Bob Stewart Joins FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council

Bob Stewart, a former leader in McDonald's supply chain operations, has joined the Strategic Advisory Council of FourKites, an AI-driven logistics company. Stewart brings with him three decades of experience in managing and transforming supply chain operations.

Extensive Experience in Supply Chain Management

Stewart's background includes managing the supply chain for over 15,000 McDonald's restaurants globally. His tenure at McDonald's was marked by significant digital transformation initiatives, focusing on AI-powered automation to enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience. Stewart's expertise is expected to provide valuable insights into product innovation at FourKites, a company known for its AI-driven logistics solutions.

Role in Advisory Council and Industry Events

As part of FourKites' Strategic Advisory Council, Stewart joins other seasoned supply chain executives to guide the company's direction in product development and strategic initiatives. His role will also involve leading discussions and panels at industry events, such as the upcoming Summit 2025. Scheduled to take place in Chicago on August 26-27, 2025, the summit will focus on transforming supply chains into collaborative systems through AI and digital twin technologies.

AI Integration and the Future of Supply Chains

The integration of AI in supply chains is increasingly seen as critical for achieving operational agility and resilience. FourKites leverages AI agents to autonomously prevent disruptions, utilizing network data combined with digital twins. This approach aligns with the broader industry trend, where Western firms are building competitive advantages around AI-driven agility.

The concept of using AI as a control layer for global logistics is gaining traction, with predictive analytics being a key application. However, technical integration requires strategic narrative management, as narratives significantly impact AI adoption decisions. The struggle for narrative leadership in AI dominance is evident, with future supply chains depending on effective narrative control.

Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives

As the supply chain industry evolves, sustainability remains a focal point. Stewart's involvement with the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) and Catalyst 2030 for the SDG 2030 highlights the growing emphasis on sustainable supply chain innovation. His recognition as a thought leader in supply chain and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues underscores the importance of integrating these elements into strategic supply chain planning.

Looking ahead, the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) has identified the top 10 supply chain trends for 2024, emphasizing sustainable innovation. The year 2026 is anticipated to be marked as the "Age of the AI supply chain," with AI playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of global logistics.