How is Artificial Intelligence transforming procurement, and what does it take to succeed in one of the world's most dynamic industries? In this episode of CPO Perspective, Richard Beaumont sits down with Sachin Kotecha, Head of Procurement at The Jockey Club, for an insightful conversation on the future of procurement, supply chain management, leadership, and innovation. Sachin shares his unique career journey into procurement, explaining how the profession has evolved from a back-office function into a strategic driver of business success. Together, they explore the fast-paced world of sports procurement, where stakeholder expectations, event delivery, and operational excellence all play a critical role. The discussion dives into the growing impact of AI and digital technologies on procurement, highlighting how automation and data analytics are helping professionals make smarter decisions while reinforcing that technology should enhance—not replace—the human relationships that sit at the heart of successful procurement. Sachin also explains why balancing cost savings with long-term value creation is essential, how procurement teams can build stronger partnerships across an organisation, and why leadership, transparency, and quality data are becoming increasingly important in today's business landscape. Whether you're an experienced procurement professional, a supply chain leader, a business executive, or someone considering a career in procurement, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and valuable lessons on navigating change in an increasingly digital world. Sachin also shares his advice for newcomers to the profession, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, networking, curiosity, and finding a genuine passion for procurement. In this episode, you'll discover:• Sachin Kotecha's journey into procurement and supply chain• The unique challenges of procurement in the sports industry• How AI is transforming procurement and strategic sourcing• Why stakeholder management is key to procurement success• The importance of balancing cost, quality, and long-term value• How data and technology are shaping modern procurement decisions• Leadership lessons for procurement professionals• Career advice for anyone looking to enter the procurement industry Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Procurement Journey02:59 – Career Path and Experiences in Procurement06:09 – The Unique Aspects of Procurement in Sports09:00 – Excitement and Challenges in Modern Procurement11:47 – Balancing Cost, Value, and Stakeholder Expectations15:04 – The Role of Data and Leadership in Procurement17:59 – Technology and Human Interaction in Procurement21:08 – Advice for Newcomers in Procurement If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more interviews with industry leaders, procurement experts, and supply chain professionals on CPA Perspective. #Procurement #SupplyChain #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ProcurementLeadership #SupplyChainManagement #SportsBusiness #TheJockeyClub #DigitalTransformation #StakeholderManagement #CareerDevelopment #CPAPerspectiveIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe to CPO Perspective for more honest conversations with procurement leaders navigating complexity, change, and the evolving role of the profession. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Richard and The CPO Perspective podcast team Connect with Richard Beaumont on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardbeaumontVisit the Beaumont Procurement website here: https://beaumontprocurement.com #thecpoperspective #richardbeaumont #procurementleadership #cpo #procurementjudgement #decisionmaking #strategicprocurement #procurementtransformation #chiefprocurementofficer #supplychainleadership #procurementstrategy #aiinprocurement #procurementprofessionals #businessleadership #influenceatwork Procurement has never had better tools, data, or analysis — yet when decisions are challenged, the hardest part is rarely technical. The CPO Perspective explores what actually separates high-performing procurement teams from the rest: judgement, influence, and the ability to make decisions that hold up under real scrutiny. Hosted by Richard Beaumont — former Army Officer, McKinsey consultant, and Chief Procurement Officer — this podcast is for procurement professionals who want to move beyond operational efficiency and build the kind of credibility, leadership, and ownership that earns genuine board-level trust.
