MICHAEL VAN KEULEN
COUPA
As well as knowing how finance is the engine-room of a successfully running business , Michael also appreciates the ultra-competitive nature of an environment like retail .
“ Retail can be ruthless . You can just look at the history books , how many retailers were flying high and ultimately didn ’ t make it ,” he adds . “ We always said ‘ retail is detail ’, and it taught me a lot around fact-based decision making , to really drive optimal outcomes by taking away the emotions and optimise our Operating Model .”
This appreciation of detail for Michael dovetails perfectly with the Coupa approach to its relationship with customers , as it seeks to make margins multiply for every user and aggregate improvements across their whole procurement , sourcing and supply chain operation .
Coupa : A global leader in total spend management solutions Coupa ’ s mission has never been clearer , as it set itself out as the ‘ margin multiplier company ’ at Coupa Inspire earlier this year . It was another watershed moment for the company that , founded in 2006 , has since evolved into a global leader in total spend management solutions .
With 3,000 + customers , US $ 6tn worth of spend and 10 + million suppliers , Coupa has ambitions to not only solidify its market position , but to grow and innovate at the leading edge of the industry .
Michael reflects on the external factors influencing business in an uncertain
MICHAEL VAN KEULEN
TITLE : CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER
INDUSTRY : PROCUREMENT LOCATION : UNITED STATES
Michael Van Keulen is a procurement evangelist with over 20 years of progressive experience in finance and procurement at global companies . A recognised thought leader , he is frequently consulted by practitioners aiming to transform Business Spend Management digitally . As a member of the Sourcing Industry Group ( SIG ) Board of Advisors , Michael has led multiple global digital procurement transformations , driving significant value . A three-time Coupa customer , he is particularly passionate about business transformation , ESG , diversity and inclusion , and sustainability . His extensive expertise and innovative approach make him a key figure in modern procurement .
8 September 2024