The 13th European Round Table was held from 21st to 23rd June 2006 in Divonne, France. It was devoted to Purchasing Contribution to Business Excellence.

The EIPM was pleased to welcome 28 Chief Purchasing Officers from 26 companies from all over the Europe.

A distinguished body of speakers included Mr Jean François Baril from NOKIA, Mr Gerard Bos from HOLCIM, Mr Giovanni Corbetta from PIRELLI, Mr Marcello Di Benedetto from CHEP , Mrs Lydia Nagel from European Foundation for Quality and Management, Mr Bernard Gracia – the Director of the European Institute of Purchasing Management.

In order to optimise exchange among participants, a number of workshops were organised on the following themes:


22nd June 2006:

Group 1 – What shall excellent company leaders develop and facilitate to achieve a Purchasing culture in the company?

Group 2 – How shall Excellent Organisations define and implement their Policies and Strategies to leverage Purchasing contribution towards meeting stakeholder expectations?

Group 3 - How shall Excellent Organization manage and develop their people to release the full potential for Purchasing contribution?
 

23rd June 2006:
 

Of course, the limited time did not allow the full complexity of such issues to be covered, but the proposition was to exchange opinions in the high-level debates, to share experience in a secure environment and seek solutions.

It is encouraging to know that, according to the opinions of most participants the Round Table is becoming the most important event in the agenda of European Purchasing VPs.

Companies presented were: