This event took place on April 15, 2021.
Read about it on Linkedin here
Leading Global Supply Chain
A live virtual discussion with Bob Stewart, Corporate Vice President, Global Supply Chain
April 15th, 3:30 PM
Who ensures no McDonald’s runs out of burgers or French fries? How can that be done across 38,000 worldwide locations in over 100 countries, 93% of which are not owned by McDonald’s?
Bob Stewart, Corporate Vice President, Global Supply Chain, leads that role. A proud 26 year McDonald’s veteran, he leads the Global Strategic Sourcing Food team responsible for overseeing $24 billion in food & beverage spend.
Also under Bob’s leadership is the Global Supply Chain Digitalization team. With Digital’s Vision 2025 work underway, McDonald’s is quickly becoming the world’s leading digitally enabled supply chain connecting customers with food they love and trust.
Mr. Stewart is a guest at our Finance for Marketing class. The fireside chat will be moderated by George Benaroya, VP Finance, Global Controller & CFO. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance to george.benaroya@nyu.edu.
Agenda:
I. Mr. Stewart, the business leader
II. Bob, the person
Questions to the speaker
Please email them in advance to george.benaroya@nyu.edu. A selection will be used.
Sample of questions received
How does McDonald’s pick vendors to supply their food? Is there a certain level of ethics involved or rigorous process to get it right?
How much stress or pressure is it to completely digitize a supply chain? Are there any unexpected hurdles you faced?
Do different currencies and global supply chain vendors make it difficult to digitize the supply chain?
You majored in Marine Transportation, what was your take on the Suez Canal blockage and how do you think transportation of goods will change in the next 5-10 years?
Do some countries have better qualities than others? How is uniformity achieved for the products across the globe?
Different countries have unique versions of the “FDA”, how does that affect the quality of ingredients and supply vendors?
Can you share an example of a crisis you experienced in the Global Supply Chain and how did you solve it?
What is your vision for fast food in the global food industry in the next 5 years, is there any unexpecting variation after the pandemic?
Is there anything, in particular, that affects your supply chain right now?
How can you increase supply chain revenue at a good growth rate every year?
I believe that McDonald’s has already established a sophisticated supply chain management system a long time ago, when everything becomes digital and automatic, will you concern that there will be fewer opportunities?
As a VP in a leading company, what are your tips on ensuring a good work-life balance? What are some key tips you’d offer your juniors when they are ready to embark on a new professional life?
We’d love to know about the time you’d work extensively to improve the process, i.e. with specifics to the digital strategy and supply chain management?
How do you ensure maintaining good relations with suppliers here and abroad?
According to you, what are the most important qualities required to manage the supply chain process?
How do you feel working for the same company for more than 26 years?
What goal do you want to eventually reach towards the end of your career?
About the series
These talks are offered as part of the Leading Global Growth series from NYU’s School of Professional Studies, and managed in coordination with NYU SPS Integrated Marketing & Communications, within the Division of Programs in Business.