Supply Chain Management Industry Association Makes Changes to Board

At this year’s AGM held on Friday 12 April, SAPICS members elected two seasoned supply chain professionals onto its Board for a three year term.  Martin Bailey and Mike Johnston fill the two vacancies left by the retirement of Ken Titmuss and resignation of Colin Seftel.

Colin will remain actively involved with SAPICS and is an International Director of APICS in the USA.  Ken, who has been on the SAPICS board for over 18 years in various capacities, including President, will continue to serve SAPICS in the Education field with particular focus on education content, delivery and the development and sustainability of the instructor base.

Martin Bailey, a director of CILTSA, is a professional engineer who is regarded as one of the leading materials handling and distribution experts, started his career in academia and continues to lead a supply chain consulting business.  Mike Johnston started his career in the transport services sector and has been consulting in the logistics and supply chain field for many years. Mike has also led the Southern African Roundtable of the CSCMP since inception.

“The direct involvement of Martin and Mike on the SAPICS Board signals our clear intention to broaden SAPICS to be a truly representative professional body, worthy of being referred to as ‘your supply chain network’.  These experienced supply chain professionals bring expertise and networks that complement those of SAPICS and will assist us to build an even stronger and more aligned profession” says Cobus Rossouw – who was elected by the Board as the new President of SAPICS.

The Board unanimously agreed to invite two further directors, both of whom have accepted the appointment.   SAPICS is delighted to welcome David Goldschmidt, an education specialist and SAPICS Authorised Education Provider based in Cape Town; and Kea Mpane, a senior supply chain executive at a State Owned Enterprise to the board.  They will both contribute to the skills base and representation of the SAPICS Board.

During the AGM, Liezl Smith, the outgoing president, presented the SAPICS Annual Report for 2012.  “It was another highly successful year with significant growth of the network and supply chain community.  The varied and plentiful professional development events and quality conferences organised by SAPICS have helped to facilitate this growth.  We are also proud of the expansion of education of supply chain professionals throughout the year” she commented.  Liezl will continue to serve as a SAPICS Director and member of the Executive Committee.  She will also continue to play an important role in the Education Strategy of SAPICS.

Cobus Rossouw announced during the AGM that SAPICS will be increasing its focus on the development of supply chain educators – people who are integral to the skills development across the profession.  Terry O’Donoghue, retired SVP of Toyota SA, who also serves on the SAPICS Board, further supported this by commenting that “this will also provide an exceptional opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute towards skills development in coaching and mentoring roles”.

SAPICS also formally recognised the loss of a valued colleague and SAPICS director and educator, Reuben Badana.  Following a battle with illness Reuben passed away earlier this year – a loss which has again highlighted the need for the development of quality well trained educators in the supply chain profession.   Reuben’s commitment to the education of the profession will be honoured by SAPICS with the newly established Reuben Badana Bursary which will assist deserving students to become certified as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Certified in Production & Inventory Management (CPIM).

SAPICS will be recognising the value and successes of supply chain education at the Supply Chain Management Education Excellence awards to be held on the 9^th May 2013 as well as encouraging the exchange of supply chain knowledge at the 35^th Annual SAPICS Conference which is taking place at Sun City from 2 – 4 June 2013.