Isabelle Pinto has been Managing Director in our Paris office since January. With over 25 years of experience in procurement transformation, she brings a wealth of expertise to KGM Strategy. In this interview, Isabelle discusses her journey to KGM Strategy, her vision for the Paris office, and key priorities for the future of procurement.
Can you briefly describe your career and how it led you to KGM Strategy?
I began my career as an engineer, where my early work in coding sparked a lasting interest in technology and its potential to enhance business performance. This foundation has been key in my roles in supply chain and procurement. My journey led me to Capgemini, where I played a pivotal role in establishing a groupwide procurement division and gained extensive international experience in Procurement Transformation & Outsourcing, including significant stints in Montreal and London. During this time, I spearheaded the transformation of a CAC 40 group’s procurement function and quickly earned a place on the executive committee. After 16 years at PwC, where I established the procurement consulting practice and was leading Inclusion & Diversity at PwC Excom, I joined KGM Strategy to continue driving impactful change in procurement transformation.
Why did you choose KGM Strategy?
I chose KGM Strategy for the opportunity to build a consulting practice in France that closely collaborates with top management. KGM Strategy’s focus on high-impact transformations, especially in procurement, aligns with my goals. The firm’s strong people values, successful track record, and clear vision resonated with me. Additionally, KGM Strategy’s diverse yet close-knit culture, where individuality is truly valued, made it the ideal choice for the next step in my career.
How did you experience your first months? Have your expectations been met?
My first months at KGM Strategy have been incredibly positive. I was warmly welcomed by the Managing Directors and teams, making my transition smooth. The atmosphere is welcoming and highly respectful of our diverse consulting approaches, fostering a collaborative environment. I’ve also been impressed by the high standards across the organization and the strong culture of mutual support, particularly in international collaboration, where teams work effectively despite geographical distances.
Which topics do you particularly want to push?
I believe procurement should focus on delivering economic value rather than just optimizing organization, processes, or tools. This approach is essential for procurement to influence executive decisions and play a strategic role in the company. I’m also committed to advancing our expertise in transforming procurement functions and developing niche capabilities, especially in industrial relocation, which is increasingly vital for optimizing supply chains and enhancing resilience.
How do you want to develop the Paris office?
I aim to establish the Paris office as the leading procurement consultancy in France. To achieve this, we need our consultants to develop multidisciplinary skills beyond financial performance, offering expertise in areas like CSR, organizational development, risk management, and AI integration. By expanding in these areas, we can provide holistic solutions that address our clients’ biggest challenges and position KGM Strategy France as a trusted market leader.
What are the biggest challenges for French companies at the moment?
French companies are facing three key challenges:
- Economic Performance: High inflation demands strict cost control and profitability management.
- Geopolitical Stability: Securing supply chains, especially in critical sectors like healthcare, is increasingly difficult.
- Decarbonization: The shift to a greener economy pressures companies to reduce their environmental impact.
France’s reshoring efforts, driven by significant projects and investments, offer both challenges and opportunities for procurement functions to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.
What role do digitalization topics and GenAI play in their procurement?
Digitalization is the foundation of any procurement function. Without the right tools and access to accurate data, procurement teams simply cannot operate effectively. In today’s environment, where regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, companies must adapt quickly, and digital solutions are crucial in enabling this adaptation. Generative AI (GenAI) is poised to play a significant role in enhancing operational performance within procurement. It has the potential to streamline processes such as generating and sending out RFPs, comparing responses, cleaning data, and conducting market studies. By automating these tasks, GenAI can help procurement teams work more efficiently and focus on higher-value activities.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy cultural activities like music, theater, and playing the piano, while also staying active through dance and swimming. I love traveling with my children; this year, we had the unforgettable experience of exploring Iceland together. We also attended the Olympic Games in Paris to watch basketball as a family, which was absolutely thrilling.
On a trip to Paris, what should definitely be on our “bucket list”?
If you’re in Paris, don’t miss a concert at Sainte-Chapelle, where Gothic architecture meets beautiful music. Take a peaceful stroll through Jardin du Luxembourg, and for something unique, explore the Catacombs on a guided tour for an unforgettable dive into Paris’s underground history.
- AI in Procurement: How GenAI cuts through the complexity
- Experts on AI: Melih Yener (BCGX)
- Generative AI in the Healthcare Sector: Unveiling New Opportunities
- Pick up speed: Optimizing indirect spend with GenAI
- Untapped potential for Private Equity: From barriers to breakthroughs – Unleashing GenAI across portfolios
- KGM Strategy Office Paris: Interview with Isabelle Pinto Carradine
Fill out the contact form to receive the magazine issue. You will then receive the entire issue by e-mail.
// Preview | Table of contents & editorial