CPO Crunch: Building for the next crisis - Procurement Leaders

CPO Crunch: Building for the next crisis By David Rae 22 June 2026 While the US and Iran have reached a deal, CPOs will continue to deal with the impact of the Gulf conflict ​Commodities traders were quick to react to the news that the US and Iran had agreed a framework peace deal last week, with Brent crude futures tumbling to less than $80/barrel – their lowest price since the conflict started in February. But while the markets moved quickly at the prospect of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, I suspect the reaction in many boardrooms and among CPOs was more muted. If conversations with Procurement Leaders members over the past few months are any indication, leaders understand that this agreement does not mark the end of the crisis – more the catalyst for future change. During our reactive calls to support the community, Procurement Leaders members have been quick to point out that the effects of recent events will linger for months – or even years – to come, as the knock-on effects of the conflict impact different parts of the value chain. It was a phenomenon we saw five years ago as the Covid-19 pandemic came to an end and again following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Now it seems almost certain that another wave will hit the function over the coming months. We’ve discussed the challenge of structural uncertainty – that is, the idea disruption is now constant and volatility the norm –  both in a previous Crunch  and at last month’s  World Procurement Congress with three CPOs: Etihad’s Cassie Mackie ( pictured above ), BAT’s Carel Aucamp and Nestlé’s Jacob Nielsen. Speaking to delegates on stage in London, Jacob warned of the risk of rising energy, jet fuel and packaging costs, adding that increased fertiliser costs could cause the price of goods such as coffee to increase to heights last seen around 18 months ago. As he put it, leaders must continue to “ride the wave” and double down on demonstrating the value of procurement to the business. “There’s nothing like a crisis to get things done,” he added. But it was Etihad’s Mackie who summed it up best during her keynote. She advised attendees to “build for the next crisis, not the last one”. What form that next crisis will take or when it will occur is, of course, unclear, but in this age of structural uncertainty, the only way for CPOs to prepare adequately is to ensure they build resilience into the fabric of their function. To receive weekly insights from the Procurement Leaders community, sign up to the  CPO Crunch  newsletter using the link at the top of this page . The CPO Crunch Inspiring CPO community insights – straight from the source into your inbox. Subscribe to your CPO newsletter: Thanks for subscribing to the CPO Crunch newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for your first one. More insights Being a CPO: Probably the best job in the world READ MORE Research – Beyond centre-led: The future of procurement operating models READ MORE World Procurement Congress 2024: We’re only just getting started READ MORE Thought leader: How to get early supplier involvement right READ MORE Procurement – much more than a job READ MORE CPO Crunch: The procurement culture club READ MORE New research: supply chain transparency – enabling insights into the invisible READ MORE CPO Crunch: A rewarding time READ MORE CPO Crunch: Hydrogen making its mark READ MORE CPO Crunch: Looking back on the ‘year of AI’ READ MORE 2024 planning: Supporting growth by expanding strategic procurement and optimising operating models READ MORE Research: Purpose-driven procurement: Entering an age of holistic value READ MORE Research: High-velocity procurement READ MORE Can brands save profits without squeezing suppliers? READ MORE Next generation category management READ MORE CPO Crunch: Cause for (cautious) optimism READ MORE CPO Crunch: Putting procurement at the heart of rapid investment READ MORE CPO Crunch: Communication key to cyber response READ MORE CPO Crunch: Reserving judgement on the balance between automation and human input READ MORE