Michael van Keulen is one of the most recognisable figures in the world of procurement and sourcing, currently serving as the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) at Coupa Software. Coupa, a leading global technology platform for Total Spend Management, has benefited from van Keulen's expertise and since joining during the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 . His role at Coupa has placed him at the forefront of transforming how businesses around the world manage their spending and procurement processes.

Driving Innovation 

Michael van Keulen, often referred to as "MvK," brings a wide range of experience to the role, having served in various leadership positions that honed his skills in procurement and supply chain management. His career spans over two decades, during which he has built a reputation for driving innovation, efficiency, and value in procurement functions.

Before taking on his role at Coupa, van Keulen served as the CPO at Lululemon Athletica, where he was instrumental in transforming the company's procurement strategy. At Lululemon, he focused on building a high-performing procurement team, implementing best-in-class procurement practices, and leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency. His tenure at Lululemon highlighted his ability to blend strategic vision with practical execution, resulting in significant cost savings and process improvements.

“At Lululemon we were going through high growth, but we had no procurement and no supply chain. And that's really when we build the procurement muscle, build a team, and build governance,” he says.

Strategic Vision at Coupa

Since joining Coupa, Michael has been a pivotal figure in advancing the company's mission to empower businesses to achieve smarter spend management. His strategic vision emphasises the importance of using people, process and technology to drive procurement transformation.

Michael is a supporter of a holistic approach to procurement, where technology and human expertise converge to create a more efficient and effective procurement process. He believes that procurement should not be viewed merely as a cost-saving function but as a strategic enabler that can drive business growth and competitive advantage. 

“When we think about surviving all these external business challenges, we must be able to move quickly and decisively with a high level of confidence to optimise the opportunities that we have no matter what the external environment is,” he says. “You have two choices. Either you don't invest and just let that environment impact your business, or you start to think about what the art of possible is.”

Thought Leadership and Industry Impact

Michael is widely recognised as a thought leader in the procurement and supply chain management community. He frequently shares his insights through industry conferences, webinars, and publications. His thought leadership covers a range of topics, including digital transformation in procurement, the role of AI and ML in spend management, and the importance of sustainability and ethical sourcing in the supply chain.

One of his key messages is the need for procurement to adapt to the rapidly changing business environment. He emphasises that agility, innovation, and continuous improvement are essential for procurement functions to stay relevant and add value. 

Lessons in Procurement 

As a widely recognised and regarded industry leader, Michael is open with his advice to professionals building a career in procurement and supply chain management.  

“I love this profession. I think procurement is the coolest thing on the planet today. And I've been saying this for a long time and I thought where better to evangelise the profession I love than at Coupa,” he says.  

His advice for those wanting to assume leadership positions is to be prepared to deal with the challenges the profession can bring.  

“I think the most important thing in my opinion is do not be afraid to get some scars along the way,” he says, recognising how this has allowed him to build character and resilience.

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