TOP SUPPLY CHAIN LEADERS 2023
Juan Carlos Parada
EVP Global Customer Operations Unilever
Graduating as an Electronics Engineer in Venezuela, Juan Carlos envisioned a career that would constantly challenge him, offer continued learning and excitement, and span the globe. His pursuit of a diverse and dynamic career led him to the world of supply chain and kindled a lifelong passion for supply chain transformation. Fast forward through three decades – that fire still burns bright! His story showcases a blend of determination and vision and today he leads Unilever’s Global Customer Operations to deliver an innovative, customer-centric agenda that is digitising and optimising the company’s complete end-to-end value chain, and even beyond.
Message to the Supply Chain Community
I feel incredibly humbled and honoured to be recognised amongst such a distinguished list of supply chain leaders – leaders who consistently innovate, redefine, and elevate our profession. However, this achievement isn’t exclusively mine; it stands as a testament to my team’s dedication and the exceptional contributions of my colleagues throughout the years – colleagues who’ve supported and guided me throughout my career. Without a doubt, this is a shared recognition and represents our collective accomplishments in delivering Unilever’s world-class supply chain.
We’re navigating a transformative era in Supply Chain. With the function destined to keep evolving, an extraordinary opportunity presents itself: the opportunity to amplify our strategic contributions and operational insights to create a competitive advantage for the business and win the preference of customers and consumers. The prospects ahead are exciting, we just need the courage to embrace them.
CASE STUDY
ONE SUPPLY CHAIN: rethinking traditional supply chain boundaries
“In 2022, one of their biggest customers challenged Unilever to improve fill rates to 98%. With multiple SKU’s and over 2000 stores across the market this was a complex task, and one that could only be achieved by leveraging technology, and fundamentally disrupting and advancing their partnership. With shared objectives and both parties eager to collaborate, the seeds of inspiration for ‘One Supply Chain’ were sown.”
