Putting people at the centre of supply chain success

Ellen Kapiloff, VP of Operations at Lacoste, emphasises that behind every successful supply chain is a strong focus on people.

For leaders, this means ensuring teams are not only skilled and well-positioned, but also supported both professionally and personally.

In an increasingly complex environment, people remain the most critical asset.

Managing complexity in modern operations

Supply chains today are more complex than ever, requiring coordination across multiple stakeholders, systems, and markets.

Kapiloff highlights the importance of recognising this complexity and building teams capable of navigating it effectively.

Operational excellence is no longer just about execution — it is about adaptability and resilience.

Why operations needs a seat at the table

A key message from Kapiloff is the need for operations to be fully integrated into strategic decision-making.

Too often, operational considerations are brought in too late, creating inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

By involving operations early, businesses can make more informed decisions and build more sustainable strategies.

Aligning across the industry

At DELIVER America, Kapiloff noted the value of bringing together different types of organisations — from retailers to solution providers — all facing similar challenges.

This shared context enables more meaningful conversations and collaborative problem-solving.

Leadership in a changing environment

As supply chains evolve, leadership must evolve with them.

This includes investing in talent, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that teams are equipped to handle both current and future challenges.

Key takeaway

Strong supply chains are built on strong teams — and giving operations a central role in decision-making is essential to navigating complexity and driving long-term success.