Strategic Mindset: What defines a buyer who contributes real value at the leadership level
GUEST
Gao Kwintmeyer:
As Chief Procurement Officer at Ottobock, Gao oversees global procurement for a company that designs and manufactures prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility solutions that change lives. Known for his no-nonsense leadership style, Gao brings a long-term, purpose-driven approach to procurement that emphasizes delivery, transparency, and supplier trust.
Visit Ottobock here.
HOST
Mike Janssen:
Mike Janssen 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 15
