John Cheetham

Background

About John Cheetham

Supply Chain, R&D and Procurement leader with goal breaking track record, including team achieving Dole’s highest EBIT in its 170-year history. Deep knowledge in strategic sourcing. LEADERSHIP STYLE Inspirational, strategic hands on people focused leader consistently over-achieving top line growth and bottom-line performance metrics through high-performance, energized teams in public, private-equity and high growth startup environments. Continuously attracts and develops talent, builds teams and cultures who are engaged in achieving aligned goals by setting clear accountability. COLLABORATOR Problem solver who creates alignment and collaboration across the enterprise. Track record of leading strategic supplier relationships, joint innovation & capacity creation projects, cross-functional partnering in dynamic global CPG environments. Excellent analytical, negotiation skills and leadership competencies. SPECIALTIES -Joint value creation through strategic partnerships -Building teams with credibility, integrity, rigor and drive -Sourcing Strategies -Contract manufacturing (co-packing) capacity, productivity, quality, innovation -Supplier Innovation -Cost savings and margin optimization -Process continuous improvement -Supplier Relationship Management -Risk Management -Resilience (supply mitigation) planning -Driving continuous improvement projects, consensus, cross functional alignment, including Process/RACI, Lean -Sustainable sourcing -Building long term contracts encompassing complex supply, financing and legal structures -Strategic negotiations -Supplier relationship management programs -Procurement Operations (Service, Quality, Working Capital management)-Project Management -R&D Product Development (Leaf Tea Blends)-Business & Sustainability PR and public speaking (have guest lectured at Harvard, Yale, Colombia and Fordham Business Schools)-Start-up support -Make vs Buy -Executive leadership -People leader -International: managing overseas reports, mentoring, coaching -Leveraging IT and AI for value, service improvement -Transformation -Trained over 50 buyers in negotiation, supplier influencing & communication expertise -Strong IT skills including Excel, optimization modelling, supplier portal design and ERP evaluation -Trained in motivational communication and in media communication Formerly served as Chairman of the Tea Association of the U.S.A. and Vice Chairman of Tea Association of Canada. Have lived/worked in Europe, Asia and Americas Fluent in English, Spanish & Portuguese.