Top 10: CPOs in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

In the fast-evolving healthcare industry, Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, cost savings and innovation. These leaders oversee complex supply chains, ensuring the timely procurement of high-quality medical supplies and services while navigating regulatory compliance and sustainability challenges. 

As healthcare systems face mounting pressures from global disruptions, technological advancements and rising patient demands, the strategic vision of CPOs has become indispensable. The following list highlights the top 10 CPOs who are transforming healthcare procurement, showcasing their leadership in optimising operations and delivering value.

10. Paula Glickenhaus, Chief Procurement Officer, Bristol Myers Squibb 

• Revenue:  US$48.3bn
• Employees: 34,100
• Founded: 1887

Paula serves as the Chief Procurement Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb, leading strategic sourcing initiatives that drive business growth and sustainability. With a lengthy background in procurement and supply chain management, Paula balances business growth with green initiatives as she ensures the success of Bristol Myers Squibb.

She's enthusiastic about mentoring others in the industry and supporting the future of procurement.

9. Nataša Vidmar, SVP / Chief Procurement Officer, AstraZeneca 

• Revenue: US$45.811bn 
• Employees: 89,900
• Founded: 1999

As Chief Procurement Officer at AstraZeneca, Nataša has a wealth of experience in procurement and supply chain management.

Leading the healthcare leader's global sourcing strategy and navigating the complexities of the global pharmaceutical industry, Nataša is committed to driving value, sustainability and innovation across the organisation. She's a strong advocate for workplace diversity, inclusion and development.

8. Craig Cowman, Chief Procurement Officer, Cardinal Health 

• Revenue:  US$227bn
• Employees: 48,900
• CEO: Jason Hollar (CEO)
• Founded: 1971

With over 30 years at Cardinal Health, Craig rose to Executive VP of Global Sourcing, managing strategic sourcing and supplier relationships.

He chairs the HDA Research Foundation, serves as Vice Chairman for Red Oak Sourcing and oversees Cardinal Health's veterans' advocacy and supplier diversity initiatives. He holds a marketing degree from Ohio State.

7. Stephen Cobham, Chief Procurement Officer, Sanofi 

• Revenue: Approx US$42.8bn
  Employees: 82,878
  Founded: 1973

With a career spanning more than four decades, starting in 1983 at PwC, Stephen has worked across global Pharma and Med Devices at GSK, Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals and Bristol-Myers Squibb before joining Sanofi in 2011.

In 2019, he became the CPO, using his skills as a transformational leader with a track record of driving growth, performance and capability building in C-suite roles across businesses and functions.

6. Sherry Davis, Chief Procurement Officer, Eli Lilly

• Revenue: US$34.12bn
• Employees: c. 43,000
• Founded: 1876

Sherry became Chief Procurement Officer at Eli Lilly in 2024 after nearly two decades at the company. Starting as a Financial Consultant, she progressed to Senior Vice President and CPO, with roles including CFO and Treasurer of Lilly Del Caribe and CFO of Lilly USA.

Her leadership drives strategic procurement, expands organisational success and fosters diversity. She remains committed to innovation, financial stewardship and enhancing access to healthcare solutions worldwide.

5. Sirsij Peshin, Chief Procurement Officer, Pfizer 

Sirsij became Pfizer's CPO and Global Lead of Source to Pay in 2024, after over 20 years at the company in various leadership roles across Japan, Asia, China and India.

His earlier career included positions at Pharmacia & Upjohn, Max India and Ballarpur Industries. He holds degrees from Thapar Institute and University of Kashmir.

4. Susanna Webber, Chief Procurement Officer, Merck & Co

• Revenue: US$60.1bn
• Employees: 72,000 
• CEO: Robert M. Davis
• Founded: 1891

After 18 years in leadership roles at GM, including procurement and general management in Europe and Russia, Susanna joined Merck in 2015, leading indirect ​​​​​​​ sourcing.

Now as CPO and SVP since 2020, she oversees all procurement operations and global workplace services, focusing on strategic value, innovation and inclusive talent development.

3. Lisa Martin, Chief Procurement Officer, GSK

• Revenue: Approx US$37.4bn
• Employees: 70,000 
• Founded: 2000

As GSK's procurement leader, Lisa oversees all strategic sourcing and purchasing while managing their extensive real estate portfolio of 265 sites spanning 36 million square feet. Her transformative leadership earned her the prestigious J. Shipman Gold Medal in 2013 for outstanding contributions to supply management.

2.Thomas Udesen, Chief Procurement Officer, Bayer 

• Revenue: Approx US$52.9bn
• Employees: 101,369
• Founded: 1863

Thomas Udesen leads global procurement at Bayer as CPO. Prior to joining in 2014, he worked at Johnson & Johnson and The East Asiatic Company. He co-founded The Sustainable Procurement Pledge, advocating for sustainability in procurement practices aligned with UN goals.

At Bayer, he drives strategic initiatives while championing sustainable supply chains.

1. Shashi Mandapaty, CPO at Johnson & Johnson 

• Revenue: US$88.82bn
  Employees: 139,800 
  Founded: 1886
  

Shashi’s 20-year procurement journey began at Procter & Gamble in 1997, after starting as a senior engineer at Thermax. His global career took him from India to Eastern Europe and the US, spanning roles of increasing responsibility at P&G where he managed $1bn+ in spend. In 2013, he joined Johnson & Johnson, becoming CPO in 2023. There, he oversees US$30bn in spending across 100+ countries, focusing on sustainable and innovative healthcare solutions.

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