The Logistic Manager of the Year finalists have just under a month to convince the five-member jury of their right to the coveted title. First during the company visit, then during the very last pitch on the big stage. What will jury chairman Sander de Leeuw pay particular attention to during those final touches? "I specifically want to get to know what added value someone has actually had," he says.
Sander de Leeuw takes over as jury chairman from René de Koster. The newly appointed jury member works as associate professor of Logistics & Operations Management at VU University Amsterdam and professor of Supply Chain Management at Nottingham Business School. In addition to his teaching work, De Leeuw conducts research on supply chain management in the retail and non-profit sectors.
According to de Leeuw, his new role in the election LMvhJ is a perfect fit: "When René (de Koster, ed.) asked me if I wanted to take up this role, I was immediately enthusiastic. One of my personal motives is to strengthen the link between science and practice. It is an additionally fun to work with the other judges. It's a very diverse club."
'You have to be able to get other people on board'
Finalists Gerhard Kolk, Job Sonke and Erik van Wunnik stood out head and shoulders above the other entries in the election, de Leeuw believes. "All three scored high on aspects that are becoming increasingly important in the sector: digitalisation and the human factor. Setting up 3D printing in the organisation, turning an automotive organisation on its head, setting up a European distribution centre; these are things you don't do alone. You have to get other people in the company on board. The ability to manage that well is at least as important, maybe even more important than the rational decisions."
Making added value concrete
In the coming weeks, the jury will make company visits to the finalists. They will then look at the project, the finalist's role in the project and how he has enthused others. "In my role, I think it is important what exactly is the outcome of that project," the jury president explains. "What added value has someone actually had? And then as concrete as possible. We can want all kinds of things, but why are we actually doing it? I don't expect them to put a scientific yardstick on that, but it is important to validate ideas."
Final Day
Jaarbeurs in Utrecht on 28 March, the candidates climb onto the big stage to convince the jury one last time. How much effect will such a final pitch have? "It may well have an effect," De Leeuw expects. "Of course, there may be a favourite after the company visits, but possibly the candidates are very close and the pitch will be decisive."
Attend the final on 28 March? You can registerhere!
