Forecast 2021: Advice for CFOs on supply chain diversification

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In our Forecast 2021 podcast series, we’re focused on preparing you for the year ahead by offering insights to help you better understand and manage some of the opportunities and challenges that your company might face—think policy, technology, and other big picture topics. 

This week we focus on the benefits of supply chain diversification. Heather Horn sat down with Kevin Keegan and Brian Houck, partners in PwC’s Strategy&, to discuss how to create trust and transparency for a resilient supply chain. 

Topics include:

• 1:01 - Supply chain resilience. Kevin provides an overview of the current supply chain landscape and what it means for companies to balance risk and cost, while focusing on eliminating single points of failures at the onsource. 
• 7:01 - Consumer-focused. Resource scarcity is impacting supply chains in the consumer-focused supply chain, and Brian encourages CFOs to utilize the peer group’s risk-sensing capabilities to stay ahead.
• 12:10 - A trusted supply chain. Reliability, security and honesty - these are value-added factors needed to diversify your supply chain. Our guests explain how to achieve trust and transparency.
• 18:49 - Supply chain investment. The investor community has been very public on its desire for supply chain accountability. Focus your investment on risk, resiliency, and demand planning.  
• 25:55 - The role of the CFO. There are both strategic and tactical ways to take a look at your operating and business models. In a consumer-focused supply chain, companies can create a new and unique experience for their customers. 
• 32:05 - Best practices and takeaways. Kevin and Brian encourage the c-suite to work together to understand the financial- and customer-facing risks in their supply chain. Position yourself for success by allowing your supply chain to serve your customers.

Want to learn more? Read Study findings: Connected and autonomous supply chain ecosystems 2025, and listen to our Podcast: What's next? How finance can help reimagine the supply chain.

Kevin Keegan is a partner in PwC’s strategy consulting business working to improve business operations for the benefit of both current and future stakeholders. Kevin assists business leaders think through practical approaches to remove costs that are invasive to value and identify and firmly root new types of operating models that enhance growth.

Brian Houck is a partner with over 25 years of supply chain experience in both consulting and industry. He has worked across the end-to-end consumer value chain with deep experience in retail, distribution/wholesale, and consumer packaged goods clients. Brian supports his clients to achieve growth and profitability objectives, through transforming their operations through better strategies, processes, and technologies.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters.

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