Merck CPO Sebastien Bals explores the future of tail spend management and the crucial role of partnerships in delivering value for future generations
MERCK KGAA, DARMSTADT, GERMANY
Merck CPO Sebastien Bals explores the future of tail spend management and the crucial role of partnerships in delivering value for future generations
Merck’ s legacy stretches back over 350 years to a pharmacy in Darmstadt, founded by the Merck family. That heritage still informs its mission today: improving lives through science and technology. The business operates across three specialised divisions – healthcare, life science and electronics – each with its own priorities but a shared focus on innovation and longevity.
The company’ s CPO, Sebastien Bals, didn’ t originally set out to lead procurement at a science and technology company. With a background in marketing and an early aim to work in product management, his career direction shifted thanks to a pivotal moment during a trainee scheme at travel firm Thomas Cook. A mentor suggested trying procurement, a moment which would change everything.
From that unexpected turn, Sebastien built a career that spans global sectors including tourism, fast-moving consumer goods( FMCG) and life sciences. Before joining Merck KGaA, he held senior roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev and UCB. Now with more than 20 years in procurement, Sebastien brings a multi-industry mindset to one of Germany’ s oldest privately held companies.
4 merckgroup. com