CIPS appoints its first Chief Futurist to guide procurement

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply has created a new role of Chief Futurist and appointed Dr Graham Norris to fill it. The post brings strategic foresight and future-focused thinking into the institute's work for the procurement and supply profession.

Norris joins on a retained basis at a point of growth for the body, which represents more than 70,000 members across some 150 countries. His brief covers thought leadership and long-range thinking at a time of geopolitical instability, shifting trade patterns, and fast technological change across global supply chains.

The move shows how a professional body can build dedicated capacity to read what comes next, rather than react to it. Other institutes weighing how to stay relevant will watch how the role earns its keep.