Linden, VA, March 23, 2015 – Richard J. Sherman, an internationally recognized pundit and author on trends and issues across supply chain management, and Jerker Hartwall and Joe Kelly of K.Hartwall will deliver keynote addresses at the inaugural RPA Reusable Packaging Forum April 28-29 in Chicago.
The Forum is a unique and interactive conference for users of reusables to actively collaborate with other supply chain professionals to solve the challenges of reusables and increase their return on investment. Discounts for early bird registration are available through March 31.
Richard J Sherman, CEO & Founder of Gold & Domas Research
Sherman is the author of Supply Chain Transformation: Practical Roadmap to Best Practice Results. His book has received praise by practitioners, academics, and non‐supply chain executives as a great read on business transformation. Sherman’s keynote address at the Forum will be “Transform Your Supply Chain to Win: Innovate, Change, or Succumb!” He will share his experience of pragmatically and creatively spawning innovation – within the supply chain, and well beyond – using supply chain leverage to break the rules and think outside the box.
“Connected commerce is fundamentally changing supply chain management from concept to execution. Transformation is no longer optional. In a connected world, to win, you have to innovate, change, or succumb,” said Sherman.
Joe Kelly, General Manager, USA & Western Overseas, K.Hartwall
Over the last 15 years, Kelly and his team at K.Hartwall have applied cutting-edge technology, analysis and know-how to the development of last mile and multi-channel load carrier solutions for global retailers and suppliers including ASDA-Walmart, Aldi, The Kroger Company, Walgreens, Tesco and Sainsbury. Kelly will present his European view on the challenges and benefits of reusables in the food, manufacturing, and consumer goods markets based on his experiences with global suppliers and retailers.
“The retail landscape and environment have changed dramatically in the last decade due to cut-throat competition, the recession, product range expansion, store format change and online growth. This change process has created a greater need for different reusable transport packaging,” said Kelly.
During his presentation, Kelly will explore:
- The market drivers that necessitate changes in reusable transport packaging (RTP) formats and enabling processes at stores, transport and distribution centers.
- The challenges and benefits of RTP in the supply chain.
- Best fit enabling equipment, handling processes and technology.
- Business case analysis and validation for RTP systems.
- RTP development in a demand-led multi-channel market.
Jerker Hartwall, President & CEO and head of Marketing & Sales for K.Hartwall North America
Hartwall will share his practical experience with the application of Lean Factory Principles to the supply chain.
About the Speakers
As a research director, Sherman successfully launched the supply chain advisory services for AMR Research (now Gartner) and led in the development of the SCOR® model, founding the Supply Chain Council, and serving on its Board. He has served on the working committees for several industry initiatives including DAMA/Quick Response, Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR). Throughout his career, Sherman has held senior management positions with visionary technology firms such as EXE, Syncra, and Numetrix, and market leading corporations such as Microsoft, Information Resources (IRI), Mercer Management Consulting, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), and Unisys. In addition to his book, he has contributed scores of articles and speaks frequently on supply chain strategy, trends and business models. He received his BA and MA from Notre Dame.
Kelly has worked for K.Hartwall, Finland for the last 18 years where he has advised on strategic and commercial management, and held the position of Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland before becoming General Manager North America and Western Overseas. Previously, he worked as Commercial Director for Tetra Pak Ireland for 12.5 years.
Hartwall has held various positions with the company over the past 21 years. Prior to his move to the Unites States, he was in charge of K.Hartwall’s Global Delivery Network including manufacturing and sourcing. He also oversaw manufacturing in plants in Finland, China and Central Europe.
About the Reusable Packaging Forum
The agenda and format of the Reusable Packaging Forum were designed by users of reusables. The Forum will include professionally moderated learning sessions where attendees will dive deep into supply chain issues and problem solve them. Informal networking will give attendees additional opportunities to build new business contacts and relationships for future help and discussions. In addition, panelists of end users will present and discuss these key reusable issues that are shared across all business-to-business supply chains:
- Best Practices for Implementing Reusable Supply Chain Solutions
- The Business Case for Reusable Packaging
- Controlling Reusable Assets and Preventing Loss
Click here to review the complete agenda and register for the conference, or go to www.reusables.org
About the RPA
The Reusable Packaging Association is a collaborative effort between manufacturers, poolers, distributors, retailers and educators to promote the environmental, safety, and economic benefits of reusable packaging. The RPA serves as the collective voice of the industry and uses its knowledge of the members’ products and services to advance the adoption of reusable packaging and systems throughout the supply chain. The RPA is focused on promoting the expansion of reusables as the preferred packaging solution across supply chains in all industries. For more information, visit http://www.reusables.org or call (703) 224-8284.
Media contact:
Jerry Welcome
P.O. Box 369
Linden, VA 22642
Phone (540) 631-0773
Email: info@reusables.org
Website: www.reusables.org