Former Supply Chain Leader Joins Advisory Council for Sustainable Innovation

A prominent figure in supply chain management, Vineet, has joined an advisory council focusing on sustainable supply chain innovation. Known for his extensive experience in strategy and digital transformation, Vineet brings a wealth of expertise to the council, which includes seasoned supply chain executives.

Background in Supply Chain and Sustainability

Vineet has a distinguished history of managing end-to-end supply chain operations and is recognized as a thought leader in supply chain and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. He co-chaired the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) and played a significant role in combining supply chain data with digital twins, a concept that enhances modeling and predictive capabilities in supply chains.

Active in Catalyst 2030 for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030, Vineet focuses on innovation, talent, and transformation. His efforts are particularly aimed at preparing supply chain leaders for AI literacy, bridging the gap between supply chain leaders and the C-suite, and emphasizing the importance of wider supplier bases to enhance supplier-led innovation.

Research and Organizational Climate

A study published in the Journal of Supply Chain Management highlights the importance of an organizational climate that encourages learning and sharing. Strong social support within organizations is seen as a driver for innovative outcomes, with supplier-led innovation requiring a supportive internal climate. Risk-taking and collaboration are considered essential for fostering innovation within supply chains.

Collaboration, while supportive of innovation, is not sufficient on its own. Learning climates enhance the effectiveness of supplier collaboration. Psychological safety is identified as a key factor for positive team dynamics, with a focus on supplier engagement for innovation. Training employees for supplier collaboration and facilitating cross-functional department collaboration are also deemed crucial.

Collaborative Partnerships and Innovation

Collaborative partnerships are highlighted as a means to enhance supply chain innovation. Psychological safety is seen as fostering a supportive organizational climate, essential for encouraging creativity and risk-taking. Cross-functional collaboration is emphasized as an essential component in achieving supplier-led innovation, which depends on a supportive climate.

Research by Seongtae Kim on supply chain sustainability, Byung Gak Son's studies on supply network governance, and Nachiappan Subramanian's focus on resilience and innovation contribute to the understanding of sustainable innovation within supply chains.

Recent Appointments and Leadership Changes

In a related development, Gary Guo has been appointed as the Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer, effective November 18, 2025. Guo will report to CEO Dave Regnery and oversee the global integrated supply chain. He brings experience from leading organizations such as Coca-Cola, 3M, Amazon, and Alibaba. At Coca-Cola, Guo led global supply chain strategies, managing over 200 bottling partners and overseeing 900 manufacturing sites. He holds a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and succeeds Ray Pittard, who served for 36 years.

These leadership changes and the emphasis on sustainable innovation underscore a broader industry trend toward integrating sustainability within supply chains, preparing organizations to meet future challenges and opportunities.