About

The Procurement & Supply Chain Leaders Podcast is dedicated to helping senior Procurement and Supply Chain senior leaders and executives drive impact and scale their organizations more effectively. If you want to learn proven best practices from peers in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, this podcast is for you.

Each episode features an interview with a senior Procurement or Supply Chain leader or an industry thought leader, covering topics such as:

How to define and execute a winning procurement and supply chain strategy
How to optimize supplier management and unlock additional value
How to manage cost pressure while increasing resilience and performance
How to attract, develop, and retain top talent in Procurement and Supply Chain
How to build credibility and influence by establishing yourself as a thought leader

July 4, 2026

Ep. 11- From Static to Strategic: The Evolution of Category Management in Modern Procurement - with Detlef Schultz

Is your procurement strategy stuck in the past? Discover how to transform category management and drive real strategic impact.

In this episode, Richard McIntosh speaks with Detlef Schultz, award-winning procurement leader and co-founder of akirolabs, about the evolution of category management. Drawing from his vast experience as former CEO and current Board Chairperson of Vodafone Procurement Company, Detlef explains how procurement can shift from cost-cutting to strategic value creation. He shares insights on using data and technology to drive dynamic, scenario-driven strategies that meet the demands of today’s business environment.

You’ll learn:

1. Why traditional category management models no longer fit the needs of modern businesses
2. How data and AI can transform procurement into a strategic powerhouse
3. The crucial role of procurement in driving value beyond cost savings
4. How to transition from static categories to dynamic, scenario-based procurement strategies

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Get in touch with Detlef Schultz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detlef-schultz-74a6409/

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Details about akirolabs:
Website: https://akirolabs.com/
Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting
Company size: 11-50 employees
Headquarters: Berlin
Founded: 2021

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About the host Richard McIntosh:
Richard McIntosh, Partner at H&Z Management Consulting, has spent over 23 years helping procurement leaders succeed. Richard is an avid rugby fan, and a children's rugby coach, with a passion for helping children to become their best selves through sports. He spends his time outside of work with his wife and children.

Get in touch with Richard McIntosh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcintosh-richard/