Women in Supply Chain Leadership

The landscape of supply chain leadership is undergoing a transformation. Women, once significantly underrepresented in the field, are steadily making their mark, challenging stereotypes and contributing to a brighter, more equitable future for the industry. But why does this matter, and what can be done to ensure continued progress? Let’s explore these questions while celebrating the strides women have made in supply chain leadership.

Why Are We Still Talking About This?

Despite progress, gender parity in supply chain leadership remains elusive. The industry, traditionally male-dominated, has long been associated with physical labour, logistics, and operational challenges. A legacy that has contributed to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.

Another important element recently emerged at a Women in Supply Chain round table, which took place in Montreux (CH) two weeks ago at the event LogiPharma Connect 4.0. Allegedly, one of the issues is that the way job descriptions for Supply Chain leadership roles are drafted, strongly references an engineering and manufacturing background. Areas that have also traditionally been male-dominated. Therefore, while in recent years new attention and tools emerged to address the verbiage itself in job descriptions, the referenced required background still somehow represents a barrier.

The conversation is more relevant than ever today, and far from being just about fairness. It is about unlocking untapped potential. Studies have shown that diverse leadership teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and deliver stronger financial performance. So, addressing this imbalance isn’t merely a social imperative; it’s an economic opportunity waiting to be harnessed.

A Brief Historical Excursus

The journey of women in supply chain leadership has been marked by resilience. Decades ago, women entering the supply chain workforce faced significant hurdles, from gender biases to limited opportunities for advancement.

The advent of globalisation and technological advancements began shifting this dynamic. Companies recognised the need for diverse perspectives to tackle complex supply chain challenges. In recent years, women have risen to prominent positions, proving that they not only belong in the supply chain but also excel in steering its future. Yet, barriers remain, and bridging the gap requires sustained effort.

Today, C-level positions (in Supply Chain and beyond) covered by women is no longer an utopia. And yet, the stats are merciless:

Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs): Women hold approximately 13% of CSCO positions globally, with variations across sectors; for instance, industrial companies have about 16%, while consumer companies are at 7%. (Source)
Overall Leadership Roles: Women comprise about 19% of senior leadership roles such as CSCOs, SVPs, EVPs, and CPOs. In contrast, women represent 34% of first-line managers and supervisors, 30% of senior managers, and 28% of directors (Source)
C-Suite Representation: On average, women make up about 28% of executives in C-suite roles across the supply chain sector (Source)

Fixing the Gender Gap in Supply Chain: An Economic and Social Opportunity

The gender gap in supply chain leadership is more than just a statistic; it represents a missed opportunity for growth and innovation. Addressing this gap can yield substantial benefits:

Improved Performance: Diverse teams have been shown to outperform homogeneous ones, with studies highlighting up to a 21% increase in profitability in diverse companies.
Enhanced Innovation: Women bring fresh perspectives, often resulting in innovative solutions to complex problems.
Social Equity: Gender parity contributes to a more equitable society, setting an example for other industries.

To close the gap, organisations must foster inclusive environments, provide leadership training, and actively seek diverse candidates for senior roles.

The Role of Men in Addressing an Actual Issue

Breaking barriers for women in supply chain leadership isn’t a battle they can—or should—fight alone. Men play a pivotal role in dismantling systemic biases and fostering inclusion.

Male leaders can act as allies by:

Sponsoring Talent: Advocating for deserving female colleagues and promoting their advancement.
Challenging Norms: Questioning outdated practices and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality.
Creating Opportunities: Establishing mentorship and leadership programmes specifically aimed at developing female talent.

You can only crack a broken system from within. When men and women work together towards equality, the entire industry benefits.

Oh, and one more thing… Traditionally, a dichotomy existed between family and career. To a great extent that still applies, and alas social conventions somehow implicitly often force women to give up shooting careers in favour of their home and family. So the questions are: are we ready to challenge these conventions? And, if so, are man ready to SURGE to the role of the heart of the home? Are we all ready to question our priorities?

Making It Real: The Business Case Corner

Four remarkable women have demonstrated how female leadership in the supply chain drives tangible business success.

1. Annette Clayton – CEO and President, Schneider Electric North America

Annette Clayton’s leadership at Schneider Electric has been instrumental in streamlining operations while championing sustainability. Under her guidance, the company achieved a 15% reduction in supply chain costs through optimised logistics and energy-efficient practices. Her advocacy for diversity has also fostered a 30% increase in women employees across the company’s supply chain functions.

2. Magali Anderson – Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer, Holcim

Magali Anderson leads sustainability initiatives in the global cement industry, traditionally dominated by men. Her efforts have resulted in a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions across Holcim’s supply chain, proving that innovative, sustainable solutions are achievable with diverse leadership. Anderson’s ability to integrate sustainability into supply chain strategies has set industry benchmarks.

3. Beth Ford – CEO, Land O’Lakes

Beth Ford made history as the first openly gay woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Under her stewardship, Land O’Lakes has revolutionised its agricultural supply chain by incorporating digital tools. Her leadership has driven a 20% increase in operational efficiency and boosted revenue through better supply chain transparency.

4. Melanie Kreis – Chief Financial Officer, Deutsche Post DHL Group

Melanie Kreis has transformed DHL’s financial operations with a sharp focus on supply chain resilience. During her tenure, the company reported a 12% revenue growth in logistics services, driven by her strategic investments in digitalisation and workforce diversity. Her contributions highlight the critical role of diverse perspectives in financial and operational decision-making.

Taking It All Home…

Supply chain leadership is no longer confined to managing day-to-day operations; it has become a cornerstone of strategic business success. Leaders who excel in this domain do more than streamline costs and processes—they drive resilience, sustainability, and innovation across the organisation.

The ability to align supply chain strategy with broader business goals, tackle modern challenges such as digital transformation and risk mitigation, and foster talent development is essential for long-term industry leadership. Successful supply chain leaders understand the need to adapt, innovate, and inspire their teams to navigate the complexities of today’s interconnected world.

And you, how confident are you in your supply chain leadership approach, especially when it come to gender bias? Are you equipped to tackle the intricate challenges of global and diverse supply chain management? Do you have the leadership skills, technological infrastructure, and forward-thinking workforce necessary to future-proof your supply chain strategy, with an eye on a truly diverse and inclusive workforce?

Addressing these questions is pivotal to your journey toward sustained success in supply chain management. Contact us today to discover how The Wolf Practice can support you in building a more diverse, resilient, sustainable, and competitive supply chain. By embracing strategic leadership, you won’t just meet today’s challenges: you’ll create lasting opportunities for a thriving, ethical future.