With over 20 years of experience in procurement and supply chain, Rai Antonio de Jesus has held leadership roles at Citibank, Accenture, and Toyota before joining PLDT and ePLDT. Currently serving as Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) at ePLDT and Head of Procurement for PLDT Group, Rai is at the forefront of procurement transformation, ensuring operational resilience and efficiency in a rapidly evolving business environment. In this interview, he shares insights on AI, supply chain resilience, and the future of procurement.
How did you get into your current role (your prior background, experience, etc.)?
My career in logistics and procurement was influenced by my parents—my father’s background in logistics and entrepreneurship and my mother’s expertise in financial management. This foundation, combined with my professional experience, led me to my current role as CPO at ePLDT and Head of Procurement for PLDT Group.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
As Head of Procurement, I focus on enhancing PLDT Group’s competitiveness and long-term growth by driving cost efficiencies that impact the bottom line. I lead a team responsible for sourcing strategies, risk mitigation, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Our goal is to optimize procurement while maintaining a resilient supply chain.
How does a typical workday look for you? What time do you wake up? Do you have any morning routine?
I start my day early, waking up around 5 a.m. for a 45-60 minute cardio workout. After that, I have coffee while listening to the news and checking emails. By 7 a.m., I am at the office, conducting a quick check-in with my team to address immediate concerns and align priorities. My day typically includes stakeholder discussions, budget reviews, and supplier management.
What are the biggest challenges you face on a day-to-day basis? How have you addressed them?
The biggest challenge is managing supply chain disruptions, which can impact productivity, increase costs, and affect customer satisfaction. We address this by ensuring a resilient and agile supply chain that adapts quickly to unexpected challenges. While surprises are inevitable, a well-prepared strategy allows us to maintain a stable supply flow and competitive advantage.
What software or tools are you most excited about right now? Any that you are implementing or testing?
I am particularly excited about AI-driven tools that enhance procurement efficiency and decision-making. Procurement analytics provide real-time insights on spending, supplier performance, and market intelligence, allowing us to make more informed and strategic decisions. These tools help us anticipate market trends and mitigate risks effectively.
What is your take on AI? Is Gen AI or AI already changing your supply chain operations?
AI is transforming industries, and supply chain management is no exception. Generative AI (Gen AI) offers the ability to generate market insights, predict supplier risks, and streamline processes. I see AI as a co-pilot that allows procurement professionals to focus on strategic initiatives rather than transactional tasks.
How do you prioritize sustainability and ethical practices within your supply chain operations?
PLDT Group prioritizes suppliers that adhere to environmental and social standards. I personally advocate for sustainability as a key factor in sourcing decisions. As part of our nation-building vision, we take proactive steps toward sustainability to create a lasting impact for future generations.
What are the most important skills for supply chain executives today? How do you develop them?
A strategic mindset is essential—it involves staying informed, using data storytelling, and fostering collaboration both internally and externally. Supply chain executives must align decisions with business goals, manage supplier relationships effectively, and navigate market complexities. The ability to learn, adapt, and collaborate is key to success in procurement.
What trends will impact the supply chain profession in 2025?
Key trends will include:
- Digital transformation and AI adoption for better decision-making.
- Blockchain implementation for improved supply chain transparency.
- Resilience-focused strategies to navigate ongoing market shifts and geopolitical uncertainties.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in supply chain management?
Supply chain management is a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptation. It requires balancing cost efficiency, supplier management, and market intelligence while anticipating changes. The dynamic nature of supply chain makes it an exciting and rewarding career. More than anything, flexibility and foresight are crucial for long-term success.
Rai Antonio de Jesus is the CPO of ePLDT and Head of Procurement for PLDT Group, bringing over 20 years of experience in procurement and supply chain leadership. Connect with him on LinkedIn or through his Chain.NET profile to learn more about his insights and expertise.
I think Rai’s experience is impressiv and its great to see someone with such a background leading procurement. His insights on AI and supply chain are very helpful. I feel more confident in the future of procurement with leaders like him!
Yes, totally agree! It’s refreshing to see someone who understands the balance between technology and human factors in supply chain management.
Honestly, this interview feels more like a marketing pitch than anything else. How can we trust someone who talks about challenges but never mentions real solutions? It’s just fluff with no substance.
I get what you mean, but isn’t it a bit harsh? Every industry has its challenges, maybe he is just trying to be optimistic.
‘Optimistic’ or ‘unrealistic’? There’s a fine line between inspiring and misleading when it comes to leadership talk.
‘Sustainability’ and ‘AI’ are buzzwords of today, but how practical are they really? I appreciate the mention of strategies, but where’s the evidence that these approaches yield real results?
‘Evidence’ might be hard to come by in interviews like this, but it’s worth noting that many companies are indeed making strides toward sustainability using AI.
‘Procurement transformation’? Sounds fancy! But let’s be honest—who doesn’t have a morning routine that includes cardio and coffee? The real work happens when you deal with unexpected suppliers’ issues!