Championing Women in Supply Chain Leadership

The supply chain industry is witnessing significant contributions from women leaders who are driving transformative changes and advancing operational excellence. Among these trailblazers is Regina Naicker, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in supply chain management and a passionate advocate for empowering women in logistics.

Regina Naicker: A Pioneering Force in Supply Chain Management

Regina Naicker has carved a niche for herself in the supply chain sector, with a career spanning over 20 years. Her expertise is deeply rooted in the energy sector and lubricants business, where she has operationalized local blending operations in Kenya and led bulk fuels terminal operations in Durban. Naicker's academic foundation in Transport Economics and Logistics has propelled her into leadership roles, including her past position as a Logistics Coordinator at Air BP.

Naicker's journey in supply chain has seen her manage high-risk environments such as the 24/7 Bulk Fuels Terminal at Island View, Durban. Her leadership style is characterized by a balance of assertiveness and approachability, focusing on building trust with her team. She emphasizes leading with clarity, respect, and consistency, principles that have guided her in roles such as Secondary Distribution and Optimisation Manager and Supply Chain Business Development Manager for Africa.

Her strategic initiatives include leading ERP upgrades and tank farm optimization, which have improved data accuracy and integration across supply chains. She also spearheaded a national warehouse consolidation project, centralizing warehousing in Durban and streamlining supply chain operations with real-time visibility. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, culminating in her promotion to Head of Business Development for Africa in 2022.

Advocating for Women in Supply Chain

Regina Naicker's advocacy for women in logistics is evident through her leadership roles in various initiatives. She is the G20 Empower Alliance Lead and serves on the advisory board at UNISA, where she champions leadership development for women. Her efforts also focus on increasing visibility for women in the supply chain sector, encouraging hands-on experience, and fostering a trusted professional network.

Naicker actively collaborates with local and international stakeholders to enhance logistics operations, managing ship-to-shore bulk transfers and focusing on training local teams. By operationalizing local blending operations and leading inbound logistics in South Africa, she has paved the way for future female leaders in the industry.

Recognizing Excellence: The Women in Supply Chain Award

The annual Women in Supply Chain award program, now in its sixth year, plays a pivotal role in recognizing the outstanding contributions of women in the supply chain industry. The award honors exemplary leadership and mentorship, celebrating female leaders who have made significant impacts in their roles.

This year's award ceremony is scheduled to take place from November 18-20, 2025, at the Women in Supply Chain Forum in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The forum celebrates female leaders and highlights their contributions to the industry. Notably, RXO leaders Heidi Ratti, Erica Knisely, and Jayme Clarke are among the recipients of this prestigious award.

Celebrating Leadership and Mentorship

Heidi Ratti, with over 18 years of experience, serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at RXO. Her efforts in workforce development and her leadership in human resources have earned her recognition. Erica Knisely, who oversees leadership effectiveness programs, brings over 25 years of experience. She has been instrumental in creating a volunteer community of facilitators, further enhancing leadership training and development.

Jayme Clarke has been acknowledged in the Rising Stars category, celebrating her potential and contributions to the supply chain field. The award program emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership, recognizing individuals who have made a significant difference in the industry.

The Women in Supply Chain Forum and award program continue to provide a platform for celebrating the achievements of female supply chain professionals. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring women leaders, encouraging them to pursue excellence and make their mark in the industry.