LEADERSHIP
The characteristics of supply chain leadership are a rare combination of attributes .
In addition to finding ways to save money and improve services , there ’ s also the priority of getting the right people in the right positions .
Hitachi Consulting director of supply chain Owen Keates is both experienced and knowledgeable in operational excellence .
He became a founding member of the supply chain counsel in both Australia and New Zealand , which became the genesis of Keates ’ involvement in supply chain .
After moving from New Zealand to Australia in 2006 , Keates joined Vanglobe as COO , before becoming CEO in 2009 .
Prior to that , Keates had a role with CCI in assisting them in developing their early supply chain offerings . Years later , Competitive Capabilities International ( CCI ) approached Keates to run the supply chain for them as general manager in Australia , as well as vice president of supply chain globally to help develop their base practice products .
It was through this work that Keates became involved with Hitachi
Consulting roughly 18 months ago before becoming director of supply chain just about seven months ago .
“ We had some good collaboration with Hitachi and I just enjoyed the culture ,” said Keates . “ What was really interesting is the massive size of Hitachi and being able to work with all of these interesting business units .
“ From the data systems teams to the ERP team and obviously the social innovation and technology teams , I
8 January 2016