We discuss the importance of building a strategic function, and why continuous learning, training and curiosity are instrumental to her success…
If you want to know what a consummate career in procurement and supply chain looks like, you could do worse than look at Alice Kwek’s CV. In more than 20 years in the industry, Alice has amassed the kind of skills, expertise, and experience that few can match. She worked her way from a first buyer role through successive positions in the marine, offshore, and oil and gas industries. She then took on a series of more senior leadership roles in hospitality and travel. In 2023, she brought the breadth and depth of this experience to luxury hotel company, Pan Pacific Hotels Group. And all this, she says, having first stumbled into the profession unexpectedly.
“I was first given the opportunity to learn about procurement when I was working at a marine offshore company,” Alice says. “I rapidly developed a passion for the industry that has lasted. My first role was as a buyer, responsible for handling purchases, negotiations, and supplier relationships. It was a level of hands-on experience that gave me real, practical insights into the operational aspects of the profession and reinforced my interest in procurement.”
Continuous learning
Alice is an avid learner, believing in the power of continuous education, training, and professional development. Even today she remains naturally curious, always seeking out industry trends, best practices, and information, and participating in conferences, and networking events. In her early days in procurement this same passion saw Alice driven by a desire to learn as much about the industry as she could. Alice pursued additional certifications and training in both procurement and supply chain. This taught her a range of skills essential for navigating complex procurement scenarios like advanced negotiation techniques, market analysis, or contract management strategies.
