The Supply Chain Matters blog wanted to call reader attention to perhaps a different chief supply chain leadership model, one that has been announced by a poplar branded whiskey and liquor distiller.

This week The Wall Street Journal’s CIO Journal highlighted (Paid subscription required) how whiskey maker Brown-Forman has recently restructured company’s technology and supply chain leadership into a singular leadership position with C-Level perspective.

Like other businesses, the company indicated in a recent financial performance briefing that supply chain network disruption challenges, specifically supplies of glass and bottles along with added input cost pressures related to specific commodities have impacted business and financial performance.

Brown Forman is not alone on such perspectives in that the mention of “supply chain impact” in C-level commentary relative to company performance is clearly on the rise.

The company announced the elevation of Tim Nall, former CIO of the company to the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Global Supply Chain and Technology Officer, reporting directly to Brown Forman’s CEO. According to the announcement, the context was the: “elevation of its information technology (IT) and advanced analytics senior leadership role to the executive leadership team.” Nall assumes this new leadership role reportedly on July 1.

We suppose that if one wanted to place an acronym on this role it could likely be the CSCTO.

The distiller further announced the appointment of Dan Muraski, a 12-year veteran, with previous experience as at SAP SE as a Platinum Consultant to the role of Chief Information Officer. Muraski told The Wall Street Journal that the company can better inform the supply chain with better planning, and that should be a priority.

Further announced was that Sailaja Kotra-Turner, who joined in September 2020 was elevated to the role of Chief Information Security Officer.

Both are noted as having deep experience in advanced analytics, applications, and cyber security, important to keeping Brown‑Forman at the forefront of information technology and advanced analytics capabilities. Both will be reporting to the newly appointed CSCTO.

 

Additional Perspectives

Supply Chain Matters would tend to speculate that elevation of both supply chain and advanced analytics strategies and performance to more business senior leadership direction will not be one offs. Rather, a reexamination and refocusing of business strategies in the light of the learning of what has occurred over these past two years has led to realization of the importance of supply chain and technology strategies being welded together and best incorporated under a singular or joined leadership role.

 

Bob Ferrari

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